The Richness of Multiculturalism

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Richness of Multiculturalism"

Daniela Horton
5 years ago
Views:

1 B CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 295 The ichness of Multiculturalism LITEACY TIP Practising Effective Listening Follow these guidelines when you listen to other people share their opinions and ideas: Be patient and let the speaker complete her or his ideas. Maintain eye contact with the speaker. Keep your mind open to gain new information. Do not just look for points that support your ideas. Avoid negative language. You do not have to agree with what the speaker is saying, but if you disagree with supporting evidence, do it in an agreeable, respectful way. Think about what the speaker is saying before you respond. Figure The Canadian Charter of ights and Freedoms is part of Canada s Constitution the supreme law of Canada. Do you have a document similar to the Charter at your school, for example, a code of conduct? What rights and freedoms does it protect? E F O 1. Discuss the following question with a partner or a small group: Should immigrants assimilate into Canadian culture so that all Canadians have the same culture? Or, should immigrants be able to maintain their ethnic cultures when they settle in Canada? E E A D emember to respect opinions that may differ from yours. Listen to the reasons that others offer to support their points of view. ecord the main points of view that arise from your discussion and be ready to share them with another group or the rest of the class. Immigrants choose Canada for many different reasons. These pull factors include the following: Job opportunities In their home countries, immigrants may be able to get only low-paying jobs, or they may not be able to get jobs for which they have training. They seek better-paying jobs suited to their abilities and skills. Canada advertises for immigrants to fill many roles, from skilled workers to professionals. Environmental factors Immigrants may experience problems such as frequent widespread flooding or drought in their home countries. They move to escape these problems. Political stability In many countries, governments have changed often. Dictators and armies have taken control. Armed conflict sometimes erupts between political groups. People immigrate to Canada to keep their families safe from violence. Democratic elections In many countries, millions have never been able to vote. People have no say in who runs their country, how it operates, or what freedoms they have. They hope to have those privileges when they move to Canada. Immigrants choose Canada for two other important reasons: The Canadian Charter of ights and Freedoms protects the rights of individuals. Canadians have freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom to practise religion, and freedom of assembly. Our rights include the right to vote, to own property, and to have our privacy protected. ights and freedoms such as these are limited or unavailable in many countries. Many immigrants did not have the rights in their home countries that we are guaranteed in Canada. Some were mistreated in their home countries; they may not have been allowed to meet in groups with others, or they may have had to observe evening curfews. Immigrants cherish the rights and freedoms we have grown to expect as Canadians.

296 UNIT 3: Migration Canada s government has a policy of multiculturalism.

reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance, and share their cultural heritage.

Canada s multicultural policy supports people of different ethnicities, religions, and ethnic groups that settle in Canada. It speaks to all Canadians, promoting appreciation and acceptance.

2 296 UNIT 3: Migration Canada s government has a policy of multiculturalism. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1971 stated the following: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance, and share their cultural heritage. In Canada, we want to understand each others heritages, and to celebrate our diverse cultures together. Canada s multicultural policy supports people of different ethnicities, religions, and ethnic groups that settle in Canada. It speaks to all Canadians, promoting appreciation and acceptance. Canada s laws protect everyone from racial prejudice and hate. However, it takes more than laws to make these ideas real. We must all practise them each day in our communities, at school, at work, and in our attitudes and interactions. D U 1. The wording of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act is difficult, and you may need to read it several times to understand what it promises to all Canadian citizens. Work with a partner to identify its key points. Discuss what these points mean, and do one of the following: E A D Explain this policy in your own words. Illustrate the meaning of this policy. Dramatize what this policy means. More than 4000 websites are dedicated to human rights. Many groups work to protect and improve human rights around the world. Who are these groups? What kinds of work are they doing? Figure This Moroccan family is receiving their citizenship at a ceremony in Montréal. Immigrants become citizens of Canada when they qualify through a process called naturalization. Citizenship is an important part of feeling that you belong in a society. In what other ways can immigrants find a sense of belonging in Canada?

CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 297 Figure 13.

Which buildings in your community display the cultural roots of

Cultural Identity When people move, they do not forget their roots

These things are important to identity and well-being.

3 CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 297 Figure The buildings of different cultural groups are found in nearly all Canadian towns and cities. Which cultural groups are in your community? Which buildings in your community display the cultural roots of immigrants? Cultural Identity When people move, they do not forget their roots and traditions. These things are important to identity and well-being. Food, celebrations, and entertainment often provide our first impressions of other cultural groups. Contact with a variety of cultural groups also opens the doors to cross-cultural understanding. Their presence can enrich our lives. In the past 30 years, immigrant groups have constructed new buildings in communities across Canada. These include mosques, synagogues, temples, shops, and ethnic community centres.

298 UNIT 3: Migration Cultural Celebrations Across Canada, cultural events and celebrations honour the past of many cultures.

Such events include the following: There are celebrations of immigrant arrivals in Canada at Pier 21. Oktoberfest is the German Harvest Festival.

Chinese New Year celebrations are held in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal. Caribana is the popular Caribbean celebration in Toronto. Sunfest is the Celebration of World Cultures in London.

4 298 UNIT 3: Migration Cultural Celebrations Across Canada, cultural events and celebrations honour the past of many cultures. Cultural festivals celebrate the food, music, dance, traditions, and customs of the many cultural groups that live in Canada. They also bring people closer together in understanding. Such events include the following: There are celebrations of immigrant arrivals in Canada at Pier 21. Oktoberfest is the German Harvest Festival. Many Canadian communities celebrate this festival. Dreamspeakers is the Aboriginal arts and film festival in Edmonton. Chinese New Year celebrations are held in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal. Caribana is the popular Caribbean celebration in Toronto. Sunfest is the Celebration of World Cultures in London. Figure Counterclockwise from left, these photos show Oktoberfest in Kitchener, Chinese New Year celebrations in Montréal, and Sunfest in London. All cultural festivals contribute to Canada s cultural identity. These festivals also help to blend all our cultures. Which cultural festivals have you attended? Why are people from other ethnic groups attracted to such events?

Some believe they take jobs from the local people. They think immigrants place a strain on social services such as welfare, children s programs, education, health care, and police. They are wrong.

5 CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 299 To learn more about the acism. Stop It National Video Competition for students and youth, and to watch winning videos, Go to Nelson Social Studies Myth Busting People sometimes think that immigrants harm their host countries. Some believe they take jobs from the local people. They think immigrants place a strain on social services such as welfare, children s programs, education, health care, and police. They are wrong. In fact, the opposite is true. Immigrants increase economic growth in the following ways: They create employment by investing money and starting new businesses. They buy products such as furniture, clothes, vehicles, and food. The buying they do increases business. They use services such as banks, restaurants, and car repair shops. They add skills, knowledge, new ideas, and labour to the workforce. All of these activities contribute directly to the local economy. In addition, like all Canadians, immigrants contribute to the economy by paying taxes. Figure The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Sikh police officers in Canada can wear turbans, as required by their faith, rather than hats. How does this show that Canada accepts new ideas? In 2006, half of the people in Canada who held a doctorate degree and 40 percent of those who held a master s degree were immigrants. The Nature of Immigrants to Canada Immigrants to Canada are usually well-educated and prepared for life in this country. According to the 2006 census, most immigrants could speak English or French. As well, most newcomers have higher levels of education than the majority of people born in Canada. In 2006, more immigrants had university degrees than Canadians in the same age groups. Half of the immigrants held university degrees.

6 300 UNIT 3: Migration Most recent immigrants to Canada are classified as economic immigrants. These are skilled tradespeople, professionals, technical workers, and entrepreneurs. Another group of immigrants are family class. Their entrance is based on bringing family members together. These family members add more consumers to the domestic market, which increases the country s wealth. They enter schools and the workplace, and help meet the needs of a shrinking workforce. The remaining group of immigrants is the refugee class. These people are fleeing hardships such as war and environmental disaster elsewhere. Canada provides refugees with the opportunity to start over. Figure This pie graph shows the classes of immigrants who came to Canada in Look at the segment that represents economic immigrants. Since 1998, the percentage of skilled workers has stayed the same. In 2007, the number of entrepreneurs declined by 65 percent. Only 581 of total economic immigrants were entrepreneurs. What is an entrepreneur? Why does Canada need entrepreneurs? Types of Immigrants to Canada, 2007 Family 28% efugee 11.8% Economic immigrants 55.4% Other 7.1% Other 4.8% Live-in caregivers 2.6% Investors group 3.2% Self-employed group 0.3% Entrepreneur group 0.9% Skilled workers group 41.3% D U E A D 1. a) Why do you think Canada s largest cities attract the most immigrants? b) One in every three people in Canada s large cities is an immigrant who is also a university graduate. Suggest why this might be so. 2. What negative statements have you heard people making about immigrants coming to Canada? Based on what you have learned about the immigrants who enter Canada, what would you tell these people? Dramatize your conversation.

CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 301 Canadian Attitudes to Immigrants The word mosaic has been used to describe Canada s policy toward immigrants. (efer to page 269 in Chapter 12.

7 CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 301 Canadian Attitudes to Immigrants The word mosaic has been used to describe Canada s policy toward immigrants. (efer to page 269 in Chapter 12.) The poll conducted by The Strategic Counsel for the Globe and Mail and CTV (see Figure 13.19) suggests that Canadians are abandoning the mosaic approach to multiculturalism. ecent polls show that 7 in 10 Canadians say immigrants should be encouraged to integrate and become part of Canadian society, rather than maintaining their ethnic identity and culture. That means that more mainstream Canadians want immigrants to become part of the broader society. Despite this trend, most Canadians think immigrants make a positive contribution to Canada. Figure eview these results of a 2005 survey conducted by The Strategic Counsel for the Globe and Mail and CTV on Canadians attitudes toward immigration. Why is it important to involve all Canadians in discussions about current and future immigration? Immigration Attitudes Survey Q: Do you think Canada accepts too many, too few, or just about the right number of immigrants per year? Don t know 12% Too few 10% Too many 32% About the right amount 46% Q: What approach should Canada take with new immigrants? Don t know 11% Should encourage immigrants to maintain their identity and culture 20% Should encourage immigrants to integrate and become part of the Canadian culture 69% Q: Do you think immigrants from some countries/regions make a bigger and better contribution than immigrants from other countries/regions? Don t know 9% Immigrants from some countries/regions make a bigger and better contribution 41% Figure Governor General Michaëlle Jean was born in Haiti. She and her family immigrated to Canada in She is interested in issues of racism and how our society must work to end them. How can she influence Canadians views of immigrants and newcomers views of Canada? There is no difference in the kind of contribution immigrants make based on their country/region origin 50% Q: What kinds of contributions do immigrants from certain countries/ regions make? Percentage saying very positive/positive contribution: Europe 76% Asia 59% India 45% Caribbean and West Indies 33%

4 percent) safety for self and family (11 percent) peace and a stable government (10.4 percent) educational opportunities (9.9 percent) the opportunity to achieve the lifestyle they desire (9.

8 A 302 UNIT 3: Migration What Immigrants Say It does not take long for immigrants to decide what they like and dislike about Canada. Our government surveys immigrants four years after their arrival in Canada. What They Like the climate and physical environment (19 percent) cultural aspects like freedom and human rights (14.4 percent) safety for self and family (11 percent) peace and a stable government (10.4 percent) educational opportunities (9.9 percent) the opportunity to achieve the lifestyle they desire (9.2 percent) social programs such as health care (7.5 percent) What They Dislike the climate and physical environment (26.7 percent) lack of employment opportunities (17.4 percent) high taxes (11.1 percent) health care system (5.3 percent) people s attitudes (3.9 percent) cultural aspects such as freedom and human rights (3.2 percent) F T E E A D 1. Answer the survey questions in Figure To which percentage of the Canadian population do you belong for each question? 2. a) In the survey of what immigrants like and dislike, high percentages picked climate and environment as their top like and top dislike. Why do you think that climate and environment made the top of the list in both likes and dislikes? b) You have read that many immigrants come to Canada for better jobs. However, the survey shows that immigrants rank lack of employment opportunities as the second highest dislike. Based on what you know, why do you think so many immigrants select lack of employment opportunities? 3. efer to Figure What term from an earlier chapter means the same as immigrants should integrate and become part of the Canadian culture?

CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 303 GEOSKILLS Persuasive Writing The purpose of persuasive writing is to express your ideas about an issue.

In order to create a clear and concise piece of persuasive writing, follow the 8 Cs: Catch, Commit, Concede, Counter, Convince, Clinch, re-commit, and Close.

Immigrants have shaped Canadian culture. If we want to keep a variety of cultures in Canada, we need to allow more immigrants in. Newcomers have always helped Canada s economy.

9 CHAPTE 13: How Migration Affects Canada 303 GEOSKILLS Persuasive Writing The purpose of persuasive writing is to express your ideas about an issue. Clear persuasive writing will convince people to accept your point of view. In order to create a clear and concise piece of persuasive writing, follow the 8 Cs: Catch, Commit, Concede, Counter, Convince, Clinch, re-commit, and Close. Catch Commit Concede Counter Immigration and the Future of Canada Can you imagine a Canada without any immigrants? You are either an immigrant, or the descendant of one. Immigrants have shaped Canadian culture. If we want to keep a variety of cultures in Canada, we need to allow more immigrants in. Newcomers have always helped Canada s economy. With our economy facing serious problems, the flow of new Canadians must be increased. The Canadian government should increase the number of immigrants allowed into the country each year. Simply put, Canada needs more Canadians. Some may say that we have enough people in Canada already. These people point out that we have enough workers today to keep our economy strong. This is not true. The average age of Canadians is increasing. Many Canadians are nearing the age of retirement. Canada will soon face a shortage of workers. The Conference Board of Canada stated, Canada will have to increase its number of immigrants from the existing to annually by Canada will need this increase to stay competitive. Many immigrants have made important contributions to Canadian culture. Dr. Vincent Lam, the son of Asian immigrants, is an emergency room doctor. He wrote an awardwinning novel, Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures. Somali-born Canadian Kanaan Warsame, better known as K naan is a talented musician. He is one of many musicians who came to Canada and brought new musical styles with them. Immigrants like Dr. Lam and K naan have enriched Canadian culture. Immigration is good for Canadian businesses. New customers create new business opportunities. Many newcomers also set up businesses that deal with goods and services for their communities. Examples include ethnic restaurants, newspapers, fashion shops, and grocery stores. The Toronto Star reports that immigration is expected to be key to fuelling sales of homes in Canadian cities, as older Canadians sell their houses and move into smaller homes. If Canada s economy is to keep growing and our cities are to continue to be exciting, liveable places, more immigrants are needed. Canada needs immigration for continued growth and success. Immigrants provide Canada with new energy, new culture, and economic strength. What do we have today because of immigrants in the past? What might we lose if Canada should fail to allow more immigrants in the future? Convince Clinch e- Commit Close Figure ead the piece of persuasive writing above, and note the 8 Cs. Catch: This is the first sentence in your first paragraph. It is the most important sentence because it is the one that will grab the reader s attention. You must find a way to introduce your topic so that the reader will want to keep reading. You might try by starting with a question, a quotation, or an interesting fact. Commit: This is the last sentence in your first paragraph. Its job is to state the topic and your opinion clearly. Concede: In this sentence, you state an opposing opinion to your own. Counter: In this section, you use one of your strongest points to prove that the opposing idea is weak. Convince: This is where you prove your point and support your opinion. You can use information from research and from your prior knowledge and experience to write this section. Make sure that your points are clear and concise. Clinch: This is the last part of the body of your writing. Here, you place one of your strongest pieces of supporting information. e-commit: This is the first sentence of your last paragraph. Its job is to restate your topic and opinion clearly. Close: This is your conclusion. It may be one or two sentences long. This is where you leave the reader wanting to find out more about the topic, to continue to think about the topic, or to get involved with the issue.

Immigration and Multiculturalism

A New Progressive Agenda Jean Chrétien Immigration and Multiculturalism Jean Chrétien Lessons from Canada vol 2.2 progressive politics 23 A New Progressive Agenda Jean Chrétien Canada s cultural, ethnic