While the official policy of multiculturalism was adopted in Canada in 1971, Canada has been culturally and ethnically diverse even prior to the arrival of the European settlers and colonists due to the vast number of Aboriginal groups and native languages (Berry 2013). In order to understand why the policy of multiculturalism has been successful in addressing Canada’s ethno-cultural diversity, one must first understand the varying definitions of multiculturalism. The Government of Canada defines multiculturalism as “fundamental to the belief that all citizens are equal…That all citizens can keep their identities, take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging… It gives Canadians a feeing of security and self-confidence, making
The expression we got from all Canadians, was one-sided: the multiculturalism Canada have practiced, has a positive effect on the society. This clear discourse and contentment has proved not to be versatile; Recently, during the Canadian election, the conservative president and former prime minister, Stephen Harper, said that women bearing religious scarf is "rooted in a misogynistic culture" and this opinion was not quite unpopular - as many as 82% of the population seem to agree in this statement. The question is whether Canada is moving towards a discourse change, about the mosaic society. Whether they move in a direction, one sees is getting a growing support, particularly in European countries - more by xenophobia discourse.
Canada is known as one of the most diverse countries in the world. Also, this diversity is due solely on immigration. These people may have little to no understanding of the English language. So, the question becomes should new immigrants that want to become Canadians speak only English? I disagree with this notion because Canada would begin lacking in: cultural diversity, translators, and in racial diversity.
Actually, as many country in the world, Canada faces many difficult situations. Its current problems may result in great challenges in the future. Management of cultural diversity needs of the minority French–speaking communities, sustainable use of natural resources and safe environment programs, Aboriginal rights are the most important today’s issues.
The Canadian government adopted multiculturalism as its official policy during the premiership of Pierre Elliott Trudeau in the 1970s and 1980s. This practice is reflected in the law via the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and section 27 of the Canadian Charter of rights and Freedoms. Additionally, the Broadcasting Act of 1991 asserts that the Canadian system should reflect the diversity of cultures in the country. An interview that was done in 2002 with the Globe and Mail, Karim al-Hussaini the 49th Aga Khan of the Ismaili Muslims describing Canada as the most successful pluralist society on the face of our globe, citing it as model for the world. He gave an explanation that the experience of Canadian governance-its commitment to pluralism and the support it gives the rich multicultural diversity of its people-which is something that has to be shared and would be of benefit to the societies in other parts of the
When most people think of Canada, they probably imagine a frozen tundra with little towns and very few people, but Canada is actually way more than that. Canada is a very friendly and cultural country that focuses on preserving the land and respecting the wildlife around them. The people of Canadian communities are generous people that all work together to help each other survive. It also has a rich history full of culture and government, which helps play a huge role in how Canada is shaped today.
Similar to the benefits of the universal healthcare system, Canada prides itself on the great variety of cultures, ethnicities and religions that are present within the country. In 1971, the Canadian government began to recognize the value of all diversities and officially adopted the Multiculturalism policy. In consideration of this policy, Canada has been nicknamed the mosaic (Pohorelic) since the nation continually strives to embrace and promote multiculturalism. For instance, all citizens who reside in Canada are able to have an identity, feel accepted and take pride in their ancestry. In addition, on July 12, 1988, the House of Commons passed the Bill C-93: “An Act for the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism in Canada” (Legislative
To me, being Canadian is to be a kind, accepting person who respects others and their beliefs and nationality. I believe that multiculturalism is a large part of being Canadian as many have immigrated from other countries; someone who doesn't discriminate because others are different. I believe that the vast forests and striking wilderness are symbols of Canada’s uniqueness and one can feel pride through this. We are strong and it can be seen in the recent years as Canada has become more independant and more powerful. Being a Canadian is a privilege to me and I am pleased to call this nation
Canada is comprised of many different cultures and currently holds one of the highest groups of interracial relationships. Culture can be defined as characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by religion, food language, etc. Culture is an important aspect of a community and is often the glue that holds said community together. Culture is also incorporated into people’s personal identity and one’s personal identity is hugely derived from their culture.
As mentioned I 've been exposed to diversity from a young age. I 've moved with family across Canada twice, from poverty stricken to affluent areas. From towns where you could leave doors unlocked to city blocks where gunshots a few streets over are your lullyby. Family still live outside the Oka reserve in Quebec and I 've French-Canadian relatives in New Brunswick.
Welcome to Canada! Where there 's a place for everybody! Within Canada we have Public access to Wonderful Health Care, and freedom from slavery! We have a great amount of land to start a farm on, and if thats not your thing, then we also have huge forests, massive mining areas, an access to the pacific ocean and the alantic ocean.
Being Canadian comes with many things. It comes with acceptance of people from all walks of Earth. It comes with being friendly and loving all regardless of characteristics. Being Canadian means being one and accepting. That is the perception that Molson went for in their advertisement titled “What makes Someone Canadian.”
Without acceptance, we aren’t able to expand ourselves and the society we live in. Canada is a great example of accepting the stranger. Canadian culture is changing and transforming because of the mass amount of cultures coming together. It’s important for Canada to stay so diverse because being exposed to high levels of diversity has the ability to teach cultural sensitivity. High levels of diversity exposes us to almost a natural acceptance of everyone that we don’t even notice we’re doing it anymore.
The aim of this policy in Canada consisted in breaking down discriminatory attitudes of dominant ethnic group toward non-dominant groups. It was supposed to be done by supporting ethnocultural communities in their wish to maintain their heritage cultures and, at the same time, by ensuring full participation in the larger society. The basic idea was that if people from non-dominant ethnic groups coming to, or living in, Canada got an opportunity to maintain links with their culture and simultaneously got an opportunity to participate in a larger society, both dominant and non-dominant groups would be at advantage. In other words, the fundamental goal of the policy implied enhancing mutual acceptance among all ethnocultural groups (Berry,
To begin with, during its long history, multiculturalism changed its denotations and number of people who supported it contrary to those who were against it. For one side, it represents the essence of a modern society. For others, it had negative influence which resulted in anxious, frustrated and divided nation. As an example of successful multiculturalism, we need to mention Canada as Canada is the only Western country to include multiculturalism into its constitutional law and the first country that proposed this method as a way of dealing with diversities. According to Ien Ang, it was associated with the consequences of immigration.