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Multiculturalism in Canada in the sense of equal acceptance of races, religions and cultures was adopted as the official policy of the Canadian government during the prime ministership of Pierre Elliot Trudeau in the 1970s and 1980s. The Canadian government has been described as the instigator of multiculturalism as an ideology because of its public emphasis on the social importance of immigration. The Canadian Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism is often referred to as the origin of modern political awareness of multiculturalism.

Canadians have used the term “multiculturalism” to discuss the many different groups of religions and cultures that make up the population in Canada. The nation consists several racial origins and is open to cultural pluralism because it is advantageous to the Canadian society as a whole. Canada is a nation that consists of many foreigners and almost 40 percent of the population are neither British or from a French background. In the past, the relationship between the British and the French has been given a lot of importance in Canada’s history. But in today’s day, people from outside British and French heritage compose most of Canada’s poTroper.H (2012). Multiculturalism. Multicultural Canada. Retrieved March 28, 2012 from http://www.multiculturalcanada.ca/Encyclopedia/A-Z/m9pulation

Multiculturalism is reflected in the law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Broadcasting Act of 1991 asserts the Canadian broadcasting system should reflect the diversity of cultures in the country. Despite the official policies, segments of the Canadian population are critical of the concept(s)  of a cultural mosaic and implantation(s) of multiculturalism.

Historical context
In the 21st century Canada is often characterised as being "very progressive, diverse, and multicultural". However, Canada until the 1940s saw itself in terms of English and French cultural, linguistic and political identities, and to some extent Aboriginal. Immigrants speaking other languages, such as Canadians of German ethnicity and Ukrainian Canadians, were suspect, especially during the First World War when thousands were put in camps because they were citizens of enemy nations. Jewish Canadians were suspect, especially in Quebec where antisemitism was a factor and the Catholic Church of Quebec associated Jews with modernism, liberalism, and other unacceptable values. While black ex-slave refugees from the United States were tolerated, racial minorities of African or Asian origin were generally believed "beyond the pale" (lacking a sense of morality). The mood starting shifted dramatically during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Japanese Canadians were interned during the War and their property confiscated. Prior to the advent of the Canadian Bill of Rights in 1960 and its predecessor the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, the laws of Canada did not provide much in the way of civil rights and it was typically of limited concern to the courts. Since the 1960s Canada has placed emphasis on equality and inclusiveness for all people.

Immigration
Statistics Canada declared in 2006, the population data demonstrated 6,186,950 foreign - born people living in Canada. One out of five people were an immigrant and nearly 20% of the whole population were immigrants staying in Canada which was the highest statistic in around 75 years. The number of people who are becoming immigrants are increasing by the day and between 2001 and 2006, the number of foreign-born people increased by 13.6%. (2012). " Living in Canada: founded on cultural diversity. Akcanada. Immigration has played an integral part in the development of multiculturalism within Canada. However, Asians encountered legal obstacles limiting immigration during the 1800s and early 1900s. Additional, specific ethnic groups that did immigrate during this time faced barriers within Canada preventing full participation in political and social matters, including equal pay and the right to vote. Legislative restrictions on immigration (such as the Continuous journey regulation and Chinese Immigration Act) that had favoured British, American and European immigrants were amended during the 1960s, resulting in an influx of diverse people from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. As of 2006, Canada has grown to have thirty four ethnic groups with at least one hundred thousand members each, of which eleven have over 1,000,000 people and numerous others are represented in smaller amounts. 16.2% of the population self identify as a visible minority.

Canada currently has one of the highest per capita immigration rate in the world, driven by economic policy and family reunification. Canada also resettles over one in ten of the world’s refugees. In 2008, there were 65,567 immigrants in the family class, 21,860 refugees, and 149,072 economic immigrants amongst the 247,243 total immigrants to the country. Approximately 41% of Canadians are first or second generation immigrants, meaning one out of every five Canadians currently living in Canada was not born in the country. Newcomers have tended to settle mostly in the major urban areas. Political parties are cautious about criticizing the high level of immigration, because, as noted by the Globe and Mail, "in the early 1990s, the Reform Party was branded 'racist' for suggesting that immigration levels be lowered from 250,000 to 150,000." Canada's immigration policies provide a hope for those who are in war torn countries. Multiculturalism in Canada is seen as a shining light for those living in fear and being oppressed in their nations. People who are afraid to practise their beliefs openly, find a new hope in Canada as they look forward to leaving their past behind and immigrate to a country that accepts them for who they are. Canada's immigration act makes it possible for the minorities to live the life they always wanted to live. The minorities, whose voices have been supressed by the unfair ruling government  of the  nation  they are originally from; are given a voice in Canada along with many other rights. The website for citizenship and immigration of Canada mentions about the education of children by stating:

Immigration to Canada provides the adolescents with great new opportunities for education as the education in Canada is quite low in price when compared to the countries people are immigrating from. Anyone is able to go to university or college in Canada as the Canadian government provides many different types of loans that are vast enough to cover the entire tuition for the entire period of study. The government also provides grants and scholarships to those who excel in studies and as Citizenship and Immigration Canada mentioned that immigrants from other countires tend to do better then it is a great opportunity for them to be legible for scholarships also. Canadians are also very accepting as they are used to living in this diverse environment for many years. As people come from other countries, they tend to bring their culture along with them. The mixing and the accepting of cultures is what makes Canada unique.

Canada receives its immigrant population from over 200 countries of origin. As indicated below, over 50 percent of new immigrants admitted in 2010 came from 10 source countries.

Permanent Residents Admitted in 2010, by Top 10 Source Countries 

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Facts and Figures 2010.

Evolution of legislation
Multiculturalism was coming to an understanding in the country and the idea was promoted by scholars who help integrate this aspect into the Canadian Society. After World War II, the idea of biculturalism strengthened and in the first stage it was about a large-scale immigration that became a part of national life. People from different nations came together to promote the aspect of bilingualism and biculturalism. Troper.H (2012). Multiculturalism. Multicultural Canada. Retrieved March 28, 2012 from http://www.multiculturalcanada.ca/Encyclopedia/A-Z/m9

The compromises made between the English and French speaking Fathers of Confederation during the 1860s set Canada on a path to bilingualism, and this in turn contributed to biculturalism and the acceptance of diversity. Lord Tweedsmuir the 15th Governor General of Canada was an early champion of multiculturalism; from his installation speech in 1935 onwards, he maintained in speeches and over the radio recited his ideas that ethnic groups "should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character," and "the strongest nations are those that are made up of different racial elements."

The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism established on July 19, 1963  by the Liberal Party government of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson was in response to the grievances of Canada's French-speaking minority (concentrated in the Province of Quebec). The report of the Commission advocated that the Canadian government should recognize Canada as a bilingual and bicultural society and adopt policies to preserve this character.

Biculturalism was attacked from many directions. Conservative Party leader John Diefenbaker (first Prime Minister of German descent. ) saw it as an attack on his vision of unhyphenated Canadianism. It also did not satisfy the growing number of young Francophones who gravitated towards Quebec nationalism. While in general many Canadians disliked the new policies of biculturalism and official bilingualism, the strongest opposition came from Canadians of neither English nor French descent, the so-called "Third Force" Canadians who advocated multiculturalism. Biculturalism did not accord with local realities in the western provinces, where the French population was tiny compared to other cultural minorities. To accommodate everyone, the formula was changed from "bilingualism and biculturalism" to "bilingualism and multiculturalism."

Canadian multiculturalism was re-articulated in the 1964 maiden speech by Paul Yuzyk, a Conservative Party member and Senator who referred to Canada as "a multicultural nation". Yuzyk became knows as one of the "father of multiculturalism" along with Pierre Trudeau after authoring the policy implemented by the Liberal Party government of Pierre Trudeau. The "Announcement of Implementation of Policy of Multiculturalism within Bilingual Framework" took place in the House of Commons on October 8, 1971. In 1982, section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was established and affirmed multiculturalism as part of Canada's heritage. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was later introduced during Brian Mulroney's Conservative government and received Royal Assent on July, 21 1988. On a practical level, a result of the multiculturalism Act was federal funds began to be distributed to ethnic groups to help them preserve their cultures. Projects typically funded included the construction of ethnic-oriented community centres. The new ethnics turned out to vote and were able to protect their gains at the polls, neutralizing any nativist backlash. On November 13, 2002, by Royal Proclamation, June 27 of each year was designated as Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

Charter and Multiculturalism Act
It is asserted that Section Twenty-seven of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms "officially recognized" a Canadian value in 1982, namely multiculturalism. The section provides the overall framework for management of ethnocultural and racial diversity. Section 27 states:

The 1988 Canadian Multiculturalism Act affirms the policy of the government to ensure that every Canadian receives equal treatment by the government which respects and celebrates diversity. The "Act" in-general recognizes: In Canada's Multiculturalism policy, under section 3 (1) its stated that: The Canadian charter of rights and freedoms recognizes the fact that multiculturalism is quite important as that is what makes Canada unique. Everybody has equal rights in Canada. People are free to practise their religion howevery they wish to. No one from another cultural background in Canada is forced to leave their culture and adopt the Canadian culture. Everyone is given the full right to preserve all of their cultural values. Section 3 (b) of the Canada's multiculturalism policy states: It is Canada's key characteristic that it allows every culture to practise their traditions in Canada. All of these rights are not allowed in other countries as the leaders of the other countries want the people of their nation to conform to their norms. Canada's future belongs in multiculturalism as the children of other cultural backgrounds coming in to Canada would be Canada's future work force. The people of different cultural backgrounds would also expand Canada's business opportunities and would start businesses in their homelands or export from their homelands and into Canada. It would add variety to Canada's market and make it even more unique.
 * Canada's multicultural heritage and that that heritage must be protected.
 * The rights of Aboriginal peoples.
 * English and French remain the only official languages, however other languages may be used.
 * Social equality within society and under the law regardless of origins, race or creed.
 * Minorities' rights to enjoy their cultures.

Broadcasting Act
In the Multiculturalism Act, the federal government proclaimed the recognition of the diversity of Canadian culture. Similarly the Broadcasting Act of 1991 asserts the Canadian broadcasting system should reflect the diversity of cultures in the country. The CRTC is the governmental body which enforces the Broadcasting Act. The CRTC revised their Ethnic Broadcasting Policy in 1999 to go into the details on the conditions of the distribution of ethnic and multilingual programming. One of the conditions that this revision specified was the amount of ethnic programming needed in order to be awarded the ethnic broadcasting license. According to the act, 60% of programming on a channel, whether on the radio or television, has to be considered ethnic in order to be approved for the license under this policy.

Global influence
Supports declare that multiculturalism helps in bringing together immigrants and minorities in the country and pushes them towards being part of the Canadian society and feeling more at home. There is an acceptance between Canadians and immigrants and Canadians view foreigners and diversity as part of their identity. Canadians are more likely to promote multiculturalism and they believe that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and help the society grow economically and politically. (2010). The current state of multiculturalism in Canada and research themes on Canadian multiculturalism 2008 -2010. Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Retrieved March 28, 2012 from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/multi-state/section1.asp

Canadian multiculturalism is looked upon with admiration outside the country, resulting in the Canadian public dismissing most critics of the concept. In a 2002 interview with the Globe and Mail, Aga Khan the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims described Canada as "the most successful pluralist society on the face of our globe", citing it as "a model for the world". He explained that the experience of Canadian governance - its commitment to pluralism and its support for the rich multicultural diversity of its peoples - is something that must be shared and would be of benefit societies in other parts of the world. With this in mind, he went on in 2006 to establish the Global Centre for Pluralism in partnership with the Government of Canada. The Centre seeks to export the Canadian experience by promoting pluralist values and practices in culturally diverse societies worldwide.

Multicultural Destinations
Culturally diverse areas or ethnic enclaves are another way in which multiculturalism in Canada has been strengthened. In 1981, Canada only had 6 enclaves in the cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, but that number has now drastically increased to 254. These enclaves act as a home away from home for immigrants to Canada, while providing a new experience of different cultures for Canadian natives. In Canada, there are several ethnocentric communities with many diverse backgrounds, including Chinese, Italian, Greek, and many others. Chinatown is one of the most popular ethnic enclaves in Canada, located in Toronto. This area attempts to recreate an authentic Chinese experience for Canadians. Around 1950 Chinatown was associated with filth, seediness, and the derelict yet by the 1980s Chinatown had become an area worth preserving, a tourist attraction. In the mid nineteen century these enclaves were comparative to slums, but they are now valued for their cultural significance. Ethnic enclaves have become an important feature of major Canadian cities. John Zucchi, author of A History of Ethnic Enclaves in Canada states:

These areas across Canada contain many similarities to the countries they are imitating, especially through the use of ethnic traditions. According to a study conducted by The University of Victoria, many Canadians do not feel a strong sense of belonging in Canada, or cannot integrate themselves into society as a result of ethnic enclaves. Many immigrants to Canada choose to live in ethnic enclaves because it can be much easier than fitting in with mainstream Canadian culture. Canada has many ethnocentric areas, which can provide a sense of comfort and security to immigrants, and also create a sense of familiarity in a new place. Ethnic enclaves promote multiculturalism for all Canadians, whether an immigrant or not, to enjoy. In Canada, multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of society and national identity.

Criticisms
Multiculturalism has its great qualities but it also has a negative side to it. Citizenship and immigration states:

Once people start living together for a long time, they also go in the state of pride where they feel that their culture is above than others. Multiculturalism can cause gang wars as every culture would try to prove that they are on top. People can chose to look at things from a whole new perspective. Instead of accepting other cultures, people can form a hate towards them and reject all of their practises. Multiculturalism can promote biased hate towards others as people can form a negative view of the other race without even knowing their background or why they do the things they do. Multiculturalism can also cause racial conflicts between different cultures living in the same community as each culture would try to dominate the other.

Critics of multiculturalism in Canada often debate whether the multicultural ideal of benignly co-existing cultures that interrelate and influence one another, and yet remain distinct, is sustainable, paradoxical or even desirable. To many Quebecers, despite an official national bilingualism policy, multiculturalism threatened to reduce them to just another ethnic group. Quebec's policy seeks to promote interculturalism, welcoming people of all origins while insisting that they integrate into Quebec's majority French-speaking society. In 2008, a Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences, headed by sociologist Gerard Bouchard and philosopher Charles Taylor, recognized that Quebec is a de facto pluralist society, but that the Canadian multiculturalism model "does not appear well suited to conditions in Quebec".



Foreign born Canadian, Neil Bissoondath in his book Selling Illusions: The Cult of Multiculturalism in Canada, argues that official multiculturalism limits the freedom of minority members, by confining them to cultural and geographic ethnic enclaves. He also argues that cultures are very complex, and must be transmitted through close family and kin relations. To him, the government view of cultures as being about festivals and cuisine is a crude oversimplification that leads to easy stereotyping.

Canadian Daniel Stoffman's book "Who Gets In" questions the policy of Canadian multiculturalism. Stoffman points out that many cultural practices, such as allowing dog meat to be served in restaurants and street cockfighting, are simply incompatible with Canadian and Western culture. He also raises concern about the number of recent immigrants who are not being linguistically integrated into Canada (i.e., not learning either English or French). He stresses that multiculturalism works better in theory than in practice and Canadians need to be far more assertive about valuing Canadian cultural protectionism.

Canadian Joseph Garcea explores the validity attacks on multiculturalism because it supposedly segregates the peoples of Canada; multiculturalism hurts the Canadian, Québécois, and Aboriginal culture, identity, and nationalism projects; it perpetuates conflicts between and within groups; and it hinders equity and equality in society and the economy.

Provincial Multiculturalism Policies and Legislation
All ten of Canada's provinces have some form of multiculturalism policy. A total of six provinces - British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Nova Scotia have authorized multiculturalism legislation, while eight of the provinces - British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia - have a advisory council that reports to the minister responsible for multiculturalism within the province.


 * British Columbia : British Columbia legislated the Multiculturalism Act in 1993. The purposes of this act (s. 2) are:
 * to recognize that the diversity of British Columbians as regards race, cultural heritage, religion, ethnicity, ancestry and place of origin is a fundamental characteristic of the society of British Columbia that enriches the lives of all British Columbians;
 * to encourage respect for the multicultural heritage of British Columbia;
 * to promote racial harmony, cross cultural understanding and respect and the development of a community that is united and at peace with itself;
 * to foster the creation of a society in British Columbia in which there are no impediments to the full and free participation of all British Columbians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of British Columbia.
 * Alberta : Alberta primarily legislated the Alberta Cultural Heritage Act in 1984 and refined it with the Alberta Multiculturalism Act in 1990. The current legislation pertaining to multiculturalism is The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act that passed in 1996. This current legislation deals with discrimination in race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, age, marital status and sexual orientation, among other things.


 * Saskatchewan : Saskatchewan was the first Canadian province to adopt legislation on multiculturalism. This piece of legislation was called The Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Act of 1974, but has since been replaced by new, revised Multiculturalism Act (1997). The purposes of this act (s. 3) are similar to those of British Columbia:
 * to recognize that the diversity of Saskatchewan people with respect to race, cultural heritage, religion, ethnicity, ancestry and place of origin is a fundamental characteristic of Saskatchewan society that enriches the lives of all Saskatchewan people;
 * to encourage respect for the multicultural heritage of Saskatchewan;
 * to foster a climate for harmonious relations among people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds without sacrificing their distinctive cultural and ethnic identities;
 * to encourage the continuation of a multicultural society.


 * Manitoba : Manitoba's first piece of legislation on multiculturalism was the Manitoba Intercultural Council Act in 1984. However in the summer on 1992, the province developed a new provincial legislation called the Multiculturalism Act. The purposes of this act (s. 2) are to:
 * recognize and promote understanding that the cultural diversity of Manitoba is a strength of and a source of pride to Manitobans;
 * recognize and promote the right of all Manitobans, regardless of culture, religion or racial background, to: (i) equal access to opportunities, (ii) participate in all aspects of society, and (iii) respect for their cultural values; and
 * enhance the opportunities of Manitoba's multicultural society by acting in partnership with all cultural communities and by encouraging cooperation and partnerships between cultural communities


 * Ontario : Ontario had a policy in place in 1977 that promoted cultural activity, but formal legislation for a Ministry of Citizenship and Culture (now known as Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration) only came to fruition in 1982. The Ministry of Citizenship and Culture Act (1990) (s. 4) states its purpose:
 * to encourage full, equal and responsible citizenship among the residents of Ontario;
 * recognizing the pluralistic nature of Ontario society, to stress the full participation of all Ontarians as equal members of the community, encouraging the sharing of cultural heritage while affirming those elements held in common by all residents;
 * to ensure the creative and participatory nature of cultural life in Ontario by assisting in the stimulation of cultural expression and cultural preservation;
 * to foster the development of individual and community excellence, enabling Ontarians to better define the richness of their diversity and the shared vision of their community.


 * Quebec : Quebec differs from the rest of the nine provinces in that it's policy focuses on "interculturalism"- rather then multiculturalism, where diversity is strongly encouraged, but only under the notion that it is within the framework that establishes supremacy of the French language and the French culture. In 1990, Quebec released a White_paper called Lets Build Quebec Together: A Policy Statement on Integration and Immigration which reinforced three main points
 * Quebec is a French-speaking society
 * Quebec is a democratic society in which everyone is expected to contribute to public life
 * Quebec is a pluralistic society that respects the diversity of various cultures from within a democratic framework

In 2005, Quebec passed legislation to develop the Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities, their functions were :
 * to support cultural communities in order to facilitate their full participation in Quebec society
 * to foster openness to pluralism; and
 * to foster closer intercultural relations among the people of Quebec.


 * New Brunswick : New Brunswick first introduced their multicultural legislation in 1986. The policy is guided by four principles: equality, appreciation, preservation of cultural heritages and participation. In the 1980's the provincial government developed a Ministerial Advisory Committee to provide assistance to the minister of Business in New Brunswick, who is in turn responsible for settlement and multicultural communities.


 * Nova Scotia : Nova Scotia introduced their multicultural legislation, the Act to Promote and Preserve Multiculturalism, in 1989. The purpose of this Act is (s. 3) :
 * encouraging recognition and acceptance of multiculturalism as an inherent feature of a pluralistic society;
 * establishing a climate for harmonious relations among people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds without sacrificing their distinctive cultural and ethnic identities;
 * encouraging the continuation of a multicultural society as a mosaic of different ethnic groups and cultures


 * Prince Edward Island : Prince Edward Island introduced their legislation on multiculturalism, the Provincial Multicultural Policy, in 1988. This policies objectives were (s. 4) :
 * serve to indicate that the province embraces the multicultural reality of Canadian society and acknowledges that Prince Edward Island has a distinctive multicultural heritage
 * acknowledge the intrinsic worth and continuing contribution of al Prince Edward Islanders regardless of race, religion ethnicity, linguistic origin or length of residency.
 * serve as an affirmation of Human Rights for all Prince Edward Islanders and as a complement to the equality of rights guaranteed in the P.E.I. Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
 * encourage specific legislative, political and social commitments to multiculturalism in Prince Edward Island


 * Newfoundland and Labrador : Newfoundland and Labrador first legislated their Policy on Multiculturalism in 2008. Some of the policies are to :
 * ensure that relevant policies and procedures of provincial programs and practices reflect, and consider the changing needs of all cultural groups;
 * lead in developing, sustaining and enhancing programs and services based on equality for all, notwithstanding racial, religious, ethnic, national and social origin;
 * provide government workplaces that are free of discrimination and that promote equality of opportunity for all persons accessing employment positions within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador;
 * support multicultural initiatives by enhancing partnerships with culturally-diverse communities and provincial departments and agencies