"It should not, therefore, be expected that this kind of nation this Canada, should project itself as a mirror image of the United States" (ED FINN,2015 pg.14). The effect that the Multiculturalism Policy of 1971 had on Canada was a defining moment in our history. It showed equality and diversity in our everyday society. Multiculturalism is the presence or support of multiple ethnic and cultural groups that are distinct in a society. This policy was enacted by the Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, to preserve the rights of all Canadians. It stated that the purpose of this policy was to “Recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society.” (Seth N. Asumah,
He pushed an ambitious agenda promoting industries, building railways and opening the west to immigrants from Europe. With that Canada started its way to multiculturalism. However, this plan didn’t present equal opportunities for immigrants. British people got jobs before others, and immigration threatened the survival of the natives.
We consider the U.S. to be the melting pot of people/cultures, but Minster Trudeau claims that Canada has a higher rate of foreign-born citizens than the U.S. Harper wanted to Ban the niqab, which is a face veil that some Muslim women wear at public ceremonies. Harper hoping that the people would assimilate to their culture. It seems even in Canada that there has been a push of fear over Islam/Muslim immigrants. Minster Trudeau took the stance of embracing the Muslim immigrants that want to live in their country. He wanted his people to know that everyone can make a country great no matter what they believe
Therefore, Pearson changed the negative sentiments of the French towards the rest of Canadians and vice versa into more positive ones. In addition to this, Pearson also welcomed more minority groups into Canada by establishing the world’s first race-free immigration system, which was outlined in the White Paper on Immigration of
It signifies their unwavering connection to Quebec and the lifestyle of a French Canadian, which they hold dear. By placing their Québécois identity at the forefront, they prioritize preserving and promoting Quebec's distinct cultural heritage and traditions. This emphasis on their regional identity allows them to fully embrace and live the Quebecois way of life, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. While they acknowledge and take pride in their Canadian citizenship, their more substantial connection to Quebec reflects their desire to preserve their unique cultural heritage and maintain a distinct sense of identity within the broader Canadian context. This individual's perspective highlights the importance of their Quebecois identity and their commitment to maintaining and promoting their regional community and culture.
The cultural mosaic is definitely present in Canada 's society, as there has been Canadians reported of more than 200 different ethnic origins in a 2001 census. Canada feels that it is necessary to have an official document that is proposed by the government called "The Multicultural Act", where the cultural mosaic can be sustained and promoted throughout the country.
Culture is defined as behaviours, values and beliefs shared by a group of people and passed on from one generation to another. Canada is a bilingual and a multicultural country. Canada is also known as a cultural mosaic as it allows people of many cultures to coalesce into one. Immigrates are coaxed to keep their culture and teach others about their cultures. Canada was established in 1867 by British North America act.
The Canadian citizenship study guide is designed to help newcomers gain a better understanding of Canada as a country, as well as the rights and freedoms of a Canadian citizen. Its main purpose is to inform the newcomer of Canada’s policies and procedures – from voting procedures to the justice system to the economy… etc., and provide the newcomer with a brief history of Canada. As stated in the study guide, “Canadian citizens enjoy many rights, but Canadians also have responsibilities. They must obey Canada’s laws and respect the rights and freedoms of others … this guide will help you prepare to become a Canadian citizen” (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2012, p.3). This then helps the prospective Canadian citizens realize what the perks and rules of being a Canadian citizen are, as well as outline the process to becoming a Canadian citizen.
Canada is now known to be a diverse, multicultural, bilingual and inclusive nation largely as a result of his work. Pierre Elliott Trudeau also believed in an equal Canada for all, he is primarily the one to introduce rights and freedoms to the citizens of Canada. While some view Pierre Trudeau as impulsive, for enforcing the War Measures Act, Trudeau enacted this for the protection of Canadian citizens against radical extremist and his actions were more rational than impulsive for the situation that had suddenly occurred. Pierre Trudeau was one of Canada’s greatest Prime Minister’s, who’s impact fundamentally changed the course of the nation by introducing multiculturalism, for introducing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and for paradoxically upholding democracy by strong action during the October Crisis.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms section fifteen clearly states “every individual is equal before and under the law … without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability” (CITE) While Canada can be viewed as representing a cultural mosaic, it
Canada is a culturally and ethnically diverse nation. Since the early British and French settlers, it has always been a land of immigrants. In the 20th century, the profile of immigrants began to change from mostly European to a wide variety of nations such as South Asia, South East Asia and Arab nations. Multiculturalism has long been an official policy in Canada, first introduced in the early 1970s. Nevertheless, it is often a controversial and debated issue.
Conclusion Compared to other nations, such as its neighbour America, Canada has continuously been viewed as a more diverse, respectful, and accepting country. However, Canada is not as perfect as it is deemed. Racial discrimination exists in many parts of the country, including British Columbia. Historical acts of overt racism showcased BC as a narrow-minded province, however, the province has made immense strides in becoming more welcoming and inclusive. Nevertheless, covert racism is still prevalent in the province.
Racial segregation by tacit agreement, identity doubt of Canadian citizenship, and entrenched Eurocentrism have all combined to substantiate multiculturalism in Canada is futile. First of all, multiculturalism is abortive in Canada because immigrants from one culture habitually separate from others. According
The idea of America’s melting pot opposes Canada’s cultural mosaic. These two metaphors helps in understanding of the differences between Canadian and American societies. They emphasize the different relationships to the various minorities living in the countries. Canada’s identity is different from America’s, because it boasts a cultural mosaic. Canada’s identity has been shaped by our unique history.
In conclusion, it can be stated that multiculturalism works better in theory than in practice. Although I may agree with Kymlicka that multiculturalism is a wonderful rhetorical question to send out to the Canadian population, I think his explanations are rather shallow as he fails to acknowledge the disadvantages and problems of multiculturalism. Canada may describe itself as multicultural, but there is a lot of work that must be done before it can be described as intercultural. For the moment, it is not clear what multicultural policy is and how it may or may not be related to diversity and oppositional cultures. Baron’s article is more in line with interculturalism which takes for granted the centrality of Canadian culture, but then works
They adopted multiculturalism as an official policy. Basically, anyone with a different culture, opinion and identity is welcome to Canada. Multiculturalism assures that all citizens can keep their identities, traditions and have a sense of belonging. With this, people are given the right to have cultural expressions. Multiculturalism is a great benefit to Canada’s economy and diversity, because different cultures can bring unique perspectives and intelligence into the country.