FEDS GO BEYOND MULTICULTURALISM MYTHS 

By: Louis Musto

Pearson-Shoyama Institute

1. Synopsis

It has been 25 years since the federal multiculturalism policy was adopted and put into practice. Despite this period of time it is still misunderstood by some people. Multiculturalism, they claim, is about paying immigrants to be different and focuses on division rather than on building harmony. In fact, actions taken by federal institutions to promote the cause of multiculturalism can help to dispel common myths.

2. Analysis

Multiculturalism is a straightforward concept to grasp. It recognizes the cultural diversity of Canada as demographic reality. It suggests that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of their culture and ethnic origin, and given the opportunity to participate fully in Canadian life.

The purpose of multiculturalism is often distorted to create misguided myths, and used as a scapegoat for problems that are rooted elsewhere. Critics contend that it is a convenient way of bribing the ethnic vote by handing out generous grants, or that it pays people to maintain their cultures and therefore ghettoizes minorities. It follows from this perspective that multiculturalism threatens mainstream culture and Canadian values, and divides rather than unites the country.

These arguments are false and are at variance with the intent of the federal policy. One way to dispel any misunderstandings is to investigate what federal institutions are doing to meet the requirements of the federal multiculturalism legislation. While the multiculturalism policy was introduced in 1971, legislation which requires all federal institutions to apply the policy, was passed in 1988.

Federal departments and agencies are working to eliminate racism and racial discrimination, overcome problems of integration faced by ethnocultural and visible minorities, and to promote the shared values upon which our nation is based.

Here are a few examples taken from the 1995 annual report on the operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act:

1.Training at all levels of the RCMP has been fundamentally revised, leading to the routine inclusion of learning modules on diversity, multiculturalism and race relations.

2.The Solicitor General of Canada supported the development of a holistic approach to justice and healing by communities such as the Hollow Water First Nations in Manitoba. This far-reaching study explores a departure from the conventional, adversarial methods of resolving legal disputes. Community involvement in sentencing and corrections is central to this approach, which is based on Aboriginal traditions of restorative justice. The department is also actively involved in issues of police-minority relations across Canada.

3.The Canada Council recognizes the need to make access to its programs more equitable for all Canadians. To address this problem the Council provides training of arts administrators from culturally diverse backgrounds, offers information sessions that target minority communities from across Canada, and has created the position of Equity Co-ordinator. Increasingly, the Council recognizes and supports Canadian artists and artistic companies from minority backgrounds.

4. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the Société Radio Canada (SRC) believe appropriate monitoring is integral to all good broadcasting. CBC/SRC reports dealing with ethnocultural communities and situations involves a stage whereby people or groups familiar with those cultures are consulted on the portrayal's accuracy and sensitivity.

5.The multiculturalism programs of Canadian Heritage funded a major study by the Conference Board of Canada on diversity and its importance to Canadian business. Over 200 leading Canadian companies were surveyed on their practices for managing diversity, and those that could serve as models for best practices were identified. Recommendations were also developed to strengthen trade and investment links by encouraging greater collaboration between Asian-Canadian and non-Asian-Canadian business people.

6.The Canada Post Corporation receives delegations from foreign postal administrations that are interested in its operations, technology and overall corporate strategies. When-ever possible, it ensures that postal employees of all levels who speak the visitors' language are present, while the Corporation is their host in Canada.

7.Employees at the Vancouver Port Corporation take a two-hour harassment workshop which includes a component on racial harassment. The course is offered to new employees once a year.

8.The Canadian Human Rights Commission investigates complaints of discrimination based on race, colour or ethnic origin. It conducts research on multicultural issues, and diversity training is provided to employees of the Commission.

3. Experts and Further Reading

Anne Clark. The Pearson-Shoyama Institute. Ottawa. Tel: 613-230-8284 Fax: (613) 235-3160.

Annual Report On the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Department of Canadian Heritage. 1996.