Multiculturalism

Canada has enshrined in its legal system the Multiculturalism Act of 1982, which includes:

"MULTICULTURALISM POLICY OF CANADA"

3. (1) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to

(a) Recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage;

(b) Recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada's future;

(c) Promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation;

(d) Recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development;

(e) Ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity;

(f) Encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character;

(g) Promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins;

(h) Foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection and the evolving expressions of those cultures;

(i) Preserve and enhance the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada; and

(j) Advance multiculturalism throughout Canada in harmony with the national commitment to the official languages of Canada."

This remarkable legislation acknowledges that Canada is a Multicultural society with a mosaic of various communities of different cultures living together, each unique group free to pursue and maintain its cultural heritage.

This liberal acknowledgement of the presence of various groups with their separate cultural identities shows the level to which Canada is generously welcoming immigrants and making them at home with their cultural identities intact.

This makes Canada an enviable country to live in: the graciousness of Canada combined with the lenient approach of letting each group to live as they wish.

Each person is equal before the law: this while a lofty idea in itself, is only one of the rights guaranteed to all permanent residents as per the "Canadian charter of Rights and freedoms". The right to vote, the right to be a candidate in a Federal or Provincial election the right to live in any part of Canada and the right of free speech are some of the other rights granted in this charter.