How canadians see multiculturalism

Résumé du document

Canada is described as a multicultural society wherein different ethnic groups live together with the aim of respecting their different cultural backgrounds. In addition to the founding French and British groups, the Canadian ethnic mosaic includes a large number of people who are Germans, Chinese, Africans, Dutch, Italians, Indians, and Pakistanis among others. It was not until 1991, that nearly 31% of the Canadian population was reportedly from ethnic backgrounds. This percentage did not include the French or the British population. As early as history could date back, Canada is known for its cultural and ethnic diversity and it has been concluded that it is a fundamental characteristic of Canada. However, this does not mean that anyone who wants to migrate to Canada can do so. The Canadian open door policy doesn't imply that the country is capable of receiving all the people who desire to make a new beginning in Canada. In fact, immigration is a selective and a subjective area as an individual who wishes to settle in Canada will be judged purely on the basis of his/her level of contribution towards the country's economic and social development. Over the years, attitudes towards immigration and ethnic groups have changed with the adoption and implementation of new policies and laws which reflect Canada's approach to diversity. With this diversity in mind, the Official Languages Act of 1969 was issued. The purpose was to ensure equality in terms of status, rights and privileges at the federal level especially for the French and the English (British) people. The purpose was not to impose bilingualism on the Canadian population, but it strived to encourage and create an opportunity for the two founding groups of Canada to live together and respect each other differences.

Extraits

[...] They were 70% in 20039 to be proud of Canada's cultural diversity. Yet, are there other elements that make Canadians proud of their country? If multiculturalism becomes a component of the Canadian identity are there other elements that contribute to the Canadian sense of identity. This is what I am going to try to see in the following part Dasko, Donna. Public Attitudes towards Multiculturalism and Bilinguilism in Canada Available at: http//www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/pubs/diversity2003/dasko_e.cfm 8 Dasko, Donna Available at: www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/pubs/diversity2003/dasko_e.cfm 9 An Identity Shaped by Diversity. [...]

[...] 6 The results were the following: ? 48% of respondents who do not belong to visible minorities think that both candidates would have equal chances at the job market, while only 17% believe that it is the visible majority candidate who would be favoured. ? 46% of visible minorities hold such view. However, they are 44% to think that the white candidate would be favoured Finkel, Alvin, Conrad Margeret. History of the Canadian People. (Toronto: Copp Clarck Pitman, 1993). Chap 12. [...]

[...] In Cairns, A and Williams, C.(eds). The Politics of Gender, Ethnicity and Language in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press - Breton, Raymond. The Ethnic Group as a Political Resource in Relation to Problems of Incorporation: Perceptions and Attitudes. In Ethnic Identity and Equality: varieties of Experience in a Canadian City. Toronto: University of Toronto Press - Canadian Diversity: Respecting our Differences. www.pch.go.ca - Dasko, Donna. Public Attitudes towards Multiculturalism and Bilinguilism in Canada Available at: www.pch.gc.ca/pc-h/pubs/diversity2003/dasko_e.cfm 20 - Esses, V.M , Haddock, G and Zanna, M.P. [...]

[...] For example in the 1990s police forces shot unarmed blacks in Montreal and Toronto 4. Allegations of police racism have followed revelations about the treatment of Aboriginal people by police forces in such cities as Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg. This shows that police forces often stereotype blacks and aboriginal people as criminals. In of visible minorities say that blacks and aboriginals are treated unfairly by police officers compared with 40% of non-visible minority. On this question, there is a clear difference of opinion with a majority of visible minorities on one side and a majority of whites on the other5. [...]

[...] San Diego: Academic Press - Finkel, Alvin, Conrad Margaret. History of the Canadian People. Toronto: Copp Clarck Pitman - Isajiw, Wsevolod. Ethnic-Identity Relation. In Ethnic Identity and Equality: Varieties of Experience in a Canadian City. Toronto: University of Toronto Press - Mandel, Ali and Taras, David (ed). A Passion for Identity : Introduction to Canadian studies. Toronto: Methuen - Multiculturalism in Canada. www.mta.ca - Parkin, Andrew and Mendelsohn, Matthew. [...]