June 17, 2005 - CJC congratulates New Cabinet assurances sought on key concerns.Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region (CJCPR), has conveyed its congratulations to members of the new British Columbia executive council who were sworn in yesterday.
“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the returning faces and developing new, constructive areas of common interest with the newcomers,” said Mark Weintraub, chair of CJCPR.
Weintraub stated the officers of CJCPR look forward to meeting with members of cabinet, especially those whose responsibilities impact directly on the mandate of CJCPR.
“We are pleased that the responsibility for multiculturalism has been reunited under the Attorney-General,” Weintraub said. “and we are encouraged by the comments of Attorney General Wally Oppal that he will prioritize anti-racism initiatives. We are also looking forward to seeing concrete steps in dealing with increasing concerns regarding affordable housing for our most vulnerable.”
“I would hope that we could meet at the earliest convenience with Attorney-General Oppal and with Solicitor-General John Les,” Weintraub stated. “There is a range of pressing social and justice issues which if addressed can only make our Province a place for increasing pride in what we can accomplish as British Columbians working together.”
During the election campaign, CJCPR communicated with officials and candidates of the all parties on a variety of issues. In conjunction with other organizations, including S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the Vancouver Multicultural Society, CJCPR received from the B.C. Liberal party commitments to some common objectives.
“We are heartened by the appointment of a stand-alone Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation,” Weintraub added. “Supporting justice for aboriginal peoples is a priority issue for our community and we will support Tom Christensen in any manner we can as he seeks just solutions to outstanding claims.”
Other concerns raised by CJCPR during the election period include: the province’s responsibility to compile data and publish reports on hate crimes; to encourage Crown counsels to employ hate crime provisions of the Criminal Code where evidence warrants; to continually review the effectiveness of human rights apparatus; to strengthen and promote multiculturalism; to create an integrated, comprehensive program to address challenges posed by mental illness, homelessness and addictions; and to support key initiatives in relation to First Nations issues.
CJCPR has also conveyed congratulations to the New Democratic party’s leader and caucus, who were sworn in as Members of the Legislative Assembly Wednesday.
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Contact:
Erwin Nest
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
