11CanadaMulitcAT

Canadian Government and Multiculturalism

• Structure of Government

  • Canada is a multicultural constitutional monarchy with a democratic parliamentary system.

  • Composed of diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and belief systems.

  • Citizens recognize Queen Elizabeth II as the sovereign.

  • Uses a democratic system for local, provincial, and federal governance.

  • Follows Common Law legal system except Quebec, which uses Civil or Napoleonic Code.

• Guiding Principles

  • Peace, Order, and Good Government are the foundation of Canadian governance.

Evolution of Multiculturalism in Canada

• Official Policy Declaration

  • Multiculturalism declared as official policy in 1971 by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

  • In 1988, the Canadian Multicultural Act was enacted, acknowledging diversity in race, religion, and culture.

  • The Act emphasizes equality for all Canadians and preserves multicultural heritage.

Historical Context of Multiculturalism

• Three Phases of Multiculturalism

  1. Emerging Phase (pre-1971)

  2. Constructive Phase (1971-1981)

  3. Institutional Phase (1981-present)

• Indigenous Peoples

  • First Nations and Inuit have diverse languages and cultures.

  • Inuit mainly inhabit northern and Arctic areas, while First Nations are in prairie and woodland regions.

Multiculturalism Challenges and Success

• Revival of Indigenous Culture

  • Recent cultural resurgence includes teaching languages and customs, with increased political participation.

Factors Contributing to Multiculturalism

• Legal Characteristics

  • Combination of legal frameworks (Common Law and Napoleonic Code) and unique histories of ethnic groups influence multiculturalism.

• Role of Law

  • Law can empower or criminalize cultures; used historically for both oppression and justice.

• Cultural Defense Case

  • Example: Regina v. Kikkik (1958) where cultural context was considered in legal judgment.

Community Rights and Legal Cases

• Case of Sikh Officer

  • Baltej Singh Dhillon’s case for wearing a turban in RCMP led to recognition of rights under the Charter.

• Historical Injustices

  • Government apologies have been made for the historical mistreatment of various ethnic groups, including Chinese and Japanese Canadians.

  • The Japanese Canadian internment during WWII is a significant historical example.

Demographics and Immigration

• Cultural Diversity

  • Over 200 languages are spoken in Canada; official languages are French and English.

  • Approximately 250,000 immigrants arrive annually, with various demographic shifts over time.

Historical Immigration Waves

• Influences from numerous immigrant groups shaped Canadian society, including Japanese, Chinese, and individuals fleeing oppression.

• Key Events

  • Founding of New France, establishment of fur trade enriching French-Aboriginal relations.

  • The Hudson Bay Company’s impact on Canadian territory and indigenous populations.

Summary of Historical Events

• Events such as the Seven Years War, American Revolution, and Fenian Raids shaped Canada’s political landscape.

• Important legislation such as the Dominion Lands Act influenced settlement patterns and demographics in Canada.

Conclusion

• Canadian multiculturalism is a result of historical experiences, recognition of past injustices, and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights for all diverse groups.