Adapting to Multiculturalism

This article discusses the initiative of adapting to multiculturalism in Canada and its importance towards creating an equal and inclusive society. It explores the historical background, the impacts of the multiculturalism policy, and its role in promoting diversity and integration. The article also highlights the connection between multiculturalism and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Running head: ADAPTING TO MULTICULTURALISM
ADAPTING TO MULTICULTURALISM
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ADAPTING TO MULTICULTURALISM
1. Brief introduction to service initiative
The initiative that has been selected for analysis with regards to the study is the
adaptation of the Canadian multicultural identity. There have been historically ongoing debates
in regards to the French and English linguistic cultural groups that are in the country. The
Multiculturalism with capital M movement was born when there was a threat that the Canadian
identity can be defined only by the bilingual inclinations of the larger portion of the population
of Canada. The trigger of the issue was the debate concerning the Quebec region of Canada in
the 1960s and 70s (Canada’s multiculturalism is our identity, 2019). There was crisis in the
region due to the majority French speaking population taking part in violent protest for their
recognition. There was more emphasis on the factor of Canada being a bicultural country.
However, a senator named Paul Yuzuk emphasized that the country was multicultural. This led
to the recognition of the contribution of all ethnic groups towards the country. Moving forward,
the House of Commons established the capital M multiculturalism, which meant that the cultural
rights of all the ethnic communities in the country would be respected. The Canadian nation was
now focused towards respecting formally the diversity of all its citizens’ religions, language and
cultures. Some of the most important impacts of the policy was the grater diversification of
Canada, the establishment of ethnic harmony and cooperation and the increasing focus on the
integration of immigrants into the Canadian life (Banks, 2015). The multicultural outlook has
shaped the way Canada has welcomed the newcomer populations. The newcomers have been
integrated without having to change their core cultural values.
2. Importance of initiative towards equal Canada

2ADAPTING TO MULTICULTURALISM
The very fact that Canada has not witnessed any significant racial segregation in the past
has been attributed to this multicultural initiative that was taken years ago. The Capital M
multicultural initiative have gone to define the culturally diverse but inclusive nature of the
Canadian society. Hence, the focus is not towards determining what the exact cultural aspects
that make one Canadian. Rather, the national culture is accepted as diversity. The Canadian
Charter of Freedom and Rights guarantees above many other rights, the freedom of religion,
thought and expression (The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 2019). The recognition
of the capital m multiculturalism actually complements the declarations that are provided in the
charter. The Ontario human rights code mentions that every person has the right to be treated
equally at employment places irrespective of the ancestry, race, origin place, age, offence record,
disability, creed or origin (The Ontario Human Rights Code, 2019). The recognition of the
Canadian life as a culturally diverse life actually helps to establish the fact that whether socially
or at workplaces, all Canadians are part of the same diverse culture. The multiculturalism act was
itself very much influenced by the declaration of capital M multiculturalism by the Prime
Minister, Pierre Trudeau in 1971. The declaration was not just a law or code but was a national
outlook that guided the social perspectives of people on multiculturalism. It is important to
understand that the country was able to improve its cultural diversity as a result of the
declaration. This went on to tackle violence and intolerance.

3ADAPTING TO MULTICULTURALISM
References
Banks, J. A. (2015). Cultural diversity and education. Routledge.
Canada’s multiculturalism is our identity. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canadas-multiculturalism-is-our-
identity/
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/
The Ontario Human Rights Code. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-
human-rights-code