Multiculturalism in Canada
We think Pat Duffy Hutcheon, in Humanist
in Canada (Summer, 1994), p.26-29 summarizes Canadian Core
values the best in this excerpt of her essay: "Is
There a Dark Side to Multiculturalism?" found at http://patduffyhutcheon.com/
This should be framed:
"There is indeed a precious core of values defining what it means to be Canadian today. That core has many parts. It comprises those ideals and principles underlying our democratic institutions: the responsible parliamentary system of government; the secret ballot; equality of opportunity and equality before the law; freedom of ideas; freedom of spiritual belief, the concept of collective responsibility for the weak and vulnerable; our commitment to internationalism; respect for the rule of law and for scientific inquiry; and our tolerance of diversity. Our freedoms are not unlimited, however. Newcomers should be aware that, although we do not limit ideas, there are certain behaviors which we will not tolerate, regardless of whether or not these involve customs sanctioned by religion.
It has been argued that, because we Canadians have never fully achieved our aspirations, we have no right to demand adherence by newcomers. But, the fact that our value core does indeed represent ideals rather than the exact nature of our current reality does no undermine its validity nor its significance in shaping our past and directing our joint future.
In fact, most new Canadians have chosen to come to Canada precisely because of their perceptions of what our culture, as a whole, represents. The attribute most often mentioned is our internationalist outlook: an outlook precisely opposite to that fostered in the sheltered subcultural enclave. Most immigrants do not want a replica of what they left behind. Least of all do most of them desire a re-playing, in a new setting, of the old religious conflicts, caste rules and blood feuds that they were trying to escape. "