|
|
An identity of many: it was in the 1960s that the Canadian government started to rethink its notion of assimilating immigrants.(CITIZENSHIP--MULTICULTURALISM)
- Article from:
-
Canada and the World Backgrounder
- Article date:
-
December 1, 2006
|
Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2006 Canada & the World. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In 1971, a new government policy was announced in Canada. It embraced multiculturalism; the idea that other cultures could not only exist within the country but enrich it.
The new approach was designed to integrate different ethnic groups rather than assimilate them. The government aimed to work with various cultural groups; aiding immigrants to become part of the country by say, learning one of the official languages. Ottawa also planned to help them retain their ethnic identity and overcome barriers to their full involvement in Canadian society.
Ottawa spent millions of dollars on special initiatives in language and cultural maintenance. It also sponsored programs to ...