Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. It is woven into the very fabric of Canadian life.  Our society has always been pluralist and diverse and is bound to become even more so. Already approximately two-fifths of the Canadian population has one origin other than British, French or Aboriginal.   Much of this population is made up of first generation Canadians or recent immigrants to Canada.  They come from all over the world: from Africa, Asia, Europe or the Middle East.  Many of them, like me, are defined as visible minorities.

In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt a multiculturalism policy. In 1986 the government passed the Employment Equity Act and in 1988 it passed the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.  These documents affirm Canada's commitment to recognize and respect ethnic and racial diversity. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act gives specific direction to the government to work toward achieving equality in the economic, social, cultural and political life of the country.

As a Senator, I am committed to help build a more inclusive society based on respect, equality and the full participation of all citizens, regardless of race, ethnic origin, language or religion.  As a visible minority, who immigrated to Canada from Asia, I have a personal commitment to ensuring equality for all peoples, regardless of race or ethnic background.  This means moving beyond policies on paper, to educate Canadians through our actions and our words.

Visible minorities have a long history in this country. We have helped to build Canada into the great nation it is today. Unfortunately, there is comparatively little material available for teachers about the contributions and achievements of visible minorities in Canada. As a result, a large number of Canadians know very little about who we are and what we, their fellow citizens, have done.  Broad-based education, at all levels, is the key to fighting ignorance.  Stereotypes need to be challenged in the media and in the schools.  This will require a coordinated effort by visible minorities to produce and distribute information so that Canadians can share and celebrate our diverse cultures.  Programs of study are needed in primary schools, as well as in high schools and universities.  Visible minorities also need to play a more active role in both mainstream and alternative media. 

Multiculturalism is really the co-existence of different cultures in one society.  It entails the acceptance of minority cultural values and traditions by society at large, and the adoption of the mainstream cultures by new Canadians.  Ultimately, multiculturalism not only implies acceptance but a celebration of differences which are a fundamental characteristic of our Canadian identity and national heritage.  Canadians of all cultural origins should have the opportunity to share in the benefits of equality, social justice and economic prosperity.

Internet Resources Multiculturalism & Immigration Multiculturalism Canada Multiculturalism: a Policy Response to Diversity, UNESCO, 1995 Forging Our Legacy, Citizenship and Immigration Canada The Metropolis Project: an International Forum for Research and Policy on Migration, Diversity and Changing Cities Canadian Race Relations Foundation Maytree Foundation TRIEC: Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council For Educators Community Learning Network Educational Resources in Multiculturalism Cultural Diversity: Sarah Houlden, Level: Intermediate Geography Multicultural Stories, Suzanne Garrett, A Teaching Unit Level: intermediate English United Nations Cyberschoolbus: lesson on discrimination based on race

Pier 21, Halifax, Pier 21 Society

Pier 21 served as the point of entry for over 1.5 million immigrants from 1928 to 1971.  The site reopened in 1999 as a tribute to Canada's immigrants.