Racial profiling hearings in May and June 2010 - Three weeks left to file a
submission in order to be heard

MONTREAL, April 19 /CNW Telbec/ - The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse is issuing a reminder to all individuals and organizations who want to take part in this spring's public hearings on racial profiling that they must submit a written presentation by May 12, 2010.

On March 10, the Commission released its Consultation Document on Racial Profiling which presents first-hand accounts of profiling, statistics and a series of questions aimed at guiding the discussions during the public hearings to be held in Montréal, Québec City and Sherbrooke in May and June 2010.

The Consultation, launched in September 2009, focuses primarily on the racial profiling experiences of young people aged 14 to 25 from racialized communities in the educational sector, the social services and child and youth protection sector, as well as in the area of public safety.

"We are seeking submissions from anyone concerned with the issue of racial profiling with a view of identifying possible solutions. We would like to hear about projects and programs that work to address racial profiling or that can make a difference for racialized youth in Québec," said Gaétan Cousineau, President of the Commission.

Submissions collected last fall and research findings cited in the consultation document, clearly illustrate that racial profiling exists and has an impact on the lives or racialized youth. "Using the testimonies and these findings as a starting point, we must deepen our thinking and consider sustainable solutions to put an end to this discrimination," Mr. Cousineau added.

All written submissions will be considered and their authors may be invited to take part in the public hearings which will begin in Montreal on Wednesday May 26, 2010. Public hearings will also be held in Québec City on June 2 and Sherbrooke on June 3.

The Commission will publish its final report and recommendations by the end of 2010, and is committed to its implementation.

    
    For more information on how to take part, as well as the dates and
locations of the public hearings, and to read the Consultation document please
visit: http://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/racialprofiling/

    Contact: Patricia Poirier
             514 873-5146 or 1 800 361-6477, ext. 358
             [email protected]
    

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For further information: Patricia Poirier, [phone] or 1-800-361-6477, ext. 358, [email protected]; For more information on how to take part, as well as the dates and locations of the public hearings, and to read the Consultation document please visit: http://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/racialprofiling/