The federal government has cut $13 million in funding to the Canadian Unity Council because it's time for a "fresh approach," Heritage Minister Bev Oda says.

Oda praised the work the council has done in the past, but said it was not reflecting changing demographics.

"There was not that much awareness, particularly with the newer Canadians," she said.

Heritage Minister Bev Oda (File Photo)

Promoting federal unity to immigrants will be a priority for the new Conservative government, she added.

Oda hopes to come up with a new program by the fall that will reflect the new priority. She wouldn't say if all the money cut from the unity council would be reallocated to the new program.

About 50 people will lose their jobs because of the funding cut. The council has regional offices in Moncton, Quebec City, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

The council, a non-partisan group, was founded in 1964 as Quebec francophones began to raise questions about federalism.

It began to advocate for Canada "continuously but unobtrusively" by encouraging discussions about the country's political institutions.

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The council publishes polls and studies, and helps 130 students visit Ottawa every week, "living in surroundings that encourage friendship and the sharing of experiences with others from every part of Canada."