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Released: 08 June, 1999
Minister Dhaliwal Releases Study Of Visible Minority Perceptions Of Canada Customs
Ottawa, June 8, 1999 - The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National
Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver South-Burnaby), today released a study of the
perceptions held by Canadian visible minorities of the treatment they receive
from Canada Customs. The report, produced for Revenue Canada by Compas Research
of Ottawa, was based upon information generated by 18 focus groups conducted in
Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in early March this year.
"I requested that this
study be conducted because of the concerns that had been expressed to me about
Canada Customs' treatment of members of the visible minority community,"
said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Having heard of these views, I recognized that it was
important to commission this independent study in order to measure the scope of
the problem."
"While I am pleased that
most people who participated in the study believe that Canada Customs is
committed to fairness and fair treatment, the report does point to areas where
we can and will do better." Mr. Dhaliwal said.
The Minister noted that he
has asked for an action plan being prepared by Revenue Canada to address the key
issues raised in the report. He indicated that the action plan will include
meetings between the Minister and various visible minority communities across
the country, discussions with unions, and workshops for frontline staff to
identify key issues, as well as other specific actions to be implemented. He
expects to receive the action plan by June 15th.
"We are committed to
treating all Canadians fairly and equally," the Minister said. "The
action plan I want to put in place will ensure that we treat all our clients
fairly, and with respect and dignity, at the same time as we protect Canada's
borders."
For more information,
contact:
Colette Gentes-Hawn
Communications Branch
(613) 957-3522
or
"
Office of the Minister
(613) 995-2960
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