Canadian Multicultural Policy - Essay Example

Running head: Canadian multicultural policy Canadian Multicultural Policy (school) Canadian Multicultural Policy Introduction The Multicultural policy has been one of the more important additions to the social and political governance of Canada. It has been a major effort towards achieving and accepting the growing trends in the mingling, mixing, and interaction between and among the different cultural and ethnic groupings which inhabit the Canadian territories. Canada first set forth its multicultural policy in 1971 and it was the first nation in the world to adopt such a policy as an official part of its legislative mandates (Hier & Bolaria, 2006). The Multiculturalism Act of 1988 followed in the wake of the country’s original multiculturalism policy and rendered more support for the goals of multiculturalism. This study now seeks to establish the stated purpose of the Canadian multicultural policy. It also seeks to answer whether or not multiculturalism has been successful, and if it has, for whom it has been a success. This study is being undertaken in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s multicultural policy, including its impact and its implications in the current trends of globalization. Discussion The purpose of the multiculturalism policy of Canada is to “recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity” (National Capital Commission, n.d, p. 1). In effect, the policy also aims to call on federal institutions to carry out their programs and projects in due consideration of multiculturalism; and to implement various activities with a modicum of sensitivity and in response to the multicultural setting of Canada (National Capital Commission, n.d). In more detail, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act sets forth that the Canadian government acknowledges and supports the fact that multiculturalism expresses the cultural and ethnic diversity of their society and recognizes the right of the people to preserve and share their heritage (Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988). Their policy also acknowledges and supports the understanding that multiculturalism is a major characteristic of Canada’s society and that it helps shape the future of Canadian society. The policy also supports the holistic and equal participation of the people from various ethnicities in all aspects of Canadian society, assisting them in eradicating barriers to participation (Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988). The purpose of the act is also to recognize that various communities who share common origins exist in Canada and that they too contribute to the history and development of the country. The policy also helps guarantee that all individuals are treated fairly and protected equally under the law; and that their diversity is respected and valued (Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988). The policy also sets forth that the social, cultural, and political systems of Canada recognize and respect Canada’s multicultural nature; and that it also support the understanding and creativity which comes from the lively and dynamic interaction between individuals and communities (Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988). It also seeks to encourage the use of various languages, other than English and French. Multiculturalism as a policy also purposefully protects Canadians in the process of seeking employment, in seeking health care, and in availing of other programs and policies against discrimination by reason of their race or ethnic origins. In other words, the policy seeks to not only protect the cultural diversity in Canada, but also to promote such diversity in the different formal and informal facets of governance. Multiculturalism in Canada has generally been successful. This success is based on the multiculturalism efforts of other countries where Canada is considered to be more successful in implementing multiculturalism as compared to other countries. For one, recent studies indicate a high degree of mutual identification and acceptance of immigrants among native-born Canadians. “Canadians view immigrants as a key part of their own Canadian identity. Compared to every other Western democracy, Canadians are more likely to say that immigration is beneficial, less likely to believe that immigrants are prone to crime, and more likely to support multiculturalism and to view is as a source of pride” (Kymlicka, n.d, p. 2). A good majority (85%) of Canadians support the tenets of multiculturalism as part of their Canadian identity, and many immigrants have great pride in Canada, most especially its freedom, democracy, and its cultural diversity (Kymlicka, n.d). Based on political integration, multiculturalism in Canada also has a higher success rate as compared to other Western countries. Immigrants in Canada also have a higher chance of later becoming citizens (Kymlicka, n.d). These immigrants are also more likely to participate in politics as voters or even as candidates for office. It is this political participation which has earned Canada the reputation for having foreign-born citizens elected in their parliament more than any other country in the world (Kymlicka, n.d). Even as the number of foreign-born members of the Canadian parliament is lower than the percentage of foreign-born population, their number is still higher as compared to those in the US, Australia, or European nations (Kymlicka, n.d). This implies how truly engaged the foreign population is in the political machinations of their new country and how truly confident they are in their ability to contribute and participate in the political activities in Canada. In effect, the multiculturalism policy has been greatly integrated into the lives of the native-born Canadians and the foreign-born immigrants. This multiculturalism policy of Canada is also successful in the sense that, more than any other country in the world it is more receptive to migrant integration (Rao, 2007). Other countries offering asylum to refugees and other immigrants are sometimes encouraged to retain their original and native culture and language because they may eventually be sent back home to their native countries. This is not the case in Canada. It is more welcoming of refugees and of offering such refugees permanent homes. It “does not accept temporary asylum seekers. It selects those that want to settle permanently” (Rao, 2007, p. 6). This practice, in effect, helps to fulfill Canada’s policy on assisting migrant cultures in the process of integrating into the Canadian society. Canada’s multicultural policy is successful because it operates under a sophisticated political management. Canada’s point system helps ensure that the process of migration into the country meets the necessary details and requirements to support beneficial citizenship (Geibler, 2003). The migration system in Canada is able to distinguish between three possible migrants: refugees, family reunification cases, and independents and the assessment of each class of migrants are based on applicable variables and qualities. Moreover, the multicultural policy of Canada is also successful because it is based on what the migrants can contribute to the country – not based on the potential problems that they may bring (Geibler, 2003). In effect, these migrants are viewed in a positive, not a negative light. Finally, the integration process of minorities into Canadian society is based on the principle of unity within diversity. This process seeks a balance between the majority and the minority interests as it advocates the principles of respect and tolerance (Geibler, 2003). Multiculturalism has been successful for both the migrants and the native-born Canadians. Issues in relation to employment, criminal elements, education, and income have been raised as barriers in the success of multiculturalism. One of the sentiments of anti-immigrants is the notion that immigrants come to Canada in order to get the jobs of the native-born Canadians (Adams, 2007). But not all Canadians subscribe to this notion, and latest surveys reveal that only one in five Canadians support this idea. In relation to the contribution of these migrants to the criminal elements in Canada, only about 15% of native-born Canadians believe that migrants commit more crimes than native-born Canadians (Adams, 2007). Most Canadians also do not see migrants as prone to criminal activity. Even as multiculturalism seems to generally favor both the migrants and the native-born Canadians, it is important to note that there are still issues of lower income and lower employment rates among migrants (Adams, 2007). Latest surveys indicate that migrants earn less than two-thirds of the Canadian-born average income. In other words, even as the general policies of multiculturalism are successfully being implemented in Canada, its standards are still based on migrant standards – not based on standards equal to native-born Canadians. Conclusion Canada’s multicultural policy is mainly based on the policy of accepting, encouraging, and protecting the cultural diversity within the society and political context of Canada. In essence, it is about allowing a smooth and seamless integration between the native-born and the migrant population as far as the opportunities and processes of politics and society are concerned. In general, this policy has been successful because Canada is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world. No other Western nation has managed to successfully integrate migrants into its society as much as Canada has. Based on level of support from its native-born citizens, they also have the highest in the world. Canadians have embraced multiculturalism as a natural part of their lives and the migrants have also taken their newfound freedom to new levels. They have participated well in political undertakings, thereby ensuring that their voice as migrants and as Canadians is heard. Works Cited Adams, M. (2007) Multiculturalism ain’t broke. pp. 1-7. Toronto: York University Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988, section 1-2 Geißler, R. (2003) Multiculturalism in Canada - A Model for Germany?, pp. 1-7. Germany: University of Siegen Hier, S. & Bolaria, S. (2006) Identity and belonging: rethinking race and ethnicity in Canadian society. Ontario: Canadian Scholars’ Press, Inc., p. 163 Kymlicka, W. (n.d) The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada. pp. 1-2. Canada: Multiculturalism and Human Rights Branch National Capital Commission (2007) Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, p. 1. Rao, G. (2007) Multiculturalism in Canada and Austria: Paradoxes of Assimilation and Integration. “Fascination Canada” Night: A presentation to the Austrian-Canadian Society. SAS Radisson Hotel, Vienna, Austria, pp. 5-6. Read More