The Multiculturalism Policy within a Bilingual Framework implemented by Pierre Trudeau’s government in the early 1970s paved the way for subsequent study and legislation. The result was the passage of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988, which marked a clear transition to full social and economic participation by racial minorities.
The Canadian Multiculturalism Act
The Act was intended to outline a policy on multiculturalism, identify the guidelines for implementation of the policy, and provide a system of parliamentary accountability. Key themes of the Act, as set out in Section 3, echo the original 1971 multiculturalism policy and incorporate elements of earlier legislation: the value of cultural and racial diversity; freedom to preserve, enhance and share cultural heritage; removal of cultural barriers; and full inclusivity and equal rights for all Canadians.
While the goals set out in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act are still relevant today, starting in the 1990s the focus of multiculturalism policy eventually shifted from equity to shared citizenship. The Foreword in the 2007 – 2008 Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, highlights this emphasis on inclusivity: “For our government, that is what it means to be inclusive. Not just to welcome new Canadians and to celebrate the heritage they bring with them. But also to include them in the Canadian story. To invite them to write the next chapter.” All peoples from all cultural groups in the country are recognized as Canadians and as contributing to the national identity.
