Cultural Diversity in Canada (Essay Sample)

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The need for more inclusiveness and acceptance of cultural differences in Canada
Canada is a country whose demographic composition today consists of many ethnic groups and cultures from different countries. Among them include the Blacks, South Asians and the Chinese. In the past, the Canadians, hated and prejudiced the foreigners. In fact the federal government in the year 1885 passed the Immigration Act which placed a head tax of $50 especially on the Chinese immigrants in order to stop them from migrating to Canada (Mantu 141). At that time, no other ethnic group was subject to the head tax. However, the Federal government of Canada appreciated the cultural diversity in the country and how it has shaped the country in many ways. For many years, Canada has continued to receive many immigrants or newcomers from other countries across the globe. In fact, statistics show that, the number of immigrants in Canada consists of 20 % of the entire Canadian population (Walker 15). Most of the foreign born citizens even reside in the largest urban centers in centers. This for a fact demonstrates the cultural diversity in Canada. Therefore, there is need to include and accept the cultural differences in Canada for a better future. The following paper will discuss the need for accepting cultural differences in Canada by demonstrating how cultural diversity has shaped the country. For the purpose of this research paper, I will mention the Chinese immigrants in Canada.
Immigration to Canada has led to the emergence of a culturally diverse community. The immigration began in the 17th century during the British and French colonization (Walker 15). After the first and second world wars, more people from Europe migrated to Canada thereby increasing the number of cultures, religions and languages in Canada. This triggered the adjustment and establishment of the government policy and law protecting cultural diversity respectively (Walker 15). Studies show that in the past half-century, Canada has continued to receive immigrants from different countries in the world. More specifically, census show that the number Canadians with origin form Europe increased to 14.2 % in the year 1921 from the previous 8.5 % in the year 1901. However, the number of Canadians originating from Britain reduced from 57 % in 1901 to 50 % in the year 1941. The number of those originating from France remained constant though (Walker 16).
Immigration since the year 1970 contributed to the emergence and growth of minority groups in the country. Among the minority groups counted that year was about 27 % Chinese, 21 % South Asians and 18 % blacks. Racial barrier was eliminated from the immigrant selection in the year 1967 and this for a fact paved way for other immigrants from different regions in the world such as Africa and Asia. In the year 1971, Canada launched the multiculturalism policy that demonstrated the value of cultural diversity in Canada. Protection rights of the multiculturalism were included in the Canadian constitution which was fulfilled in the year 1982. Immediately after the implementation of the constitution the government started to distribute some federal funds to various race/ethnic groups in order to preserve their culture. The Chinese immigrants were not an exception (Turner 85).
According to the immigration statistics in Canada especially after 1967, the number of immigrants from Africa and Asian countries increase while that of immigrants from Europe decreased significantly. Between 1967 and 1971, Canada received about 737, 124 immigrants who either originated from Europe, Asia or the US. The number of Asian immigrants including Chinese continued to increase thereafter (Turner 85). Likewise, the proportion of African immigrants significantly increased since 1970.
It is believed that the cultural diversity in Canada will further become important in the history of the country. It is projected that population growth in Canada by the year 2020 will be attributed mostly to the increase in immigrants. In addition, the native Canadians by that time will be part of the minority group in their country. By the year 2017, about 41 % of the total Canadian population will be part of the Aboriginal group. There will also be an increase in the number of Aboriginals in the Country’s labor market (Walker 16).
As a Chinese, I appreciate the presence of Chinese immigrants in Canada. Chinese immigration to Canada started in the year 1788 when 50 workmen led by Captain John Meares entered the country for the purpose of building railway along the Vancouver Island (Mantu 141). The immigration became even much more evident in 1858, when some Asian gold prospectors arrived at British Columbia. Chinese immigrants faced prejudice as some Canadians wanted them to leave their country especially after completing the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). More Chinese migrated to Canada and today, they are part of the multicultural society of Canada (Mantu 141).
Cultural diversity in Canada forms a basis of the formative history of the country. In other words, cultural diversity in Canada has helped in shaping the country for example through transport and communication. For instance, though the Chinese immigrants faced prejudice from the Canadian, they helped build the trans-Canada railway. In religious matters, the 1974 Quebec Act recognized the legality of French language, French civil law and the Roman Catholic faith (Millard 22). The Aboriginals did not enjoy the same rights before the coming of new immigrants. In addition, the multiculturalism policy was enacted as a result of cultural differences in Canada. In fact, various debates on the constitution focus on the accommodation of cultural diversity in federation issues which includes the foundation of the country itself, Meech lake proposals and the Charlottetown (Mobley 307).
Indeed, I can approve that diversity In Canada is important to the natives. For instance, today, Aboriginal people can now defend their rights at international forums (Mobley 307). The Quebec is included and recognized by various international organizations such as UNESCO (Millard 22). In addition, approximately 10 % of Canadian population lives in the overseas countries. Moreover, the cultural diversity in Canada has also helped to shape some of the county’s international policies. Some of the policies include, promoting democracy abroad, advising on rule of law as well as human rights, promoting federalism. Other achievements attributed to Canada’s cultural diversity include the consultation with minority groups regarding security and conflict reconstruction (Mobley 307).
Confederation’s founding fathers argued that there was need to include and accept cultural diversity in Canada. In accordance to this, they established the senate and the federal system. The system of federalism allowed every section in Canada to access education and health care (LaSelva 172). This meant that, every race or ethnic group in the country would benefit would benefit. It is evident that Federalism continues to benefit the country and the diverse cultures in the country even today. It is said that Canada is mainly defined by immigration (LaSelva 172).In spite of this; Canadians have different perceptions towards the world. Their different backgrounds, languages, values, religion, jobs and political views is what that makes Canada a complex and diverse nation (Mobley 307). Thanks to the inclusiveness and acceptance of beliefs, perspectives, aspirations, attitudes and cultural differences. This prompts the Canadians to appreciate and celebrate their cultural diversity rather than subduing it. Most Canadians accept that their country cannot do well without the inclusiveness of cultural diversity. It is presumed that everybody in Canada including the newcomers and the ancestors is part of Canadian’s diversity. Nevertheless, the diversity in Canada extends beyond religion, historical roots, race, ethnicity and culture. In respect of this, Canadians celebrate the Canada Day every 1st July (Pang 118).
It is with no doubt that cultural diversity in Canada has shaped the country in many sectors (Mobley 305). Most crucial sectors include transport, communication, international relations and religious matters. From the paper it I clear that the diversity of Canada is demonstrated in the existence of many languages in the country, the pluralism within communities and the existence of many cultures, race and ethnic groups. It is also reflected in politics, gender and the different lifestyles of the people in the country. Economic status, sexual orientation, different interests and abilities and the existence of multiple religious affiliations also reflect diversity in Canada (Pang 120). In my view, I believe that the cultural differences will continue to pose more benefits to citizens including the immigrants and to the country as a whole. With this in mind, I would say that there is need for inclusiveness and acceptance of cultural differences in Canada.
Works cited
LaSelva, Samuel V. The Moral Foundations of Canadian Federalism: Paradoxes, Achievements, and Tragedies of Nationhood. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University, 1996. Print.
Mantu, Sandra. Constructing and Imagining Labour Migration: Perspectives of Control from Five Continents. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate, 2011. Internet resource.
Millard, Gregory. Secession and Self: Quebec in Canadian Thought. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2008. Print.
Mobley, William H, Ming Li, and Ying Wang. Advances in Global Leadership: Vol. 7. Bingley, U.K: Emerald, 2012. Internet resource.
Pang, Guek-Cheng. Canada. New York: Benchmark Books, 2004. Print.
Turner, Francis J. Canadian Encyclopedia of Social Work. Waterloo, Ont: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2...