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The Changing Immigration Patterns Of Multiculturalism In Canada

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Multiculturalism officially started off in Canada as bilingualism in the 1960’s when the Royal Commision on Bilingualism and Biculturalism was approved. Then in 1971, the federal government realized that multiculturalism was an essential part of Canadian society. A policy was then adopted which recognized that many ethno-cultural groups called Canada “home”. The policy instilled values of equality and mutual respect with regards to race, ethnicity, color and religion. It confirmed Aboriginal Rights and having both French and English as the official languages. The relationship between the Anglophones and the Francophones of Canada from the 1800’s to the present has been a long and tumultuous one. Since the beginning, the French Canadians, more precisely the French Quebecois, want(ed) to have special rights and acknowledgement. Immigration patterns have had some drastic changes over the years. …show more content…

During and after World War Two, immigration was strictly regulated. The Immigration Acts of 1968 and 1978 made drastic changes in immigration trends. There was a high need for skilled persons which drew many immigrants from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. There has been much controversy over what national symbols Canada should have. Choosing Canadian flag, for example, raised quite the commotion. The French felt left out and so did many of the other ethnicities. A pending question that many have is: “what are the benefits and drawbacks of Canada’s growing multicultural society?”. Multiculturalism can potentially let many live together in peace each with their own culture/way of life but it can also take away what makes us

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