13.1 The Development of Multiculturalism as Official Policy

Canada's multiculturalism policy emerged in the 1970s, shaping the nation's identity. It aimed to celebrate diversity, promote equality, and foster inclusion for all Canadians, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.

The government passed laws and created programs to support multiculturalism. This approach influenced immigration policies, education, and social services, transforming Canada into a vibrant cultural mosaic.

Multiculturalism Legislation

Legal Framework for Multiculturalism

Top images from around the web for Legal Framework for Multiculturalism

• 

  2009 September 13 — ETEC540: Text Technologies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  カナダの政治 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  History of Canada - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  2009 September 13 — ETEC540: Text Technologies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  カナダの政治 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Legal Framework for Multiculturalism

• 

  2009 September 13 — ETEC540: Text Technologies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  カナダの政治 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  History of Canada - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  2009 September 13 — ETEC540: Text Technologies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  カナダの政治 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Multiculturalism Act (1988) passed by the Canadian government to promote and preserve Canada's multicultural heritage, recognize the diversity of Canadians, and acknowledge the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms enacted as part of Canada's Constitution in 1982, guaranteeing equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability
• Bilingualism and Biculturalism Commission (Royal Commission) established in 1963 to inquire into and report on the state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada, recommending that Canada be declared a bilingual and bicultural country
• Integration policies aimed at helping immigrants adapt to Canadian society while preserving their cultural identities, including language training, settlement services, and programs to combat racism and discrimination

Multicultural Society

Embracing Cultural Diversity

• Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and 1980 to 1984, introduced the concept of multiculturalism as an official government policy, stating that no singular culture could define Canada
• Cultural mosaic concept, in contrast to the "melting pot" idea in the United States, emphasizes the preservation and celebration of different cultural identities within a unified Canadian society
• Ethnic diversity in Canada encompasses a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, French and British settlers, and immigrants from various regions (Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America)
• Cultural retention encouraged through government policies and programs supporting the maintenance of cultural traditions, languages, and practices among diverse communities in Canada

Promoting Intercultural Understanding

• Multicultural events and festivals (Caribana in Toronto, Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg) showcasing and celebrating the cultural heritage of different ethnic groups in Canada
• Educational initiatives in schools and communities to foster intercultural understanding, combat prejudice, and promote respect for diversity
• Media representation and visibility of diverse cultures through television programs, films, and other forms of media, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Canadian society
• Intercultural dialogue and exchange facilitated through community organizations, cultural associations, and government-supported initiatives to build bridges between different cultural communities in Canada