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Multiculturalism

History

The groundwork for a multicultural Canada was laid early in the country's history. Aboriginal society was multicultural and multilingual. The first French and British explorers who came to Canada in the 16th and 17th centuries interacted with the First Nations to build a unique Canadian heritage.

During the final decades of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th, many eastern and northern Europeans immigrated to Canada in search of land and freedom. During this same period, large numbers of Chinese and South Asians also came to Canada as labourers to work in the mines, on the railroad or in service industries.

Individuals from all over the world have settled in Canada, making it a truly multicultural country. In 1991, over 11 million Canadians (including Aboriginals), or 42 per cent of the Canadian population, reported having a least some ethnic origin other than British or French. Among the larger groups are German, Italian, Ukrainian, Dutch, Polish, Chinese, South Asian, Jewish, Caribbean, Portuguese and Scandinavian.

Education

Canada's education system has had to respond creatively to the cultural diversity of the people. Over 60 languages are spoken by more than 70 ethnocultural groups across the country. Many schools have students from 20 or more distinct ethnocultural groups. In Toronto and Vancouver, over half the students in public schools can speak languages other than English or French.

Multicultural and anti-racist education programs challenge the educational system at all levels to adapt itself to the diversity of its clientele to ensure equity and inclusiveness. At school, teachers bring their students to an understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Heritage language instruction is available in many communities. In some provinces and communities, heritage language classes are available in the schools. The federal government funds projects designed to promote innovative approaches to the teaching of heritage languages. It also supports the development of Canadian resources, expertise and educational materials for heritage language schools.

In addition, the Government has programs to promote institutional change in the educational system, multicultural research, ethnic histories and other documentary resources, and the development of courses and the creation of chairs of study on multiculturalism at Canadian universities.

Media

Active for more than 80 years, ethnic newspapers flourish across Canada. In Toronto alone, there are more than 100 daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly ethnic- language publications. More than 40 cultures are represented in Canada's ethnic press; many of these publications are national in scope.

Ethnic radio and television broadcasting in Canada is also thriving. Nine radio stations in five cities broadcast a large percentage of their weekly programming to specific ethnic groups, notably Italian, Ukrainian, German, Greek, Portuguese and Chinese. Toronto has a full-time ethnic television station. Three ethnic specialty television services are licensed, and more than 60 radio stations include ethnic broadcasting in their schedules. Numerous cable companies carry programming in a variety of languages on community channels.

Canada's Broadcasting Act, which obtained royal assent in 1991, enshrined the concept of access by minorities. The legislation affirms that the Canadian broadcasting system should, through its programming and the employment opportunities arising out of its operations, serve the need of a diverse society and reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada.

Business

Canada's diversity is increasingly recognised as an asset in both the domestic and international market, and as a major contributing factor to Canadian economic prosperity. Canadians who came here as immigrants have gained international acclaim in the business world and continue to make decisive contributions to Canada's wealth. According to data compiled by Canadian Heritage:

• in 1988, they brought some $6 billion to Canada;
• they are 50 per cent more likely to be self-employed than other Canadians;
• they save more, thereby expanding the pool of investment capital available in the country;
• they tend to consume less in public services, and few of them receive social assistance;
• immigrants have higher than average incomes and higher wages, therefore they pay more in taxes.

As a result of these contributions, far from being a drain on Canadian wealth, the average immigrant-headed household effectively transfers about $210 annually to the Canadian born population.

Aware of the potential opportunities of diversity in the business world, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce interacts with international commerce organisations. The Government's Federal Business Development Bank consults regularly with ethnocultural business associations in major centres.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has published a directory of contacts for businesses and governments wishing to network with the Canadian ethnocultural business community on domestic or international business matters.

The Arts

Artists with origins in all parts of the world now enrich the Canadian cultural scene. For example, an increasing number of writers of various ethnocultural origins have received national and international recognition, including the Governor General's and Booker prizes. Similarly, Canadians of diverse ethnocultural background are making

significant contributions to film, video, performance and visual arts in Canada.

Multicultural Programs

Community-based organisations and coalitions, as well as institutions, play a major role in the promotion of racial equity, cross-cultural understanding and civic spirit. Their efforts are supported by the Government's multiculturalism programs, which provide financial help and advice to ethnocultural community groups, agencies serving immigrants, immigrant women's groups and race relations coalitions, among others, as well as Canadian institutions and, in some cases, individuals.

Services to first-generation Canadians (citizens born elsewhere) providing information about Canada are a large part of many community-based programs. In partnership with the Canadian government, various institutions, including the police, the media, health and social services, unions and municipal governments, also participate in education programs designed to improve race relations and help people adapt to cultural diversity.

Law and Policy

While Canada's history contains examples of injustices toward minority groups, Canada's citizens, institutions and governments are actively working toward eliminating discrimination.

To enable all members of Canadian society to exercise fully, and with equity, their citizenship rights, responsibilities and privileges, Canada has developed concrete, forward-looking programs and laws.

In July 1988, the Government of Canada acknowledged and honoured the changing face of the country in ground-breaking legislation, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. The Act states that every citizen, regardless of origin, has an equal chance to participate in all aspects of the country's collective life. The legislation is designed to "encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character." The Act also gave the federal government responsibility for promoting multiculturalism throughout its departments and agencies.

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act is the culmination of a series of developments over the past two decades.

When multiculturalism became official government policy in 1971, a modest grants program was set up to assist community groups, coalitions, immigrant support networks and citizen advocacy groups.

• In 1972, a minister of state for multiculturalism was appointed.
• In 1977, the Canadian Human Rights Act was passed. It provides legal safeguards against discrimination based on several grounds including race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion or sex.
• In 1981, the multiculturalism mandate was expanded to include race relations.
• In 1982, multiculturalism and equality rights were enshrined in Canada's Constitution in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• In 1986, employment equity legislation was passed.
• In 1989, the Government launched an annual anti-racism campaign.

As well as federal government initiatives, since 1971 most provinces have established their own formal multiculturalism policies and programs.

Commitment

Canada's commitment to multiculturalism is more than words on paper or laws in Parliament. Multiculturalism is woven into the very fabric of Canadian life. By recognising multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of the country's identity and heritage, Canadians of all cultural origins have the opportunity to contribute to the common goals of equality, national unity, social harmony and economic prosperity.

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