Secularism In Canada

Canada is a country that sets an international standard for the acceptance of people of all cultures and ethnicities, that is why is not surprising that Canada adopted the official policy of multiculturalism in 1971. Canada became the first country in the world to officially adopt multiculturalism therefore linking all citizens and celebrating the multitudes of race, religion, and cultural ethnicities that exist throughout the country (Government of Canada 2012). The policy has been a topic of controversy amongst citizens and scholars due to the belief that it almost has a certain “un-nationalistic” quality that doesn’t put Canadian culture first when in fact, the policy is designed to incorporate all the varying cultures into one unified Canadian

Multiculturalism has played a significant role in Canada, since its establishment 40 years ago. Much of Canadian society is reflective of different cultures from around the world making multiculturalism a very relevant topic to Canadians. While it can be argued that the majority of Canadians are in favor of multiculturalism, there are some who hold a different opinion. Though some critics claim that multiculturalism promotes a form of ‘hyphenated Canadianism’ that exacerbates divisions in Canadian society based on such characteristics like ethnic, minority, or immigrant status, the social advantages such as how multiculturalism is a source of

With the multiculturalism policy in Canada, Pierre Trudeau declared its commitment to the principal of multiculturalism in 1971. In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adapt multiculturalism as an official policy. By doing so, Canada accepted the value of dignity of all Canadians regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliations. Multiculturalism has led to higher rates of naturalization than ever before. Immigrants can freely choose their new citizenship because they want to be Canadians.

Canada’s multicultural dynamic presents the country with a unique perspective unlike no other. The nation is made up of citizens with different heritages, traditions and practices that have positively integrated into Canadian society ever since the government began to acknowledge diversity within the country. This paper will argue that multiculturalism represents a qualitatively better approach to ethnic diversity than did the Canadian immigration and cultural policies that preceded it. Restricted immigration and aboriginal assimilation negatively affect the larger picture of Canadian culture in comparison to public policy supporting multiculturalism.

The Canadian identity is an ever changing idea that has drastically changed generation to generation to finally develop as what is known today as the “ethnic mosaic”. Canada has evolved from being a predominantly Caucasian country to one containing this “ethnic mosaic”; a mix of ethnic groups, and cultures that coexist within society. Here, Canadians, especially immigrants are free to express themselves and their culture without the fear of discrimination and have many opportunities to widen their horizons since this country has developed in this positive manner over the years. Contrary to Shastri’s beliefs, I believe that the ethnic mosaic is true and that Canada is a land of opportunities.

Canadian Multiculturalism Canada is a country with an unique cultural diversity. Unlike many other societies, Canada thrives on diversity, acceptance and respect values. Multiculturalism encourages new comers and people from different backgrounds to identify themselves as a part of the Canadian society. Therefore, giving everyone a voice and means to express their opinions.

Canada adopted multiculturalism as an official policy, which allows the value and dignity of all Canadians, regardless of their racial origins, language or religious affiliations. Plus the status of two official languages, French and English. Canada promotes multiculturalism by encouraging Canadians to participate in all aspects of life. Regardless of their background, anyone can participate in social, cultural, economic, and political affairs. Everyone is equal to one another. Everyone has the right to be heard. These rights are provided to us through our Canadian constitution and our charter of rights and freedoms. Some people come to Canada and have a history of hate towards an ethnic group. Promoting hatred is not permitted in Canada. You have the right to have your own ethnicity in Canada but you must also respect others right to do the same. Canada has experienced racial and ethnic tensions. But the majority of Canadians are fair minded. We will accept and respect them that will accept and respect us. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of religious expression. For those who are new comers to Canada, you may contribute to this country’s diversity. But you need to be prepared to live in a

With a population of over 30 million people Canada is one of the world’s largest and strongest economies, it is a very diverse and multicultural country. Canada is one of the world’s most pluralistic and active immigrant welcoming nations. Compared to every other Western democracy, Canadians are more likely to say that immigration is beneficial, and more likely to support multiculturalism and to view it as a source of pride. (The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada and Research Themes on Canadian Multiculturalism, 2008-2010. Ottawa: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2010.

A country built on immigration, Canada has long had a reputation of being culturally and ethnically diverse. While multiculturalism is meant to be built on equality and appreciation of different cultures, its concept has gained both support and opposition. On one hand, it allows for more assortment and the voices of minorities have a higher chance to be heard. On the other hand, loss of unity and conflicts may occur due to contrasting worldviews of the citizens. All in all, multiculturalism is a controversial policy that has both advantages and disadvantages, but has proven to be a successful strategy in Canada.

Canadians have a very peaceful reputation internationally, yet not many countries know much about the Canada. Save for the most prominent stereotypes of Canada, such as maple syrup, beavers or the cold, Canada’s reputation shows its citizens to be very polite, accepting and down-to-earth people. Canada as a country is seen as a place of opportunity, whether it be for jobs, education or a new start. It is seen as very progressive in its human rights laws and reputable in general. One of Canada’s biggest identifiers internationally is its multiculturalism. Approximately 250,000 people immigrate to Canada each year from all around the globe, making it a mosaic of different cultures, religions and races. Some people and countries

Canada’s annual rate of immigration has been the highest in the world since 1990 averaging 0.75 percent of the population and has had an important impact on the population size of Canada adding 3.9 million people between 1990 and 2006. Such increase in the immigration has huge effects on economic, demographic, social and political conditions in Canada that affect the quality of life of all Canadians including the past immigrants. Immigration to Canada can mainly be distinguished by three words: economics, ethnicity and race. Trade and command for Canadian goods and services handles the need for immigrants and the politics of race ascertain where those newcomers arrive from (Bearton, 2016).

The pressure placed upon multicultural often leads to questioning of its value and usefulness in building the Canadian nation. there have been far too many questionable call of ethics on behalf of the government in regardless to who has taken, or not been able to take up for role in the country. Historically we see this negative connotation follow distinct groups of people. Notably: Aboriginal with residential schools (thought interesting because they are now seen as founding peoples, yet the last residential school was only closed in the early 90s), the Chinese head tax, Japanese intermittent camps, the turning away of Jewish individuals during WWII. It becomes difficult to see how some of those “marginalized or minority” groups in Canada are able to find themselves, even today, in an inclusive, equal and democratic society when multiculturalism in public discourse often hold onto old or stereotypical understandings. It continues to act as an ongoing point of contention because of the lack of historical knowledge Canadians have, as well as the increasing lack of engagement day-to-day contemporary politics and national happenings. It acts as an ignorance, that ultimately has consequences on the nations moral as well as its multicultural policies. In order to progress as a society and nation, it becomes increasingly difficult to build the foundation on old understandings and not re-contextualize group and national identities in a 21st century context (Leung 1-2). Leung notes

Until the 1960’s, Canada’s image was one of complete devotion to the church. It had been an integral part of Canada’s culture, and the Catholic church had a massive hold on the citizens in Quebec especially. However, the baby boomers which followed WWII broke this trend. Since Canada is personified as a mosaic due to its multiculturalism, which is in itself a part of Canada’s culture today, it would be easy to make the assumption that religion does not play as vital a role as it did before the end of the war. Present day Canadians are very loosely interested in religion and spirituality and are not as influenced by the strict rules and traditions that their

Canada has become a mess; it is filled with countless dangerous criminals from various countries, and to make matter worst authorities have lost track of them. David B. Harris, the former Senior Manager for Canadian Security Intelligence Service, calls our immigration program a "death wish". As every year, a quarter of million immigrants and about 30,000 refugee claimants come to Canada. Therefore, Canada has a “parallel legal system based on Sharia (Muslim) law", so now one cannot deny that Muslim immigrants have played a vital role in transforming Canadian law according to their religious belief.

Canada’s identity comes in many shapes and forms. Multiculturalism has been adopted and is at the forefront of Canadian identity. Following the Second World War, Canada’s multiculturalism policies became more acceptable and even successful in, not only accepting, but inviting multiple ethnic cultures in. In contrast to other countries, multiculturalism adaptation works for the Canadian culture. Canadian policies on multiculturalism have shifted over the past few decades; policies are now implemented for integration, not discrimination.