Analyzing Canada's Civic Nationalism: A Political Science Essay

This essay delves into the concept of civic nationalism in Canada, contrasting it with ethnic nationalism. It explores how Canada's policies, particularly the Multiculturalism Act, promote cultural diversity and national cohesion. The essay examines the role of the government in fostering a sense of belonging among citizens from diverse backgrounds. It also discusses how the Canadian government's policies protect the heritage of its citizens and promote good relations with its neighbor states. The essay highlights the importance of socio-cultural diversity and social democracy within the Canadian context, emphasizing the nation's commitment to the fair treatment of immigrants and the protection of individual rights, which ultimately supports the claim that Canada is a civic state.

Running head: POLITICAL SCIENCE 104 1
Political Science
Name
Institution

Running head: POLITICAL SCIENCE 104 2
Why Canada Is Considered A Civic and Not an Ethnic Nation
In the beginning, most of the nations that existed had roots from particular ethnic groups; the
English people formed England and swiss formed Switzerland. The above notion in the people’s
minds was retrogressive and was changed by various liberals who saw the need to redefine how
an ideal state or society should look like. In their quest to redefine citizenship in Canada, they
belonged to particular races, had different gender, belonged to different ethnic groups, the result
of which were united by a symbol of the flag of the state and finally a citizen had got freedom
like any member of the country (Germane, 2012).
The assessment of civic nationalism in Canada and how it has progressed over the years helps
us in referring to Quebec and other similar cases that have occurred over time within the nation.
They have since immemorial advocated for civic nationalism due to cultural diversity that has
existed among its citizens. In the most famous cases in Quebec, Muslim public servants have
been barred from wearing their veils; this is a movement against all their patent additions in a bid
to promote peace ad avoid discrimination based on religion.
Promotion of different cultures which is a courtesy of the Canadian government has been to
ensure national cohesion among citizens both at individual and institution level, the nation in its
self-interest, can now better the lives of every citizen who lives in the state at different capacities
thus protecting their heritage (Lammert & Sarkowsky, 2010). The multicultural act in Canada
has insisted on the fair treatment of its immigrants to promote good relations with its neighbor
states.
Finally, the civic nationalist ideals go beyond individual needs that make coexistence
difficult, being ethnical makes people powerless at the end which is opposite in the case of
Canada, here socio-cultural diversity is promoted, social democracy and enhancing the group

WHY CANADA IS CONSIDERED A CIVIC AND NOT AN ETHNIC NATION 3
needs as per the state budgets (Holmes & Davidson, 2010). Who's Who in Canadian Business.
These efforts satisfy the claim that Canada is a civic state.

WHY CANADA IS CONSIDERED A CIVIC AND NOT AN ETHNIC NATION 4
References
Germane, M. (2012). Civic or ethnic nation? Two competing concepts in interwar Latvia.
Nations and Nationalism, 18(3), 439-460. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8129.2011.00533.x
Lammert, C., & Sarkowsky, K. (2010). Travelling Concepts: Negotiating Diversity in Canada
and Europe. Berlin, Germany: Springer Science & Business Media.
Holmes, G. K., & Davidson, E. (2010). Who's Who in Canadian Business 2001. Toronto:
University of Toronto Press.