Canada is often celebrated as one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Its official policy of multiculturalism, adopted in 1971, was the first of its kind globally and has since shaped the nation’s identity and social fabric...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
Understanding multiculturalism in Canada is essential for analysing modern Western societies, as its official policy celebrating diversity offers a distinct alternative to the 'melting pot' model. This guide delves into the policy's history, the complex realities of its implementation, and the critical perspectives you need to achieve a top grade on your English exam.
Why this matters on the exam
In your English exams, particularly in long-form essays or preparatory tasks, you are often asked to discuss social, cultural, and political issues in the English-speaking world. Canada's approach to diversity is a perfect case study. An exam task might ask you to "Discuss the concept of national identity in two English-speaking countries" or "Analyse how a country's policies can shape its social fabric." Knowing the specifics of Canadian multiculturalism—its successes, its legal basis, and its significant challenges—allows you to move beyond generic statements and demonstrate deep, nuanced understanding. This topic provides rich material for discussing concepts like identity, belonging, tolerance, and systemic inequality, all of which are central to the English curriculum.
Historical Context of Multiculturalism
Canada has always been a country of immigrants. Apart from its Indigenous peoples, the population has been shaped by waves of immigration from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In the early 20th century, immigration policy favored Europeans and often encouraged assimilation into a dominant Anglo-Canadian culture. This approach was challenged by sociologist John Porter in his seminal 1965 work, *The Vertical Mosaic*, which demonstrated that Canadian society was not a classless "mosaic" of equals but a hierarchy where British and French "charter groups" held power over other ethnic minorities. …