Canadian Heritage Committee on Oct. 23rd, 2017

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Absolutely, and I know that's also very relevant in the Chinese community. I know a lot of people named Barbie, or they'll pick names because they think it's easier. I always say they should use their original name, because it's so beautiful.

That leads to my next question, which is around education. We have the second-largest country in the world, a very small population, and our provinces are very different, but we're trying to come up with a national plan. I think education might be slightly varied in the different provinces. I don't know if there are certain nuances that you think we need to think about in Newfoundland or in Manitoba.

The other aspect around education is that social media can have a very big impact in promoting hate, but also in promoting love. I wonder if there is something we need to take into account around social media.

Again, maybe we'll start with Newfoundland and then go to Manitoba.

[Haseen Khan]

Thank you very much for your question.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

We have only one minute, everyone, and we have to hear from Manitoba, so just remember that, please.

[Haseen Khan]

As I mentioned earlier, education and awareness are the most powerful tools to address any type of ignorance or misconception.

Canada is a huge country. We have many demographic and geographic challenges, and that is where these grassroots organizations come into the picture. They are familiar with the realities of the jurisdiction where they are working and they can provide a meaningful contribution.

I will go back to your earlier question about the national plan. In our opinion, I think a national plan or a national strategy, whatever name you want to use, should be based on four pillars: number one, inclusiveness and equality; number two, education and awareness; number three, support and empowerment; and number four, the information management system.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you very much.

Manitoba, would you comment?

[Dr. Idris Elbakri]

Thank you.

I think some of the local nuances that would need to be taken into account in Manitoba are first that we have a very assertive, vibrant, and growing indigenous community in Winnipeg—an urban indigenous community—as well as on the reserves. I think those experiences have to be taken into account, and those communities have to be consulted and involved in this process.

The second is that Manitoba is also quite bilingual. Mr. Vandal represents the French-speaking neighbourhood in Winnipeg—St. Boniface. We have small towns that are francophone. I think that's an important part of our heritage, and we need to try to account for that and include that in our consideration. Also, half of the population lives in Winnipeg, but we have a large number of smaller towns and rural areas where the context and challenges may be different and the issues may be expressing themselves a bit differently.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you very much.

We bring this session to a close. I want to thank our witnesses for spending time and giving us a lot to chew on.

The meeting is adjourned.