Thursday, July 20, y

History Research
1. Jedwab, Jack. “Multiculturalism | the Canadian Encyclopedia.” Thecanadianencyclo-
pedia.ca, March 20, 2020. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/multi-
culturalism.

• Multicultural Policy 

◦ 1971
◦ Originally created by the Royal Commission of Bilingualism and Bicultur-
alism.
◦ The commission launched an investigation in Quebec regarding unrest
amongst francophones
◦ They called for the protection of French culture and language
◦ The investigation caused French education reforms, the creation of the Fed-
eral Ministry of Multiculturalism, and the languages act
◦ Canada’s multiculturalism policy was developed in 1971, acknowledging
that a wide variety of cultural backgrounds is present in Canada
◦ “a policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework” - Pierre
Trudeau
◦ In the 1970s the government took an “ethnic multicultural” approach.
◦ Financial assistance to certain organizations that promote cultural heritage
◦ Faced opposition that argued that it discourages harmonious society, as well
as accusing the government of funding this program to garner the support
of ethnic minorities
◦ Following the integration of the Immigration Act in 1976, the ensuing shift
in demographics prompted calls to rethink multicultural policies with a fo-
cus on the need to combat discrimination.
◦ After the patriation of the Canadian constitution, many Canadians associ-
ated multiculturalism with other fundamental rights enshrined in the charter
of rights and freedoms
◦ In 1988, the Canadian government passed the Multiculturalism Act. 

1
2. Cranny, Michael. Think History : Canadian History since 1914. Canada: Pearson
Canada, 2015.

◦ Canadians were more accepting of other ethic groups during the 1960s
◦ In 1962, Ellen Fairclough, the first female cabinet minister, introduced reg-
ulations that eliminated racial bias from Canada’s immigration policy, in-
stead focusing on their skill level and work experience.
◦ This reform led to the point system, introduced by the Liberal government
at the time, Lester B. Pearson in 1967. Still used today
◦ In 1971, an official policy of multiculturalism was introduced by the Lib-
eral government.
◦ Policy encouraged various ethnic groups to express their culture and be-
liefs.

◦ ~200 different ethnic groups are present in Canada

◦ 20.6 percent of Canadians report being immigrants
◦ Canada remains one of the most culturally diverse countries in western
democracies
 
 

3. Berry, David. “Canadian Multiculturalism Act | the Canadian Encyclopedia.”

www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca, March 25, 2020. https://www.thecanadianency-
clopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-multiculturalism-act.

• History of Multiculturalism Act

◦ Pierre Trudeau: “The Government will support and encourage the various
cultures and ethnic groups that give structure and vitality to our society.”
◦ Quebec had the opinion that multiculturalism devalues French uniqueness
◦ Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, says that “shall
be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhance-
ment of the multicultural heritage of Canadians.”
◦ Canada was the first country to establish a multiculturalism law

4. Foot, Richard. “Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms | the Canadian Encyclope-
dia.” Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca, February 26, 2018. https://www.thecanadianency-
clopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-charter-of-rights-and-freedoms.

2
 • Charter of Rights and Freedoms 
▪ freedom of expression
▪ the right to a democratic government
▪ the right to live and seek work anywhere in Canada
▪ the legal rights of people accused of crimes
▪ the rights of Indigenous Peoples
▪ the right to equality including gender equality
▪ the right to use Canada’s official languages 
▪ the right of French or English minorities to an education in their lan-
guage.

5. Dewing, Michael. “Canadian Multiculturalism.” lop.parl.ca. Library of Parliament,

2009. https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/
200920E#:~:text=shaping%20of%20all%20aspects%20of.

• Multicultural Policy
◦ It was suggested that all ethnic groups will be integrated into Canadian cul-
ture and enjoy the same rights as anyone else
◦ Key ideas
▪ Cultural groups should be allowed to retain their original identity
▪ Ethnic groups will be helped to adapt to Canadian society without
sacrifice of their original culture
▪ To promote creative exchanges among all Canadian cultural groups.
▪ To assist immigrants in acquiring at least one of the two official lan-
guages.
• Multicultural Act

◦ The Act aims to maintain, improve, and integrate cultural diversity into
Canadian society while ensuring that all Canadians have access to and are
fully engaged in its social, political, and economic services
◦ Aims to reduce racism in the country and ensure equal opportunities

3
6. Williams, Patricia. “Ellen Fairclough | the Canadian Encyclopedia.” www.thecanadia-
nencyclopedia.ca, February 13, 2008. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/ar-
ticle/ellen-fairclough.

• First ran for parliament in 1949 but failed

• 6th woman to be elected to the house of commons in 1950
• Pushed for:
• Old age pensions
• Women’s rights
• Equal pay for equal work
• In 1957, prime minister Diefenbaker invited Fairclough to be a secretary of state, be-
coming the first woman to be in a cabinet position
• Became head of immigration in 1958
• Reformed Canadian immigration policy to become less racially exclusive and better
oriented towards a merit-based system.
• More refugees came to Canada as well
• Pushed for indigenous suffrage