Multiculturalism in Canada

Abstract

Starting from the paradox that stresses the image of a welcoming multicultural Canada on the one hand, while revealing (inadvertent) racism on the other, this article offers a critical discussion of the values of Canadian multicultural society today. After a brief overview of historical developments in immigration policies, the ideology of the Multiculturalism Act expressed in the metaphor of the cultural mosaic will be discussed, including a reflection on the importance of citizenship. This analysis is followed by a discussion of critical perspectives, often denouncing multicultural policies, and to conclude new ways of managing today’s complex diversity will be considered.