ARCHIVED – Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2010-2011

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Introduction: The 2010-2011 Annual Report

"Canada's Citizens"

Kanika Lawton
Pinetree Secondary School, Coquitlam, British Columbia
Winner: Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, Best Artwork 2010–2011, Ages 13–15 Category

Description: This pencil crayon drawing shows images representing the different people, cultures and ethnic backgrounds found in Canada. The artist has depicted Mathieu Da Costa and Samuel Champlain in the middle. The colourful background includes images of many Canadian landmarks, such as Parliament Hill.

Both at home and throughout the world, Canada is recognized as a leader in championing the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Throughout our nation, the contributions of Canadians and newcomers of all cultures, ethnicities and religions are what makes this country great. It is within this context that Canadians value diversity and celebrate its many positive impacts on our society.

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act provides a legal framework to guide federal responsibilities and activities in regard to multiculturalism in Canada. Enacted in 1988, the Act includes the Multiculturalism Policy of Canada, which reached its 40th anniversary in 2011.

As laid out in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the policy identifies a series of principles for achieving the equality of all Canadians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada. The Multiculturalism Policy broadly encompasses the following themes.

Equality and Inclusivity

• Equal treatment and equal protection of individuals under the law.
• Promotion of the participation of individuals and communities of all origins.
• Encouragement of Canadian institutions to be inclusive.

Understanding

• Multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage.
• Recognition of communities of common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society.
• Interaction between communities of different origins to promote understanding.
• Promotion of the evolving expressions of the diverse cultures of Canadian society.

Languages

• Preserving and enhancing the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada.

While the principles of the Multiculturalism Policy remain relevant today, the application of the policy has evolved in response to different needs and challenges as they have emerged over time. This year is no exception, and federal institutions have once again applied the Act in a variety of innovative ways.

Each year, the Minister responsible for multiculturalism is required to table in Parliament a report that outlines the Government of Canada’s activities and achievements in implementing the Act.

This report highlights the activities carried out by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and other Government of Canada federal institutions between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011.

The report is divided into four parts. This year, Part One opens with an overview of multiculturalism in Canada and reaffirms Canada’s continuing commitment to multiculturalism as it evolves over time. Part Two outlines the Government of Canada’s leadership on anti-Semitism in Canada and internationally.

Part Three highlights the key activities undertaken by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration through its Multiculturalism Program and complementary initiatives to promote integration. Part Four shifts the focus to other federal institutions and the successes and challenges they experienced in 2010–2011.

A list of institutions that provided submissions can be found in Annex A.

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