Lesson 10 — Activity 2: Multiculturalism
Completion requirements
Lesson 10 — Activity 2: Multiculturalism
Warm Up
You have learned about the Indigenous peoples who first lived in Canada and the European settlers who forged our great country.
In this activity, you will understand how Canada has evolved into a multicultural nation.
You are also aware that many people and events shaped the establishment of Canada as an independent nation. You have seen that throughout history, many other groups of people came to Canada, each adding something of their own culture to Canada's culture. As you know, each of these groups had different backgrounds, languages, cultures, and traditions. So how did we all become one country?
In many nations, newcomers were expected to abandon their former cultures and adopt the one of their new land. Canada has chosen a different approach to their newcomers. As each of these new groups arrived in Canada, aspects of their cultures became a part of Canada's culture. This concept is referred to as multiculturalism. Since the 1970s, this has been an official policy of Canada's governments.
The Canadian Multiculturalism Policy developed in 1971 suggested that Canadian identity was based on an acceptance of ethnic differences. In 1982, multiculturalism was recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That section states: "This Charter shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians."
In 1988, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (Bill C-93) was passed under the government of Brian Mulroney. This Act helps to preserve and promote multiculturalism in Canada and provided the legal framework for existing multiculturalism policies across Canada.
The federal government also established the department of multiculturalism and citizenship. Supporters of the policy said that the government’s multiculturalism policy helped strengthen national unity by drawing all Canadians closer together in mutual respect.
Interestingly enough, some other nations, such as Australia, have now adopted this model in their own countries. Does this mean that Canada is perfect? Of course not! Many years and generations have passed to reach such acceptance, but multiculturalism encourages tolerance and acceptance.
Common experiences bring people together and form a sense of nationalism. In this theme, you learned about some of the experiences that Canadians shared as our country developed. Just as you and your friends are brought together by sharing experiences and events, so are countries. Although you and your friends share much, each of you also has your own individuality. To be friends does not mean one has to abandon one's own identity and become the same as another person.
To be Canadian does not mean immigrants have to abandon their own cultures, especially if the identity of the citizens in their new homeland centres on being multicultural.
In 1988, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (Bill C-93) was passed under the government of Brian Mulroney. This Act helps to preserve and promote multiculturalism in Canada and provided the legal framework for existing multiculturalism policies across Canada.
The federal government also established the department of multiculturalism and citizenship. Supporters of the policy said that the government’s multiculturalism policy helped strengthen national unity by drawing all Canadians closer together in mutual respect.