The council aims to "provide advice to government to ensure that Alberta’s communities become stronger and more welcoming for everyone." (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Christian Oldale

Premier Danielle Smith creates multiculturalism council

Apr 14, 2023 | 2:34 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has created the Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism, a council aimed at promoting multiculturalism in Alberta.

According to a news release from the province, the council will “advise on ways to best support, inspire and promote cultural diversity, social inclusion and educational exchanges.”

Smith said, “Alberta’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is a key pillar in building a brighter future for everyone in our province. Our goal is to continue shaping the province where everyone feels they belong, where a person’s culture, language and religion are not only respected but also valued.”

The 30 person council will be led by Sumita Anand and Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika. It will help supplement the work of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council (AARAC), which was created in 2022.

Of the 4,177,720 people living in Alberta, the province said 27.8 per cent (1,161,420) are visible minorities, 23.2 per cent (970,975) are immigrants and 6.8 per cent (284,465) are Indigenous.

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The share of Albertans from different cultural backgrounds (visible minority population) has more than quadrupled to 1,161,420 in 2021 from 269,280 in 1996.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com