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Roberta L Jamieson, president and CEO of Indspire, 2017.

(Canadian Heritage/YouTube)

Early Life

Roberta Jamieson grew up and attended school on the Six Nations Grand River Territory reserve near Brantford, Ontario. She was part of a close-knit family of eight brothers and sisters. Her Mohawk father, Robert Jamieson, ran Bobby's Diner at Six Nations, where elders debated politics and listened to music. He toured as a musician with the United Service Organization in the Second World War. Robert Jamieson died of heart disease at 48 when Roberta was 13. Her mother, Phyllis McCann, was second-generation Irish and came from the Ottawa Valley. She met Robert Jamieson while working as a nurse at Six Nations.

Education and Early Activism

Roberta Jamieson entered McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, in 1970, where she planned to study medicine. At McGill, she helped the James Bay Cree defend their traditional hunting and fishing grounds against flooding by the Quebec government's James Bay hydroelectric dam. While a student, she debated the dam's related land-claim issues with Jean Chrétien, who was then minister of Indian Affairs.

Jamieson became executive assistant to George Manuel, chief of the National Indian Brotherhood. Her activism strengthened her desire to defend Indigenous rights, and she changed her studies from premedicine to law.

Decades later, Jamieson said, "I couldn't understand why our people should accept all those outside people coming to our territory to tell us how to live or to make decisions for us... I knew from an early age that I was going to do something to change it. I have worked my entire life to build a Canada in which Indigenous people can once again find their rightful place."

Jamieson received her law degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1976. This made her the first Indigenous woman in Canada to graduate from law school.

Indigenous Rights and Self-Government

After graduation, Roberta Jamieson became part of the Canadian Indian Rights Commission secretariat. From 1978 to 1982, she worked at the Indian Commission of Ontario as executive assistant to the commissioner, senior policy advisor and senior mediator.

During that period, she also served as speaker for the All-Chiefs Conference. The Canada-wide conference was an important step in the transformation of the National Indian Brotherhood into the Assembly of First Nations.

DID YOU KNOW?
Roberta Jamieson brought her daughter Jessica, then age two, to the All-Chiefs Conference. During a tense discussion regarding land claims, self-government and the constitution, Jessica piped up from the back of the room, "Mom, are you done yet?"

In 1982, Jamieson became the first nonparliamentarian appointed to a House of Commons committee. This Special Task Force on Indian Self-Government produced the Penner Report in 1983, which outlined a viable framework for Indigenous self-government.

Jamieson also chaired the legal group that advised the Assembly of First Nations during the First Ministers' Conferences following the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982. In all, she spent a decade working in mediation between First Nations groups and the federal and provincial governments. It was this experience that led to her appointment as ombudsman of Ontario.

Ombudsman of Ontario 1989-99

In 1989, Roberta Jamieson became the first woman appointed ombudsman of Ontario. She served in the role for 10 years. As ombudsman, she helped to investigate and resolve complaints by members of the public about government organizations, municipalities, universities and school boards.

Jamieson was also a founding president of the Canadian Ombudsman Association. As vice-president of the International Ombudsman Institute, she travelled globally to help other nations develop mechanisms to monitor their respective governments.

Chief of Six Nations, 2001-04

In 2001, Roberta Jamieson became the first woman elected chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. The election marked a significant change in leadership on the reserve. With nine new councillors and three incumbents, Jamieson sought to create a more inclusive system of decision-making, a conflict resolution mechanism and a separation between the nations' politics and its administration.

Two years later, she stood for election as leader of the Assembly of First Nations. She finished ahead of incumbent chief Matthew Coon Come but lost to Phil Fontaine.

President of Indspire, 2004-present

In 2004, Roberta Jamieson became president and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (now Indspire), an organization that supports culturally relevant education for Indigenous youth in Canada. She is also executive producer of the annual Indspire Awards.

Under Jamieson's leadership, Indspire provides mentorships, bursaries and scholarships to ensure that more youth on reserve graduate high school. The organization helps educators, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, validate students' Indigenous identities and ways of learning to strengthen their sense of inclusion in a larger community. "We need to bust the myths and stereotypes about our people that continue to abound," Jamieson remarked in a 2016 interview with Chatelaine magazine.

Charitable Activities

Roberta Jamieson is a founding board member of the Canadian Native Law Students Association. She is also the founding chair of ImagineNATIVE, an international media arts festival that showcases the work of Indigenous artists in an array of digital formats.

Jamieson was a founding board member of the Centre for Research in Women's Health, a board member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, a member and vice-chair of the Health Council of Canada, the Ontario Press Council and the Canadian Policy Research Network. Jamieson has served as an advisory committee member to the Minister of Heritage Canada on the National Gathering on Aboriginal Artistic Expression and on the National Gathering on Cultural Tourism. She also sits on the board of the Empire Club of Canada.

Personal Life

Roberta Jamieson lives with her Seneca husband Tom Hill at Six Nations. Hill is a globally recognized scholar and curator of Indigenous history and culture who received a Governor General's Award in 2004. Their daughter Jessica attended McMaster University. They have a granddaughter, Daisy.

Awards and Honours

Outstanding Contribution Award, National Indian Brotherhood (1977)

Keepers of Our Culture Award, First Nations Women in Canada (1984)

Goodman Fellow, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto (1991)

Mary Parker Follett Award, International Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (1992)

Member of the Order of Canada (1994)

Golden Eagle Feather Award, National Association of Friendship Centres (1997)

National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Law and Justice)

Harmony Award (2002)

Deo Kernahan Memorial Award, Urban Alliance on Race Relations in Toronto (2002)

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)

Indigenous Peoples Council Award, Indigenous Bar Association (2001, 2012)

David C. Smith Award, Council of Ontario Universities (2014)

Officer of the Order of Canada (2016)

Women of Distinction Award, YWCA (2016)

Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, Women's Executive Network (2009, 2010, 2016)

Inter-American Award, Conference of the Americas on International Education (2017)

Indigenous Women in Leadership Award, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (2018)

Honorary Degrees

Honorary LLD, Dalhousie University (1990)

Honorary LLD, Carleton University (1991)

Honorary LLD, McMaster University (1991)

Honorary LLD, University of Windsor (1991)

Honorary LLD, University of Western Ontario (1993)

Honorary LLD, Wilfrid Laurier University (1993)

Honorary LLD, Lakehead University (1998)

Honorary LLD, University of Sudbury (2000)

Honorary LLD, Ryerson University (2003)

Honorary LLD, Law Society of Upper Canada (2003)

Honorary LLD, York University (2003)

Honorary LLD, University of Guelph (2004)

Honorary LLD, University of Toronto (2004)

Honorary LLD, University of Waterloo (2005)

Honorary LLD, Trent University (2006)

Honorary LLD, Brock University (2008)

Honorary EdD, Nipissing University (2009)

Honorary DHumL, Mount Saint Vincent University (2010)

Honorary LLD, McGill University (2011)

Honorary LLD, Memorial University of Newfoundland (2012)

Distinguished Citizen Honorary BA, MacEwan University (2012)

Honorary LLD, Vancouver Island University (2012)

Honorary Diploma, Fanshawe College (2014)

Honorary DD, Huron University College (2015)

Honorary LLD, Mount Allison University (2016)

Honorary DTech, BC Institute of Technology (2019)

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Roberta L Jamieson, president and CEO of Indspire, 2017. (Canadian Heritage/YouTube) Roberta Jamieson grew up and attended school on the Six Nations Grand River Territory reserve near Brantford, Ontario. She was part of a close-knit family of eight brothers and sisters.

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Why Learn About Web Accessibility

Video: AODA Background by The Chang School

For those studying the materials here from Ontario, Canada, we'll provide occasional references to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For those outside Ontario, you might compare AODA's web accessibility requirements with those in your local area. They will be similar in many cases, likely based on the W3C WCAG 2.0 Guidelines. The goal in Ontario is for all obligated organizations to meet the Level AA accessibility requirements of WCAG 2.0 by 2021, which, ultimately, is the goal of most international jurisdictions.

The AODA provided the motivation to create this resource. All businesses and organizations in Ontario with more than 50 employees (and all public sector organizations) are now required by law to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities (currently Level A). Many businesses still don't know what needs to be done in order to comply with the new rules. This materials here aim to fill some of that need.

The AODA has its roots in the Ontario Human Rights Code, introduced in 1990. It essentially made it illegal to discriminate based on disability (among other forms of discrimination). The development of the AODA began in earnest in 1994 with the emergence of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA). Its aim was to legislate the removal and prevention of barriers that inhibit people with disabilities from participating as full members of society, improving access to employment, goods and services, and facilities. The Act was secured as law in 2001.

With the election of a new government in 2003, the movement that brought us the ODA sought to strengthen the legislation. The Accessibility Standards Advisory Council was established, and the AODA was passed as law in 2005, and in July of 2011 the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) brought together the 5 standards of the AODA covering Information and Communication, Employment, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces, in addition to the original Customer Service standard.

The AODA sets out to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025, with an incremental roll-out of accessibility requirements over a period of 20 years. These requirements span a whole range of accessibility considerations - from physical spaces to customer service to the Web, and much more.

Our focus here is on access to the Web. The timeline set out in the AODA requires government and large organizations to remove all barriers in web content between 2012 and 2021. The timeline for these requirements is outlined in the table below. Any new or significantly updated information posted to the Web must comply with the given level of accessibility by the given date. This includes both Internet and intranet sites. Any content developed prior to January 1, 2012, is exempt.

Government

January 1, 2012 (except live captions and audio description)

January 1, 2016 (except live captions and audio description)

January 1, 2020 (including live captions and audio description)

Designated Organizations*

Beginning January 1, 2014, new websites and significantly refreshed websites must meet Level A (except live captions and audio description)

January 1, 2021 (except live captions and audio description)

*"Designated organizations" means every municipality and every person or organization as outlined in the Public Service of Ontario Act 2006 Reg. 146/10, or private companies or organizations with 50 or more employees, in Ontario.

For more about the AODA, you can review the following references.

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Accessibility Law: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

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Why Learn About Web Accessibility Video: AODA Background by The Chang School For those studying the materials here from Ontario, Canada, we'll provide occasional references to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For those outside Ontario, you might compare AODA's web accessibility requirements with those in your local area.

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Listen to Canadian Council for Refugees members share their journey:

Joining the Canadian Council for Refugees

Since 1978, we have been a key voice on refugee protection and newcomer settlement in Canada. Jointhe CCR and becomepart of a vibrant national network of 200 organizations committed to the rights and protection of refugee and other vulnerable migrants and the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada.

We work together to advocate for the rights of refugees and immigrants to the public, parliamentarians, government agencies and the media. The CCR provides opportunities for members to network, share knowledge and address specific issues affecting refugees and immigrants in Canada and around the world.

Our members' issues get on the immigration and refugee policy agenda in Canada: The CCR engages in dialogue with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, the Immigration and Refugee Board and other levels of government to resolve problems affecting refugees and vulnerable migrants to Canada.

Who are CCR members?

For reasons of continuity, participation and commitment we seek organizations as Members. Individuals can become Associate Members.

To be eligible for CCR membership, your group must be a Canadian non-profit organization concerned for the rights of refugees and other vulnerable migrants and for the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada.

Why CCR members are important:

The CCR exists because of our members: they are our strength.

CCR members:

Bring forward problems facing refugees and other newcomers

Share best practices to resolve similar issues faced by others

Contribute to CCR research and reports documenting needs for policy change

Advocate for change locally and nationally

Work to shape public opinion through local outreach with members of the public and the media

Learn more about the CCR, how you can get involved and about CCR membership benefits.

Know an individual or an organization that would make a great CCR member? Share these reasons to join the CCR with them.

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Membership and Joining the CCR | Canadian Council for Refugees

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Listen to Canadian Council for Refugees members share their journey: Joining the Canadian Council for Refugees Since 1978, we have been a key voice on refugee protection and newcomer settlement in Canada. Jointhe CCR and becomepart of a vibrant national network of 200 organizations committed to the rights and protection of refugee and other vulnerable migrants and the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada.

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Imagine-toi en train de faire le tour de la Terre dans une navette spatiale... Tu vois dehors un objet brillant et étrange. Tu aimerais bien aller le chercher, mais à cause de l'absence de gravité, tout ce que tu veux prendre s'éloigne dès que tu y touches !

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ONexplique - Comment je fais pour garder ma culture africaine au Canada? #ONIVA!

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The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, created for the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism in Canada, became law on July 21, 1988.

It acknowledges the contributions of Canadians of all origins and their communities to the building of Canada and reminds us of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship set out in Canadian legislation.

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act encourages us to work together to build a society in which principles of multiculturalism are fully realized.

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 elimination of any barriers to such 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 evolving expressions of those cultures;

(i) reserve and enhance the status and use of the official languages of Canada; and

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

Bill 39 - 1993

British Columbia Multiculturalism Act

The following are the purposes of this Act:

(a) to recognize that the diversity of British Columbians as regards race, cultural heritage, religion, ethnicity, ancestry and place of origin is a fundamental characteristic of the society of British Columbia that enriches the lives of all British Columbians;

(b) to encourage respect for the multicultural heritage of British Columbia;

(c) to promote racial harmony, cross cultural understanding and respect and the development of a community that is united and at peace with itself;

(d) to foster the creation of a society in British Columbia in which there are no impediments to the full and free participation of all British Columbians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of British Columbia.

This information regarding B.C. Human Rights Law and Federal Multicultural Legislation was copied with permission from Celebrating the Mosaic: A Handbook and Guide to Resources for Diversity Education, Third Edition produced by the Consortium on Diversity Education (CODE).

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The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, created for the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism in Canada, became law on July 21, 1988. It acknowledges the contributions of Canadians of all origins and their communities to the building of Canada and reminds us of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship set out in Canadian legislation.

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Multicultural mural at Bramblewood Elementary School (British Columbia). Designed by Tammy Pilon and painted with the help of elementary school children.

Background

The initial idea behind multiculturalism was brought to popular attention by John Murray Gibbon's 1938 book Canadian Mosaic: The Making of a Northern Nation, which challenged the US-born idea of cultural assimilation, known as the "melting pot." However, it was not until the 1960s that multiculturalism emerged as an object of national conversation about Canadian identity.
The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism
The origins of Canada's multiculturalism policy can be found in the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (1963-69).

The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism was appointed to investigate the state of bilingualism and biculturalism in Canada. The commission was a response to the growing unrest among French Canadians in Quebec, who called for the protection of their language and culture, and opportunities to participate fully in political and economic decision making (see Quiet Revolution). The commission's findings led to changes in French education across the country, the creation of the federal ministry of multiculturalism and theOfficial Languages Act (1969).

Two years later, in 1971, Canada's multiculturalism policy was adopted. The policy acknowledged that Canadians come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and that all cultures have intrinsic value. In a speech in the House of Commons in April of 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau introduced it as "a policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework," a policy that would complement the Official Languages Act by facilitating the integration of new Canadians into one or both of the official language communities. "Although there are two official languages, there is no official culture," said Trudeau.

Multiculturalism was not welcomed by everyone. Opposition to the federal multiculturalism policy was strongest in the province of Quebec.

Evolution of Multicultural Policy in Canada

Federal multicultural policies and programs have evolved considerably since they were first introduced in 1971.
Ethnicity Multiculturalism (1970s)
The initial approach taken by the government might be described as "ethnicity multiculturalism." During the early 1970s, financial assistance was extended to certain ethno-cultural organizations for the promotion of cultural heritage. Modest support was provided for folkloric and artistic ethno-cultural expression.

Early opponents of federal multiculturalism argued the program discouraged social integration. Some charged that the real purpose of the funding was to secure political support from ethnic minority populations. Despite such criticisms, multiculturalism remained popular with Canadians, though to a lesser extent in Quebec.
Equity or Rights-Based Multiculturalism (1980s)
Prior to 1970, much of Canada's immigration was from European countries. However, the Immigration Act of 1976 lifted some restrictions on immigration from non-European countries ( see Immigration Policy in Canada). The ensuing shift in demographics prompted calls to rethink multicultural policies with a focus on the need to combat discrimination. There were also calls to move away from supporting the cultural and/or folkloric expression of ethnic groups. As a result, equity or rights-based multiculturalism increasingly defined the policies and programs of the 1980s.

The 1982 patriation of the Canadian Constitution added a Charter of Rights. Section 27 stipulated that the Charter "shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians." While the section created a basis for how other sections might be applied, it did not provide a legislative framework for multicultural policy and therefore did not prescribe what government had to do to implement and advance multiculturalism. But many Canadians began to associate multiculturalism with other basic and rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

However, the Quebec government did not sign the 1982 Constitution. And so, in 1987, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's Conservative government sought the agreement of all provinces to amend the constitution with an offer of recognition for Quebec's distinct character ("distinct society"). Known as the Meech Lake Accord, the proposed constitutional amendment also called for the recognition of official language minorities, including the "recognition that the existence of French-speaking Canadians...constitutes a fundamental characteristic of Canada." Meech Lake did not affect any of the provisions of the constitution that relate to Indigenous peoples in Canada or section 27 of the Charter, which related to multiculturalism ( see also Meech Lake Accord: Document).

The Accord failed to secure the required consent of all provinces. Nevertheless, in 1988 the federal government passed the Multiculturalism Act (Bill C-93). It was aimed at promoting "the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society."

In the late 1980s, concerns resurfaced about Canadian unity. Some opponents of multiculturalism believed that ethnic minority attachments to the cultures of their countries of origin were the main threat to Canadian identity. In their view, multiculturalism encouraged divisive dual and multiple identities and, in so doing, prevented citizens from simply describing themselves as Canadians.
Anti-Racism/Anti-Discrimination Multiculturalism (1990s)
During the 1990s, federal multiculturalism policies and programs placed greater emphasis on eliminating barriers to economic and social participation of immigrants and designated minority groups. In 1995, the federal government passed employment equity legislation that, among other things, required that information be gathered in order to determine the degree of the underrepresentation of persons in designated groups, notably the country's visible minorities. Since 1996, the census has collected information about visible minorities in Canada and multiculturalism aimed at eliminating racism and discrimination, assisting institutions to become more responsive to Canada's diversity.

Public Discourse on Canadian Multiculturalism

There are many examples of critics and champions of multiculturalism in Canada. Here are two:
Neil Bissoondath
With his 1994 publication Selling Illusions: The Cult of Multiculturalism in Canada, author Neil Bissoondath emerged as one of Canada's most outspoken public critics of multiculturalism. He argued that the policy undermined Canada's bicultural nature and thereby undermined Canadian identity ( see Canadian Identity and Language). He insisted that the encouragement of ethnic differences led immigrants to adopt a "psychology of separation" which created distinct communities and prevented newcomers from becoming fully part of the mainstream culture. He suggested that this threatened Canadian unity and cohesion.
Will Kymlicka
With his 1995 book Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights, philosopher Will Kymlicka emerged as one of the leading proponents of multiculturalism. He articulated a typology of minority rights, which includes self-government rights (for Quebec), special representation rights (for Indigenous peoples) and polyethnic rights (which he defines as legal and financial support for the protection of specific cultural practices). In a later publication, Finding Our Way: Rethinking Ethnocultural Relations in Canada (1998), Kymlicka presented evidence that multiculturalism did not decrease the rate of immigrant integration. Using data on naturalization rates for immigrants, levels of political participation among ethnocultural groups, and rates at which new Canadians can speak an official language and rates of intermarriage, Kymlicka argued that the multiculturalism policy has worked, and that there is no evidence that it has promoted ethnic separateness.

Multiculturalism in Quebec
Initial Rejection of Multiculturalism in Quebec
As mentioned earlier, multiculturalism was not welcomed by everyone in Canada. Opposition to the federal multiculturalism policy was strongest in Quebec, the only province in which French is the majority language. For example, premier Robert Bourassa insisted that the federal policy was founded on a questionable dissociation of culture from language. He argued that the policy of multiculturalism was not suited to the majority-French province. Claude Ryan, then-publisher of the Quebec French-language newspaper Le Devoir, warned that federal multicultural policy challenged the recognition of Canada's two founding peoples (the English and the French). Many Quebecers expressed concerns that multiculturalism seemed to place French culture on an equal footing with all other ethno-cultural groups.
Charter of the French Language (1977)
In 1977, the government of Quebec introduced the Charter of the French language (Bill 101) which made French the province's official language. In contrast with the federal model of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework, Bill 101 was described as unilingual and culturally pluralist. In an article titled "Ethnic Minorities in the New Québec" published in 1978, Camille Laurin, Bill 101's chief architect, explained that in order to live together in the same nation, different ethnic groups must be able to speak and understand each other using French as the common language. "Hence," he added, "a national language and common culture are useful, although they do not preclude the continued use of ethnic languages and maintaining of individual cultures."

Bill 101 addressed a widely held concern among many francophones that without language legislation, newcomers would inevitably integrate into the English-speaking community while selectively retaining their ethnic identities. In 1978, under the Cullen/Couture agreement, the government of Canada transferred responsibility to the Quebec government for the selection of economic immigrants and the province thus assumed increased authority for programs in the area of newcomer integration and cultural retention ( see Quebec Immigration Policy.)

Lévesque founded the Parti Québécois.
"Many Ways of Being a Quebecer" (1981)
Under Premier René Lévesque, in 1981 the Parti Québécois formally rejected federal multiculturalism. In its place, the government of Quebec proposed a policy of "cultural convergence." The policy was entitled "Many ways of being a Quebecer." Its principal objective was to "ensure the maintenance and development of cultural communities and their specificities, make French-speaking Quebecers aware of the contribution of cultural communities to our common heritage and finally promote the integration of cultural communities in Quebec society and especially in sectors where they are particularly underrepresented."

Some critics suggested that the Quebec government's policies and programs regarding the province's ethno-cultural communities looked somewhat like multiculturalism in the French language, and thus resembled what the federal government had introduced in the previous decade.
The Bouchard-Taylor Commission on Reasonable Accommodation (2007-08)
In Quebec, the public discussion over the accommodation of religious diversity has been especially vocal. In 2007 Liberal Premier Jean Charest announced the creation of a provincial Commission to investigate the issue of accommodating cultural and religious differences. Over several months, Commission co-chairs Gérard Bouchard and Charles Taylor heard public testimony from Quebec francophones denouncing multiculturalism.

In their report, the Commissioners noted that "multiculturalism is presented as though it solely takes into account recognition and affirmation of difference with no regard for integrating elements such as the teaching of national languages and intercultural exchange programs. It is this truncated version of multiculturalism that often prevails in Quebec, as though this model had not evolved in Canada since its adoption nearly 40 years ago."

The Commissioners concluded that the Canadian multiculturalism model was not well adapted to conditions in Quebec. They proposed that Quebec opt for a model of interculturalism with the stated intention of "reconcil[ing] ethnocultural diversity with the continuity of the French-speaking core." Through the institution of French as the "common public language" of Quebec and promoting cross-cultural interaction, an intercultural model was said to "afford security to Quebecers of French-Canadian origin and to ethno-cultural minorities and protects the rights of all, in keeping with the liberal tradition." They also pointed to the need to clearly define the lines of separation of religion from government. The Commissioners recommended a ban on persons wearing religious symbols in what were referred to as positions of authority, notably judges, Crown prosecutors, prison guards and police officers. Nine years after the Report was issued, co-chair Charles Taylor revisited his stand and argued that such a ban was no longer required.

Multiculturalism in the Early 21st Century

Most Canadians think of multiculturalism as a demographic reality that acknowledges the diverse ethnic makeup of the Canadian population. However, there is ongoing debate over the message that multicultural policy conveys to Canadians, particularly to immigrants.

Over its first 30 years, the principal challenges confronting multiculturalism involved reconciling support for ethnic diversity, the preservation of the French language and the promotion of Canadian identity. While such debates have persisted into the 21st century, they've largely given way to the view that the message of multiculturalism promotes excessive accommodation of cultural and religious diversity at the expense of promoting social cohesion and common values. Others see the multicultural message as discouraging newcomers from adopting Canadian values. This, in turn, makes them less likely to participate in the mainstream culture and society and encourages the creation of ethnic ghettos.

In recent years, there has been a greater acknowledgement and acceptance of mixed and multiple identities in Canada. While most Canadians appear favourable to the ideal of multiculturalism, research suggests that support for the accommodation of religious diversity is more divided.

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Multicultural mural at Bramblewood Elementary School (British Columbia). Designed by Tammy Pilon and painted with the help of elementary school children. The initial idea behind multiculturalism was brought to popular attention by John Murray Gibbon's 1938 book Canadian Mosaic: The Making of a Northern Nation, which challenged the US-born idea of cultural assimilation, known as the "melting pot."

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ONexplique - Quelles sont les grandes inventions canadiennes ?

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The Canadian Multiculturalism Act ( French: Loi sur le multiculturalisme canadien) is a law of Canada, passed in 1988, that aims to preserve and enhance cultural diversity, i.e. multiculturalism, in Canada.

On 8 October 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau declared in the House of Commons of Canada that, after much deliberation, the policies of bilingualism and multiculturalism would be implemented in Canada. In other words, the Government of Canada would recognize and respect its society including its diversity in languages, customs, religions, and so on. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): "In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy." One result of this policy statement was the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1985.

In 1982, multiculturalism was recognized by section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act was subsequently enacted by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

The preamble of the act declares that,

WHEREAS the Constitution of Canada provides that every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination and that everyone has the freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association and guarantees those rights and freedoms equally to male and female persons...

The multiculturalism policy allows citizens to practice their religions and keep their identities without the fear of official persecution. It is believed by some that without this fear, Canadians are more willing to accept different cultures. The policy, therefore, emphasizes a mutual respect between ethnicities and also acceptance of one's personal beliefs.

This policy guarantees equality before the law and for pursuing opportunities whether personal, career, or in any other field. This means anyone of any race or ethnic origin is capable of pursuing his or her interests without persecution. Canadian law, as a result, reflects many of these rights and belief as they guaranteed to all men and women. All of these rights are guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which is part of the Canadian Constitution.

The Parole Board of Canada writes that the act has two fundamental principles:

All citizens are equal and have the freedom to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage.

Multiculturalism promotes the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in all aspects of Canadian society.

The act binds the federal government and its institutions to encourage, facilitate, assist and undertake several high-minded goals. The Minister may also enter into agreements with provincial and foreign governments to promote these goals. Other ministers may enter into agreements with the provinces. The "Canadian multiculturalism advisory committee" is established in Section 7, and the Minister is charged with the annual composition of a report on the operation of the act.

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act affirms the policy of the Government of Canada 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 this 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 race, religion, etc.

recognizes minorities' rights to enjoy their cultures.

Section 3 (1) of the act states:

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.

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Canadian Multiculturalism Act - Wikipedia

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The Canadian Multiculturalism Act ( French: Loi sur le multiculturalisme canadien) is a law of Canada, passed in 1988, that aims to preserve and enhance cultural diversity, i.e. multiculturalism, in Canada. On 8 October 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau declared in the House of Commons of Canada that, after much deliberation, the policies of bilingualism and multiculturalism would be implemented in Canada.

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Multiculturalism in Canada is a very important part of the culture of Canada. Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, the Canadian government officially began pushing for multiculturalism in policy.

Canadians use the word "multiculturalism" in many different ways. Sometimes they use it to describe different religious traditions and cultural influences. They say that this creates a very special cultural mosaic in Canada. The country is full of people that come from many different racial, religious, and cultural origins.

Since Canada was created, there has been a lot of immigration. By the beginning of the 21st century, there were more people that were not of a British or French background.

In Canada there are many examples of multiculturalism. For example, Canada lets in refugees and immigrants and does not care about their race, religion, or culture.

Multiculturalism is reflected with the law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988 and section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Broadcasting Act of 1991 asserts the Canadian broadcasting system should reflect the diversity of cultures in the country. Despite the official policies, a small segment of the Canadian population are critical of the concept(s) of a cultural mosaic and implementation(s) of multiculturalism legislation.

Quebec's ideology differs from that of the other provinces in that its official policies focus on interculturalism.

Images for kids

Head Tax Receipt - The head tax was introduced in 1885, as a means of controlling Chinese immigration.

Political cartoon on Canada's bicultural identity showing a flag combining symbols of Britain, France and Canada, from 1911.

The Global Centre for Pluralism is located in Ottawa on Sussex Drive at the former location of the Canadian War Museum.

Toronto's Chinatown is an ethnic enclave located in the city centre

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Multiculturalism in Canada Facts for Kids

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Multiculturalism in Canada is a very important part of the culture of Canada. Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, the Canadian government officially began pushing for multiculturalism in policy. Canadians use the word "multiculturalism" in many different ways. Sometimes they use it to describe different religious traditions and cultural influences.

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hospital insurance and diagnostic services act

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Civilization.ca - Making Medicare: The History of Health Care in Canada, 1914-2007

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Explore the history, people, politics and programs that have contributed to making medicare a distinctive thread in the web of social progress in Canada.

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Liberals look to protect French with overhaul of official languages act

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Speakers Corner: Talking bilingualism in Canada

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Debate over Canada dropping ties with the monarchy reignites

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A look back at the 1995 Quebec Referendum in 60 seconds

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Did You Know? - The Famous Five and the Persons Case

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Great Canadian Flag Debate (History of the Canadian Flag)

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Canada vs Norway bronze medal game highlights | Ice sledge hockey |
Sochi 2014 Paralympics

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The Largest Island in Canada - Baffin Island

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Throwback Thursday: A brief history of mining in Sudbury

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National Aboriginal Veterans Monument - Decoding ART - Heritage Monuments

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Did You Know? - The History of Louis Riel

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How 5 Women Changed Canada Forever Over a Cup of Tea

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The Michaels - The First Legal Same-Sex Marriage In Canada

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4) La Loi sur le multiculturalisme canadien

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4) La Loi sur le multiculturalisme canadien

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The first Mountie to wear a turban retires from the RCMP

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Diwali - Festival of Lights | National Geographic

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Heritage Minutes: Les Voltigeurs de Québec