Multiculturalism And Diversity In Canada

Since 1867, there has been attempts to establish what the Canadian identity is. Immigration and diversity has increased tremendously in Canada before and after the policy of multiculturalism was adopted in 1971.Multiculturalism is an important part of Canada’s national identity because it can be traced to the country’s history. Diversity has existed long before the policy of multiculturalism was adopted. It is however important to know what the Canadian national identity is because it gives us a sense of recognition. In order to acquire an identity, you have to recognize what shapes you or what makes you. While multiculturalism and diversity has given people a sense of recognition, it has also created a form of division in the society.

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Prior to the coming of Europeans, diversity has existed in Canada so it has always been a part of Canada. The presence of multiculturalism in the society represents a form of reminder of how Canada was founded. According to a research, about 71% of people said they are proud to be Canadian due to the fact that, people from different cultural groups in Canada get along and live in peace (Parkin & Mendelsohn,2003,p.10). Also, 65% of immigrants say that multiculturalism makes them very proud to be Canadian, in comparison with 52% of non-immigrants (Parkin & Mendelsohn,2003,p.11). In addition , 81% of immigrants are very proud to be Canadian because people from different cultural groups in Canada get along and live in peace ,compared with 68% of non-immigrants (Parkin & Mendelsohn,2003,p.11). There are some certain group of people or culture that we cannot talk about without not tracing them to Canada’s history like the First Nation people. They represent the past in the society and this gives Canadians a sense of their historical background and heritage. The Yonge street in Toronto is another example of what symbolize culture and history. According to a multiculturalism policy document, “Cultural diversity characterized the earliest societies to be seen through the mists of our history. Aboriginal peoples speaking a diversity of Algonkian tongues were spread across the breadth

This is referred to as ‘Honour killings’ and prevalent in the Islamic society. This mostly happens to women or young girls due to the patriarchal views. These killings can be as a result of been raped, divorce,homosexuality and infidelity. Due to cultural beliefs, the perpetuation of illiberal practices is common among immigrant groups. This involves restriction of the rights and liberties of girls and women (Wikan 2002). However, there have been reported cases of honour killings in some cultural communities in Canada. According to the Department of Justice Canada : In November 2006, the Supreme Court of Canada refused an appeal from Adi Abdul Humaid of his conviction for first degree murder in the death of his wife in 1999. Mr. Humaid claimed that his wife's insinuations of infidelity caused him to lose control because of the significance of female infidelity in Islamic religion and culture.

There has also been reported cases due to improper dressing and family conflicts.According to the Department of Justice Canada