Multiculturalism in Canada

The term "multiculturalism" itself appeared in Canada in the 60s. years XX century Then this concept came down to bilingualism or a policy of bilingualism, which was supposed to eliminate the sharp contradictions between the English-speaking and French-speaking communities of the country. In some sections of society, who believed that Canada was founded by more than two nations and that the indigenous population played an important role, discontent arose. It was taken into account by the internationalist liberal government led by Pierre Trudeau . In October 1971, multiculturalism became the official ideology of Canadian politics, carried out under the slogan "One nation, two languages, many peoples and cultures." In 1972, a special directorate for multiculturalism was created, and until the mid-1990s the government included a minister responsible for resolving multicultural problems. In the 1988 Multiculturalism Act, multicultural orientation was finally rooted in Canada's official politics ^[2] . The final preambular paragraph of the Act stated that “the Canadian government considers Canadians' racial, national, ethnic diversity, diversity in color and religious beliefs to be fundamental features of Canadian society and pursues a multiculturalism policy aimed at preserving and developing the multicultural heritage of Canadians in the process of achieving Canadians equal opportunities in the economic, social, cultural and political spheres of life in Canada ” ^[3] . The state rejected the American policy of assimilation , also known as the "melting pot" and set about building a culturally mosaic society ^[4] .

Canada’s multicultural policy boiled down to preserving the cultural heritage of national minorities , leveling intergroup relations by combating racism and providing equal opportunities to all nationalities ^[2] . Its basis was the principle, known since the time of the French Revolution , “there is no place for a nation in a nation” ^[5] . A special scientific commission that conducted research for several years developed the main goal of Canadian multiculturalism - the creation of a common Canadian identity while preserving the cultural diversity of the population ^[5] .

Canadian society faced difficulties characteristic of a multi-ethnic state ^[6] :

• Each ethnic group has its own culture, its own history, and in its own way evaluates its significance for Canada, which ultimately finds expression in the redistribution of power.
• Anglo-Canadians, Franco-Canadians and Aborigines have a clear territorial localization, which leaves a special imprint on the adaptation of other national groups.
• The development of relations between different cultures is hindered by the country's difficult geographical landscape.

Also, such a large national community as the Franco-Canadians does not want to follow the policy of multiculturalism, considering immigrants as a threat to their culture and language ^[7] .

• Terborn G. Multicultural Societies . - 2001.
• A.I. Kuropiatnik. Multiculturalism: Ideology and Politics of Social Stability of Multiethnic Societies . - 2000.