Council of Europe awards City of Gatineau the Intercultural Cities Certification
Sophie Demers
On December 10th, the City of Gatineau became one of the first cities to be recognized by Intercultural Cities certification from the Réseau des Municipalités en Immigration et en Relations Interculturelles du Québec (RÉMIRI). This program is offered in French speaking countries. Intercultural refers to relationships between cultures in a society.
According to RÉMIRI, an intercultural city is one with a diverse population rich in different cultures, religious beliefs, nationalities, languages, and backgrounds. The cities that are members of the network are committed to reviewing their governance, policies, discourse and practices from an intercultural point of view. City officials publicly advocate for a diversity and a inclusive city and one that actively combats prejudice and discrimination.
The “Intercultural Cities of the Council of Europe” accreditation testifies to the importance that Gatineau attaches to community, to diversity and interculturality,” says France Bélisle, Mayor of the City of Gatineau. “This is undoubtedly another step in our commitment to better position Gatineau as a living environment that highlights culture, inclusion and heritage.”
Gatineau has put in several projects to generate better social cohesion and equity. Table de Concertation du Vivre-Ensemble and Immigration, the welcome projects in neighborhoods and the anti-rumours project are the projects that the city highlights. The Table de Concertation du Vivre-Ensemble et Immigration mandate to monitor issues and promote a healthy, welcoming and inclusive living environment.
With Gatineau's 2021-2023 action plan for the Programme d'Appui aux Collectivités, the city will be able to take on new projects. All projects must fall under the defined categories established by the city that align with the spirit of the program.
RÉMIRIs objective is to provide tools, expertise and support from an intercultural lens. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau