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True Canadians: Multiculturalism in Canada debated
Over the more than 30 years since it was declared national policy in Canada,
multiculturalism has meant different things to different people. For some, the
mosaic of Canada's diversity means the freedom to invent, reinvent and innovate
while drawing from a rich global cultural palate. For others, it has fostered a
ghettoization of ethnic and linguistic groups. Still others see it as a policy
yet to be taken seriously enough to challenge entrenched economic and
institutional divisions. Treasured, controversial or a promise yet to be
fulfilled -- multiculturalism remains a distinctly Canadian work-in-progress.
• Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau rose in the House of Commons on Oct. 8, 1971 to
accept all of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and
Biculturalism. The commission was charged with looking into how best to ensure
wider recognition of the bicultural and bilingual quality of Canada. But in
embracing the commission's advice to expand bilingualism, Trudeau noted that
there ought not be one cultural policy for Canadians of French and British
origin and another policy for everyone else. To this end, multiculturalism would
henceforth be official state policy.
• Trudeau concluded his address that day by stating: "I wish to emphasize the
view of the government that a policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual
framework is basically the conscious support of individual freedom of choice. We
are free to be ourselves. But this cannot be left to chance. It must be fostered
and pursued actively. If freedom of choice is in danger for some ethnic groups,
it is in danger for all. It is the policy of this government to eliminate any
such danger and to 'safeguard' this freedom."
• All three party leaders stood in reply and supported the government's new
policy. The leader of the Official Opposition, Tory Robert Stanfield, said he
was pleased with the declaration of this new principle acknowledging the
complexity of Canadian identity, but expressed concern that the government had
not acted quickly enough to implement it. NDP leader David Lewis expressed
unreserved support for the policy, while Social Credit leader Réal Caouette
applauded the announcement but maintained that he did not want to see it lead to
a nation made up of a Little England, Little France, Little Italy and so on.
• For more on the commission's report, please visit the CBC Digital Archives
topic The Road
to Bilingualism.
Medium: Television
Program: Hot Type
Broadcast Date: Sept. 14, 2004
Guest(s): Jonathan Bernard, Michael Bliss, Stefan Cihelka, Prashant John, Sherene Razack, Mina Shum, Lan Tung
Host: Adrian Harewood
Duration: 42:35
Program: Hot Type
Broadcast Date: Sept. 14, 2004
Guest(s): Jonathan Bernard, Michael Bliss, Stefan Cihelka, Prashant John, Sherene Razack, Mina Shum, Lan Tung
Host: Adrian Harewood
Duration: 42:35
Last updated: April 27, 2012
Page consulted on April 3, 2013
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