The objective was to promote activities and initiatives
that would then lead to long-term cohesion of the Italian
community in the Quebec socio-cultural environment.
In the
year 1973 COPRAS generated projects that were granted between 90
and 100 thousand dollars ($90,000 - $100,000) from the Federal
and Provincial governments combined.
Some focus areas of community development in which COPRAS
produced tangible results are:
COPRAS project coordination efforts -
- Italian Canadian political presence through F.A.I.Q.
precursor of the National Congres of Italo Canadians
- Front-line services: LIAISON
(precursor of Italian-Canadian Community Services)
- The elderly: NOI - Nuovo
Orizzonte Italiano (precursor of CRAIC)
- Italian presence in Legal Aid
and Human Rights portfolios
- The CLSCs and Social Services for the
italo-canadians of Montreal
- Schooling: Continuing
education
- Research and studies
Encourage autonomous activities that are part of a
network which supports strong community development
Lobby Government for appropriate service delivery where
the Italian community has a significant numeric presence
Promote dialogue and collaboration within the Italian
community
Maintain strong relationships with organizations that
complement COPRAS objectives
A $15,000 grant from Secretary of State - Multiculturalism allowed
COPRAS to
hire executive staff
in support of the day-to-day operation of the Committee. Mireille
Lemasson came to COPRAS as office coordinator with motivation and
expertise. Part-time employees were also hired to help in the
administration (bookkeeping and secretarial duties).
In September 1973, COPRAS moved to a
new location, with its own office space,
giving the organization more flexibility in carrying out its
operation.
Committee members were given responsibilities to guide and promote
the
assigned activities that
were generated in support of a coordinated community development.
Group with 4 of COPRAS members promoting a Blood Drive - 1974
1974: A group of Montreal "Golden Agers" visiting Ottawa
