Multiculturalism in Canada

Ethnic and Racial Diversity in Canada

Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. Our society has always been pluralist and diverse and is bound to become even more so. Already approximately two-fifths of the Canadian population have one origin other than British, French or Aboriginal.

What is Multiculturalism?

In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt a multiculturalism policy. The Government of Canada subsequently passed the Employment Equity Act in 1986 and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988.

Founded on a long tradition of Canadian human rights legislation, the Multiculturalism Policy affirms that Canada recognizes and values its rich ethnic and racial diversity. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act gives specific direction to the federal government to work toward achieving equality in the economic, social, cultural and political life of the country. Through its multiculturalism policy, the Government of Canada aims to help build a more inclusive society based on respect, equality and the full participation of all citizens, regardless of race, ethnic origin, language or religion.

In a report of the UNESCO World Commission on Culture and Development, Canada's approach to multiculturalism was cited as a model for other countries. Canada is recognized today as a world leader in this field.

The Federal Government's Multiculturalism Program

In 1997, the Department of Canadian Heritage restructured the federal Multicultural Program. The renewed program works towards three main goals:

• identity - fostering a society in which people of all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and attachment to Canada;
• civic participation - developing citizens who are actively involved in shaping the future of their various communities and their country;
• social justice - building a nation that ensures fair and equitable treatment and that respects and accommodates people of all origins.

Campaigns and Promotional Activities

Promotional activities seek to improve public understanding of multiculturalism and racism and to encourage informed public dialogue and action on issues related to ethnic and racial diversity in Canada.

March 21 Campaign: "Racism: Stop It!"

The March 21 Campaign is at the heart of the Multiculturalism Program's activities. This nationwide campaign is intended to make the public aware of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The March 21 Campaign features a broad range of activities throughout the country, involving community groups, schools, school boards, colleges, universities, private companies, parliamentarians and media.

The Mathieu Da Costa Awards

In 1996, the Multiculturalism Program established the Mathieu Da Costa Awards as part of Parliament's official designation of February as Black History Month. This program encourages intercultural understanding and provides an excellent vehicle by which youth can develop an appreciation of the diversity and shared experiences that form the Canadian identity.

Multiculturalism in the Media

The Broadcasting Act, passed in 1991, affirms that the Canadian broadcasting system should, through its programming and the employment opportunities it creates, serve the needs of a diverse society and reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada.

The "mainstream" media is slowly coming to reflect the diverse nature of the country. Successful television programs, such as North of 60, Degrassi Junior High, Jasmine and Ces enfants d'ailleurs, are eloquent examples of this trend. The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television has a special Gemini award, called "The Canada Award / Prix Gemeaux du multiculturalisme," which is sponsored by the Multiculturalism Program. It honours excellence in mainstream television programming that best reflects the cultural diversity of Canada.

Ethnic radio and television broadcasting is also thriving in Canada. Thirteen full-service ethnic radio stations devote their programming to specific ethnic groups, notably the Italian, Ukrainian, German, Greek, Portuguese and Chinese communities. Toronto has a full-time ethnic television station which is available throughout Ontario. Five Canadian ethnic specialty and pay 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.

In the print media, ethnic newspapers have flourished across Canada for more than 80 years. 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, such as the Chinese version of Maclean's magazine.

Multiculturalism and Business

Canada's diversity is increasingly recognized as an asset in both the domestic and the international markets, and as a major contributor to Canadian economic prosperity.

The Conference Board of Canada has worked with other business, industry and trade associations to identify new ways for Canadian organizations to use Canada's linguistic and cultural diversity to their advantage at home and abroad. Also, the Business Development Bank of Canada consults regularly with ethnocultural business associations in major centres.

Canada's multicultural nature will become even more of an asset in the emerging global economy. Canadian companies already recognize the benefits and are drawing on the cultural diversity of our work force to obtain the language and cultural skills needed to compete successfully in international markets.

Artistic, Cultural and Creative Expression

Canada's arts and cultural institutions should serve the needs and reflect the contributions of artists and culture workers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Artists from all parts of the world today enrich the Canadian cultural scene. Many artists from diverse communities are not only seeking equitable access to cultural institutions which define and reflect who we are as Canadians; they are also articulating a new definition of Canadian culture, a new cultural model.

A growing number of writers from various ethnocultural origins are acclaimed in Canada and abroad. Nino Ricci won the Governor General's Award for his novel, The Lives of the Saints, film-maker Mina Shum's Genie award-winning film, Double Happiness, had an extensive North American theatrical release and Atom Egoyan's films have received worldwide acclaim. All three artists were supported by the Multiculturalism Program in the early days of their careers. Visual artists like Ed Poitras and Stan Douglas, by representing Canada at the prestigious Venice Biennial, are expanding and redefining the perception of the Canadian artist both within and outside Canada.

Multiculturalism is woven into the very fabric of Canadian life. By recognizing multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity and national heritage, Canadians of all cultural origins have the opportunity to contribute to the common goals of equality, sharing, social justice and economic prosperity.