Canadian Multiculturalism: An Inclusive Citizenship
In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt
multiculturalism as an official policy. By so doing, Canada affirmed the
value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or
ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation. The 1971
Multiculturalism Policy of Canada also confirmed the rights of
Aboriginal peoples and the status of Canada's two official languages.
Canadian multiculturalism is fundamental to our belief that all
citizens are equal. Multiculturalism ensures that all citizens can keep
their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of
belonging. Acceptance gives Canadians a feeling of security and
self-confidence, making them more open to, and accepting of, diverse
cultures. The Canadian experience has shown that multiculturalism
encourages racial and ethnic harmony and cross-cultural understanding,
and discourages ghettoization, hatred, discrimination and violence.
Mutual respect helps develop common attitudes. New Canadians, no less
than other Canadians, respect the political and legal process, and want
to address issues by legal and constitutional means.
Through multiculturalism, Canada recognizes the potential of all
Canadians, encouraging them to integrate into their society and take an
active part in its social, cultural, economic and political affairs.
All Canadians are guaranteed equality before the law and equality of
opportunity regardless of their origins. Canada's laws and policies
recognize Canada's diversity by race, cultural heritage, ethnicity,
religion, ancestry and place of origin and guarantee to all men and
women complete freedom of conscience, of thought, belief, opinion
expression, association and peaceful assembly. All of these rights, our
freedom and our dignity, are guaranteed through our Canadian
citizenship, our Canadian Constitution, and our Charter of Rights and
Freedoms.
Multiculturalism has led to higher rates of naturalization than ever
before. With no pressure to assimilate and give up their culture,
immigrants freely choose their new citizenship because they want to be
Canadians. As Canadians, they share the basic values of democracy with
all other Canadians who came before them. At the same time, Canadians
are free to choose for themselves, without penalty, whether they want to
identify with their specific group or not. Their individual rights are
fully protected and they need not fear group pressures.
Our diversity is a national asset. Recent advances in technology have
made international communications more important than ever. Canadians
who speak many languages and understand many cultures make it easier for
Canada to participate globally in areas of education, trade and
diplomacy.
Multiculturalism is a relationship between Canada and the Canadian
people. Our citizenship gives us equal rights and equal
responsibilities. By taking an active part in our civic affairs, we
affirm these rights and strengthen Canada's democracy, ensuring that a
multicultural, integrated and inclusive citizenship will be every
Canadian's inheritance.
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