Canadian Multiculturalism Act

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act is a law, which was passed in 1988, aims to preserve and enhance multiculturalism in Canada.

Background

The federal government, under Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, declared in 1971 that Canada would adopt multicultural policy. Canada would recognize and respect its society included diversity in languages, customs, religions, and so on.^[1] In 1982 multiculturalism was recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was then enacted by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Content

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act affirms the policy of the government to ensure that every Canadian receives equal treatment by the government which respects and celebrates diversity. The Act also:

• recognizes Canada's multicultural heritage and that that heritage must be protected
• recognizes Aboriginal rights
• recognizes English and French remain the only official languages but that other languages may be used
• recognizes equality rights regardless of colour, religion, etc.
• recognizes minorities' rights to enjoy their cultures.^[2]

See also

• Multiculturalism in Canada
• Multicultural media in Canada
• Multiculturalism in Australia

References

Bill Waiser & Dave de Brou (1992). Documenting Canada: A History of Modern Canada in Documents. Saskatoon: Fifth House Publications.

External links

• Text at the Department of Justice Canada website
• Canadian Multiculturalism Act National Parole Board