On June 26, 2009, he Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day:
“Tomorrow marks Canadian Multiculturalism Day and I am proud to take this opportunity to reflect on how Canada’s cultural communities have contributed to our rich and diverse heritage, and to outline some of our accomplishments.
“This past year saw the 20th anniversary of the Multiculturalism Act. Since 1988, Canada has strived to make multiculturalism a success and recognize it as ‘a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity.’ Since Confederation, more than 15 million immigrants have arrived in Canada and our multicultural model of unity-in-diversity, which gives our country such strength, has taken shape.[read full statement here]
Here's an excerpt from Canadian Multiculturalism Act stipulating Multiculturalism Policy of Canada:
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.
It is further declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada that all federal institutions shall
Source: http://www.solon.org/Statutes/Canada/English/C/CMA.html(a) ensure that Canadians of all origins have an equal opportunity to obtain employment and advancement in those institutions; (b) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the ability of individuals and communities of all origins to contribute to the continuing evolution of Canada; (c) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the understanding of and respect for the diversity of the members of Canadian society; (d) collect statistical data in order to enable the development of policies, programs and practices that are sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada; (e) make use, as appropriate, of the language skills and cultural understanding of individuals of all origins; and (f) generally, carry on their activities in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada.
It is because of this Multiculturalism Policy that makes Canada and ideal place for immigrants.
