LIBS1850 Multiculturalism Discussion 3: Evaluating Canada's Diversity

This discussion post examines the effectiveness of multiculturalism in Canada, arguing that while improvements are needed, the policy is generally working. The author highlights Canada's rich ethnic diversity and its role as a hub for multiculturalism, supported by the peaceful coexistence of various ethno-groups. The post acknowledges the loss of aboriginal identity as a complex issue, but notes the absence of major conflicts. The author uses the discussion 3 article and at least three course resources from throughout the term to support the arguments and provides a nuanced perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of Canada's multiculturalism, referencing factors such as the impact of immigration, cultural tolerance, and the potential for racism. The post concludes that while improvements are needed, the policy appears to be functioning adequately at present.

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

1MULTICULTURALISM
In terms of ethnicity, Canada has been always rich in diversity, consisting of ethno-
groups like Germans, Spanish, French, Irish, Scottish, and more ("Multiculturalism -- The
Distinguishing Factor That Makes Canada Great", 2019). This is what makes Canada a hub
for multiculturalism. This can be further supported by the fact that the country also has many
separate colonies, which are habited by various ethno-groups, and each of them live
peacefully within the shelter of one country. The purpose of this essay is to argue that
multiculturalism in Canada could be better, but in general is working.
The main argument in this regard is that the country has not been subject to any major
conflict in the recent past. It should be noted that the country recognizes and celebrates the
diverse ethno-cultural communities in the country, but does not attempt to adapt natives and
immigrants into the cultural mosaic of the country ("Multiculturalism -- The Distinguishing
Factor That Makes Canada Great", 2019). This has never led to a conflict within the Canadian
society.
However, one would argue in this regard that the identity of aboriginals in the country has
been a highly complex issue, pertaining to the factor of multiculturalism. This is because with the
influx of the immigrants in the country, there has been a loss of prominent identity of the
aboriginals in the country. All this indicates is the fact that there has been a loss in the historical
heritage in the country ("First Stories: Apples and Indians", 2019). Although the government
has been putting out legislations to protect that, it is important to note that at the present, there has
been no significant issue arising out of this.
According to Olson (2016), the main thing which has been to be recognized is the fact
that the culture of the aboriginals in the country has become more similar to those of the other
ethno-communities in the country, pertaining to the fact that these communities live closely to
one another. This indicates that the country has been highly tolerant towards multiculturalism in
the country.

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However, a CBC documentary suggests that the country has been highly prone to racism
("The Skin We're In", 2019). Here, it should be noted that the documentary takes only a few
specific communities and places into account, and hence, is not representative of the entire
Canadian multiculturalism policy.
Therefore, from the above discussion, it can be agreed that the policy of multiculturalism
in the country must be improved. However, since no major conflict or social distress can be
reported pertaining to the same, it can be safely said that the policy seems to working fine as of
now.

3MULTICULTURALISM
References
First Stories: Apples and Indians. (2019). Retrieved from
https://ra.ocls.ca/ra/login?url=https://www.nfb.ca/film/first_stories_apples_indians/
Multiculturalism -- The Distinguishing Factor That Makes Canada Great. (2019). Retrieved
from https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyjsemotiuk/2017/10/18/multiculturalism-the-
distinguishing-factor-that-makes-canada-great/#58bed5146b11
The Skin We're In. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/firsthand/m/episodes/the-skin-
were-in
Understanding Aboriginal Identity. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=IcSnbXmJ9V0