News Releases

Pacific Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, BC, March 8, 2006 - On March 9^th, 2006, the Correctional Service of Canada and the National Parole Board, Pacific Region, is hosting the Second Annual Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee Forum.

Canadian society as a whole is growing more and more diverse. This represents a major challenge for CSC. The Service works diligently with community groups and agencies to raise awareness about cultural differences among staff and offenders as well as to provide meaningful links for offenders to their community. Representatives from ethnocultural communities also play an advisory role in the correctional facilities. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), and the National Parole Board (NPB), Pacific Region established the CSC and NPB Pacific Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (REAC) in March 2004.

The theme of the REAC Forum 2006 is, "Bridging Ethnocultural Offenders with Community Partners". The forum is intended to foster partnerships and strengthen the involvement of communities in the social reintegration of offenders.

The REAC Forum 2006 also will provide an invaluable opportunity for CSC and NPB staff, community agencies and other stakeholders to share information on the reintegration needs and ethnocultural programs and services in various governmental and community agencies. This year's forum will specifically focus on the identification of community resources in the following areas;

1) Mental Health, Counseling services and Programs;

2) Support and Training for Employment and Language skills;

3) Financial and Social Reintegration.

Media are invited to attend the forum.

Date: Thursday, March 9, 2006

Time: 8:45 a.m.

Location: Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, 7311 Westminster Highway (at Alderbridge Way)
Richmond, B.C. - Grand Ballroom "C"

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Bessie Pang, REAC Chairperson
(778) 883-8432

Joanne Jolin, CSC
(604) 870-2544