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2010 Education Sector: ACS PDF Print E-mail

Founded in 1973, the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) seeks to influence policy-making as it relates to racism and discrimination; it does so mainly through the publication of evidence-based research and surveys, as well as through large-scale forums and policy symposia.

Anti-Racism Public Education Initiative


According to ACS’s social and demographic research, Canadians are unaware of the extent and nature of racism in Canada. Findings also indicated high levels of inertia on the political and bureaucratic level.

Implementation


Since 2001, the ACS has taken more decisive steps to address this situation. As part of its anti-racism public education initiative, every quarter, ACS magazines Canadian Issues and Canadian Diversity publish evidence-based research on discrimination and racism in Canada.

Impact


The results of ACS surveys are regularly released in nationally syndicated newspapers, and in 2009, The Globe and Mail drew on ACS research for a series of reports on income inequities affecting visible minorities.

 

Anti-Racism Public Education Initiative


According to ACS’s social and demographic research, Canadians are unaware of the extent and nature of racism in Canada. Findings also indicated high levels of inertia on the political and bureaucratic level.

Implementation


Since 2001, the ACS has taken more decisive steps to address this situation. As part of its anti-racism public education initiative, every quarter, ACS magazines Canadian Issues and Canadian Diversity publish evidence-based research on discrimination and racism in Canada.

Impact


The results of ACS surveys are regularly released in nationally syndicated newspapers, and in 2009, The Globe and Mail drew on ACS research for a series of reports on income inequities affecting visible minorities.

Success


According to representatives of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Winter 2009 edition of Canadian Issues on Aboriginal well-being led to a significant increase in funding for Aboriginal health care. As well, a series of articles published in Canadian Issues between 2007 and 2009 contributed to policy changes benefiting immigrant workers.

Challenges


The ACS has found its biggest challenge in procuring the necessary funding to execute its projects.

Lessons

The ACS highlights the necessity of ongoing, comprehensive education on racism and discrimination. Canada still has some distance to go before achieving true multiculturalism, where all persons are free from discrimination, be it individual, systemic or ideological. By making its findings available to researchers, policy-makers and the general public, the ACS contributes to the realization of a hate-free society.
 
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Do Not Miss

Roundtable discussion in partnership with the Ryerson Centre for Immigration and Settlement (RCIS)

RACE, IDENTITY, AND BELONGING: A generation gap?

Panelists Include
Debbie Douglas, Executive Director
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
Dr. Mehrunnisa Ahmad Ali, Ryerson University
Joe Friesen, Demography Reporter, The Globe & Mail
Moderated by Dr. Harald Bauder, Academic Director, RCIS
 

Friday, February 17, 2012     5:30 - 7:00 PM

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Cara Commons, Room 1-150
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