Discussion 3: Evaluating the Success of Multiculturalism in Canada

This discussion post evaluates the state of multiculturalism in Canada, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. The author defines multiculturalism and highlights its positive aspects, such as creating harmony and equal opportunities for diverse racial and cultural groups. The post references how Canada's multiculturalism policy, established in 1971, has led to a diverse society where various ethnic groups like Ukrainians, French, and those of English origin coexist. The assignment also discusses the impact of immigration and refugee influx on Canadian society, the amendment of laws to accommodate the growing population, and the overall benefits of multiculturalism, including peaceful coexistence and economic growth. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of fairness, equity, and the enforcement of human rights to promote diversity and inclusion. The post is based on the provided references and relevant course materials, fulfilling the requirements of the discussion assignment.

Running head: MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA 1
Multiculturalism in Canada
Name
Institution

MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA 2
Multiculturalism is a situation in which all the diverse racial or cultural groups
in a society have equivalent opportunities and rights and nobody is disregarded or
viewed as insignificant. This creates harmony in the society and people are able to
live in peace and work together towards a common goal without conflicts based on
their difference in race and culture (Semotiuk, 2017).
Multiculturalism has not thrived in most parts of the world especially in
England owing to their attempt to conform other people to have a similar culture like
theirs. The situation has been very different in Canada where multiculturalism has
flourished since 1971. Multiculturalism was acknowledged by the Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau owing to the developments as result of different races and people of
diverse culture working harmoniously to develop the state.
Canada as a state has various cultural groups living harmoniously, this
includes; the Ukrainians, the French and the People of English origin and others like
the Irish. In Canada the different culture are not considered when it comes to
prosperity of the state instead everyone is viewed as equal. For instance, the Irish are
one of the largest group in Canada composed of Jews, Muslims, Anglicans and
Catholics but they work together to improve Canada’s diverse culture and
development of the state hence making Canada different from other states. These
communities are based on predominant ethnic group but composed of people of
diverse culture and race. The impact of multiculturalism in Canada is vividly evident
on their current developments in infrastructure and rules regarding immigration
(Race, 2011).

MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA 3
During the world war many people were displaced forcing them to migrate to
other countries to look for shelter and jobs. This became a necessity for them to
survive. Some went to Canada as refugees while others went as immigrants. Due to
influx in population, Canada was forced to amend its laws so as to accommodate the
large population of refugees and immigrants (Fong, 2018). Subsequently they settled
and started having families and this led to increase in population. This people came
from various parts of the world. Given their population there was increase in man
power and task force creating the room for development and growth in Canadian
state. This development reflects the harmony existing among the many ethnic groups
living in Canada. The federal government also saw the need to amend their laws so as
to protect the other ethnic groups and to promote peaceful living (Chazan & Stanley,
2011).
In Canada multiculturalism has of massive benefit enabling the state to have
peaceful co-existence for a long time, Canada for a long time been known for its
progress and this is largely contributed to by the immigrants and the refugees who
have constantly contributed to the growth of Canada as a state. Canada is a safe place
for any person as there is no racism or any sort of discrimination.
In conclusion, it is of great importance to practice fairness and equity in the society
despite who the people surrounding are. The refugees and immigrants should be given
fair treatment just as others to avoid the feeling of being despised. The human rights
policy should also be enforced so as to endorse diversity with an aim of advancing
equity.

MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA 4
References
Semotiuk, A. J. (2017). Multiculturalism - The Distinguishing Factor That Makes
Canada Great. Retrieved from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyjsemotiuk/2017/10/18/multiculturalism-the-
distinguishing-factor-that-makes-canada-great/#645ec0306b11
Race, R. (2011). Multiculturalism and Education. London, United Kingdom: A&C
Black.
Chazan, M., Helps, L., Stanley, A., & Thakkar, S. (2011). Home and Native Land:
Unsettling Multiculturalism in Canada. Between the Lines.
Fong, V. (2018). Why does multiculturalism work in Canada? Retrieved from
https://medium.com/the-torontonian/why-does-multiculturism-work-in-canada-
d52ac4e23747