The Canadian Multiculturalism Act states that all are equal under the law regardless of their race, national or ethnic origin, color, or religion. Canada was the first country in the world to legislate national multiculturalism. Under this policy, all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging. Citizens also have the freedom to preserve, enhance, and share their cultural heritage, and full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in all aspects of Canadian society is promoted. Diversity in Canada is deemed a national asset, and although its constitution allows all citizens equal rights and freedoms, it also requires equal responsibilities, a factor that has been overlooked. According to Robert Sibley of the Ottawa Citizen: Even Pierre Trudeau, the key architect of multiculturalism, regretted how multiculturalism had been warped to emphasize an immigrants identification with his country or culture of origin rather than his assimilation of a Canadian identity. At a private luncheon with MPs in the mid-1990s, Trudeau was asked whether multiculturalism had developed the way he hoped. He replied: No, this is not what I wanted. Given the neglect of the responsibilities component, multiculturalism in Canada (and elsewhere) is open to exploitation by special interest groups that threaten the countrys national identity and democratic heritage, in addition to homeland security. In Canada, this oversight also bears implications for its neighbor, the United States. Canada was forced to shut down the Iranian embassy in Ottawa after it was discovered to have been mobilizing Iranian immigrants to infiltrate the Canadian government, and spreading messages of propaganda and hate through cultural programs, under the directorship of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. gatestoneinstitute.org/4214/multiculturalism-responsibility
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:01:42 +0000
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