Adapting to Multiculturalism

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