The Government of Canada Promotes Historical Recognition for Indo-Canadian Community's Immigration Restriction Experiences

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 10, 2008) - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), today announced the Indo-Canadian community will be able to apply for up to $2.5 million in grants and contributions funding to commemorate the Komagata Maru incident.

"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to the Indo-Canadian community, first made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2006 at the Gadri Babiyian da Mela festival in Surrey, when he acknowledged the tragic nature of the Komagata Maru incident and committed to consultations on this subject," said Secretary of State Kenney.

This funding is being provided under the Community Historical Recognition Program, which was first announced by Prime Minister Harper in June 2006. The Program will fund community-based projects that will allow communities affected by Canadian wartime measures and immigration restrictions to have their experiences acknowledged in a way that is meaningful to them. Eligible projects could include monuments, commemorative plaques, educational material, and exhibits.

Other components of the Community Historical Recognition Program will be announced in the days to come, as well as details regarding the National Historical Recognition Program, which will fund federal initiatives that educate Canadians about the history of wartime measures and immigration restrictions and the contributions of affected communities to the building of Canada.

Guidelines and application forms for the Community Historical Recognition Program will be made available in English and French on the website of the Department of Canadian Heritage at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca once program details are finalized.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.