E/CN.4/2004/18/Add.2 page 9 though, it became clear that these groups were less concerned about programmes designed to recognize and give space to cultural activities, rather they were concerned about eliminating barriers - such as racism and discrimination - to their successful development. The Multiculturalism Programme at the Department of Canadian Heritage pursues three overall policy goals. These are: − Identity: fostering a society that recognizes, respects and reflects a diversity of cultures such that people of all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and attachment to Canada; − Social justice: building a society that ensures fair and equitable treatment and that respects the dignity of people of all origins; − Civic participation: developing, among Canada’s diverse people, active citizens with both the opportunity and the capacity to participate in shaping the future of their communities and their country. 16. Based on the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, these goals are aimed at helping all Canadians to participate fully in the economic, political, social, and cultural life of the country. The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the implementation of the Multiculturalism Policy, which encourages and assists in the development of inclusive policies and programmes and practices within federal and provincial departments and agencies so that they may meet their obligations under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. B. Specific programmes for aboriginal peoples 17. The federal and provincial governments administer many programmes that are intended to address aboriginal culture, education, employment, health and other matters. For example, two such programmes in the field of human resource development and economic development are described in the following paragraphs. In April 1999, Human Resources Development Canada (now called Human Resources and Skills Development) launched the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) with the objective of helping aboriginal communities to strengthen the ability of their members to compete in the Canadian job market. AHRDS currently has a five-year, $1.6 billion budget and is set up as part of the Government of Canada response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. 18. The overall aim of the strategy is to help aboriginal communities and organizations to take on the responsibility of developing and implementing their own employment and human resource programmes. The largest share of the total funding goes towards the creation of employment programmes and services and the direct involvement of aboriginal organizations and the emerging network of partnerships are some of the strategy’s strongest hallmarks. 19. The performance results of the programmes include helping more than 50,000 aboriginal people find employment and 5,000 return to school between April 1999 and January 2003. The Government considers that First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations have become more efficient and effective through that strategy which improved administrative, human and technological resources. There has been continued steady improvement each year with progress at the strategy’s mid-point poised to exceed previous performance results.