Saturday, September 7, 2013

Multiculturalism a Failure in Quebec and Canada?

The Liberal Party’s cherished socialist progressive socialist ideologies for a communal society—built on shared values of divergent cultures crammed within Canada’s national boundaries—have caused endless cultural conflicts rather than harmony. This vision has proven to be a failure throughout Canada, Quebec, and even in the European community of nations.

Unfortunately, many immigrants who have come to Canada over the past 40 years have done so to benefit from social programs—such as free healthcare and taxpayer-funded handouts—rather than to contribute meaningfully to society. Politicians who have used taxpayer funds to bolster their agendas have exacerbated this issue.

Under progressive doctrines of state multiculturalism, it has become glaringly obvious that various cultures are encouraged to live separately—apart from the Canadian mainstream and even from each other. This segregation fosters isolation rather than integration, ultimately leading to cultural clashes, extremism, and even the growth of homegrown terrorism.

Many immigrants arrive with cultural and religious baggage that perpetuates the clash of civilizations from their home countries. These ideologies and practices often run counter to Canadian laws and values. By residing in isolated enclaves, they avoid embracing Canada’s way of life, laws, and cultural fabric. This has been tolerated far too long, despite contradicting the values Canadians fought to preserve in two world wars.

While respecting cultural differences is important, Canada and Quebec must function as one national community—not merely as a coexistence of segregated cultural groups. Forcing Canadian citizens to adapt to external cultural practices or laws undermines our identity. Try such policies in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East and see how they are received!

Canada was founded on Judeo-Christian values, recognizing the supremacy of God and the rule of law. Immigration policies must ensure that newcomers accept and embrace the principles of unity and integration. Those unwilling to integrate should not be welcome in Canada or Quebec.

Moreover, Canadians must not tolerate extremism or racism from anyone, regardless of colour, creed, or background. Equality must be the cornerstone of our society—ensuring no individual’s rights are valued over another’s, whether those rights pertain to race, religion, gender, or ideology.

Prioritizing Underprivileged Canadians First

Before addressing the needs of newcomers, Canada must prioritize its own underprivileged citizens. Neglecting the most vulnerable Canadians risks creating resentment among them, as they may perceive immigrants as receiving preferential treatment while they remain in poverty.

  1. Address Poverty: Robust social programs should uplift struggling Canadian citizens through affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and job training.
  2. Equitable Resource Allocation: Transparent allocation of resources ensures citizens feel their needs are prioritized without favouritism toward immigrants.
  3. Employment Prioritization: Policies that prioritize Canadian-born workers for jobs will help stabilize economic disparities.

By addressing these issues, we can ensure underprivileged Canadians feel valued and supported before expanding resources to integrate newcomers.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration

Canada must adopt immigration policies that balance respect for cultural heritage with integration into Canadian society:

  • Language Proficiency: Free or subsidized English and French classes must be mandatory for newcomers to break language barriers.
  • Civic Education: Programs to teach Canadian laws, rights, and responsibilities will encourage respect for our nation’s values.
  • Integration Over Isolation: Housing policies that disperse immigrants across communities can prevent ethnic enclaves, fostering inclusivity.
  • Skills-Based Immigration: Focusing on immigrants who bring economic value ensures newcomers contribute to society while reducing strain on resources.

Moving Forward with Unity

If Canada fails to prioritize its citizens while fostering meaningful integration, we risk deepening cultural divides. A strong immigration policy that emphasizes unity, mutual respect, and shared Canadian values is not just an ideal—it is a necessity.

Canada must remain a place of opportunity and freedom, but these values can only thrive when we ensure that all Canadians, new and old, share a commitment to the national community. Let us honour the sacrifices made for this country by fostering a united and equitable society for all.

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1 comment:

  1. The newest figures from Statistics Canada show that Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world.

    About 2 million new immigrants moved to Canada in the past decade. The vast majority of them choosing to live in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.

    Nealy 20% of Canada's population (5.4 million) were born outside Canada; 70% of them do not have either English or French as a native language.

    Every 4 years we add another 1 million newcomers to Canada.

    You bring up a very important point: does multiculturalism mean that each ethnic/cultural group live separate lives, or do we all join in the mainstream that is Canada?

    In 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau made Canada the first country in the world to officially adopt Multiculturalism as a policy: a new vision to expand the Canadian sense of identity and a global understanding of all ethnic communities.

    Instead of the US "melting pot", Canada had a multicultural "mosaic". Immigrants would keep their diverse language and culture and also become Canadians.

    In 1996 "Canadian" was included as an ethnic origin.

    Culture is about language, religion, music, art, food and beliefs.

    I think we all agree that our Canadian culture today shares these values: democracy, respect for all minorities, non-violence, secular, law-abiding, bilingual English & French, Medicare as a right, equal opportunity for all, and Quebec as a home for a francophone majority.

    Our Judeo-Christian heritage is a reflected in our values of a social safety net for the poor.

    So the important question you raise is: what is Canadian culture in this multicultural society? And have the 2 million newcomers to Canada in the past decade adopted our culture?

    I don't have a simple answer to that. Certainly the young school-age kids have quickly become Canadians as they grow through our education system. If you've ever Toronto comedian Russell Peters, you've seen the comedy of all these ethnic groups making a life here.

    With globalism and dependence on foreign markets and foreign capital, I often think Canada sells its future short in order to get money today.

    But I am optimistic that there are enough Canadians, like you, who care about these common values to pass them onto the next generation, and all newcomers to our country.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your thoughts, comments and opinions, will be in touch. Peter Clarke