Canada as a Nation-Sociology of Diversity: Issues for Canadians - Essay Example

Running head: Canada as a Nation-Sociology of Diversity Canada as a Nation-Sociology of Diversity: Issues for Canadians Insert Insert Grade Course Insert Tutor’s Name 19 June 2012 Canadians frequently have discussions where they talk about their identity and what it implies to be a Canadian. Perhaps Canadians continually ponder over this question since they are incessantly developing as a country. Conceivably, it is because of the sentiments that the globe is closer to home than ever before.

In essence, diversity has been an issue in the "Quebecois" nation creating a distinct social phenomenon that redefines the social diversity context of the nation (Soeters & Meulen, 2007). Canadians have had to contend with diversity issues touching on their identity as a nation because of the perception that perhaps the nation has been evolving. Ethnicity has undoubtedly been a central consideration in Canada’s social fragment, and the issue could have had dilapidating effects had it not been handled well.

Quintessentially, the mostly historically significant aspect of the expansive diversity issue in Canada has been the country’s ability to forge ahead and redefine itself. Originally occupied by Aboriginal communities, the protectorates which were to be part of Canada experienced dissimilar waves of immigration. This started with French followed by British occupation in the 17th century, and prevailed through the 18th-19th centuries with the movement of United Empire Loyalists escaping the newly established United States (Solomos & Collins, 2010).

This was followed by consecutive incidences of immigration from Europe in the late 19th century as well as towards mid 20th century, followed by other incidences of immigrants from numerous different countries in the past sixty years. Diversity has been essential in influencing Canada; for example, the Quebec Act of 1774 identified the legality of the French language, Roman Catholic faith, with French civil law in Quebec, although the country’s Aboriginal communities did not take pleasure in the same rights (Nootens & Lecours, 2009).

Immigrants assisted in "settling" the West, in addition to constructing the trans-Canada railway; however, they were often subjected to detrimental treatment.  In 1971, the Trudeau administration made Canada the initial country in the world to ratify an official Multiculturalism Policy, which was asserted by former leader Brian Mulroney's Multiculturalism Act of 1988. A variety of debates on Canada’s legal evolution have similarly centered on accepting diversity in the federation, together with the establishing of Canada itself, the Charlottetown agreement and Meech Lake proposals, and ongoing disputes on Aboriginal self-government.

Certainly, Canadian diversity persistently plays a noteworthy role as the globe has become more universal. Aboriginal communities now affirm their rights and independence at global forums; Quebec has its own seat at UNESCO along with other worldwide bodies and about 2.7 million Canadians - almost 10% of Canada’s populace - live overseas (Hasmath, 2011). Canada's multiplicity has directly and indirectly influenced some of our global policies. This includes: supporting democracy in a foreign country; sharing know-how in federalism, in undeveloped and former Soviet bloc nations; consultation on ruling and human rights; along with Canada's role in harmony building.

Other expressions include discussions with Diaspora organizations (e.g. Haitian-Canadians as well as Muslims) on post-conflict rebuilding and security. Diversity matters will continue to play a noteworthy role in the years ahead. The 2006 population sample indicates that 20% of the entire Canadian population is foreign-born - the uppermost proportion in seven decades. Of all rich countries, only Australia has an elevated proportion foreign-born. Sometime in the 2020-2046 stage, immigration is expected to account for all of Canada's population growth.

By Canada's 150th centenary in 2017, approximately one in five Canadians will be an associate of a visible minority; in addition, over 50% of the population of Toronto will be in the hands to a visible minority community. By 2017, more or less 4.1% of the Canadian inhabitants will be Aboriginal, and from 2001-2017, there will be a boost of 41.9% of youthful Aboriginal adults into the Canadian workforce (Colgan, 2002).  In conclusion, diversity has been a core issue among Canadians to the point of defining their cultural and national entity.

Conceivably, issues of ethnicity in Canada have been dire enough to warrant a national problem. However, the manner in which the nation has navigated around the issue and achieved ethnic diversity and contentment is commendable. As a result, Canada remains a case study regarding ethnic issues, diversity and their effect of the social fabric, as well as national identity. Currently, Canada remains an inherently diverse nation in the globe and statistics indicate more diversity in the coming years, thus, point towards ethnicity as a perennial parameter in the vast country.

It is evident though that the country has reinvented its identity and developed a cultural perspective that incorporates diversity issues as part and parcel of national identity and existence. The future will remain bright for Canada as regards cultural and ethnic diversity. References Colgan, F. (2002). Gender, Diversity and Trade Unions: International Perspectives. New York: Routledge. Hasmath, R. (2011). Managing Ethnic Diversity: Meanings and Practices from an International Perspective. New York: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

Nootens, G. & Lecours, A. (2009). Dominant Nationalism, Dominant Ethnicity: Identity, Federalism, and Democracy. London: Peter Lang. Soeters, J. & Meulen, V. (2007). Cultural Diversity in the Armed Forces: An International Comparison. Washington: Taylor & Francis. Solomos, J. & Collins, P. (2010). The Sage Handbook of Race and Ethnic Studies. London: Sage.