Multiculturalism is at the heart of Canada’s heritage and identity: PM Justin Trudeau

A Royal Proclamation of the Government of Canada on November 13, 2002, had designated June 27 as Multiculturalism Day and since then the day is celebrated nation-wide with much fanfare, according to media reports. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his message for Multiculturalism Day said, “Canadians from coast to coast to coast join together to celebrate the multiculturalism and openness that make us who we are as a country."

“Canadians come from every corner of the world, which has allowed our society to benefit from fresh perspectives and find new answers to old problems…attract some of the most innovative and entrepreneurial people from around the world," he said.

According to Trudeau, this year is special  because  it  marks both the 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"These milestones remind us of the values that unite us…bring us together as equal members of this great country," said PM Trudeau.

“I ask all of us to work even harder to protect and promote multiculturalism. Today, and every day, let us celebrate the differences that make Canada strong, diverse, inclusive, and proud,” stated Trudeau.

Approximately 200,000 immigrants each year from all parts of the world choose Canada as their future home due to its quality of life and its reputation as an open society that welcomes newcomers and values diversity, according to media reports.

Governor General of Canada,  David Johnston, on his Multicultralism Day speech said, “In Canada, there is a place for everyone, and therein lies the strength and richness of our country.”

Nearly, 32 million citizens of  Canada reflect its diversity in their cultural, ethnic and linguistic makeup.

This values and principles of inclusive diversity are also enshrined in key legislation such as the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, reports said.

“Together, we will succeed in building an open and caring country. May you all enjoy a wonderful Canadian Multiculturalism Day full of celebration!” said Johnston.

Canada was reported to be the first country in 1971 to adopt a multiculturalism policy and in 1988 this vision became a law with the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

“Canadian culture is as multi-faceted as our country and the people who inhabit it,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism.

“The great diversity of Canada's population has helped shape our laws, institutions and traditions, and is a continued source of strength,” said Joly.

According to Statistics Canada reports of 2006, there were 6.3 million visible minorities who adopted Canada's citizenship which can be analysed as one in five people in Canada was born outside this country.

Now, after decade in 2017, on Canada's 150th birthday, there will be about 8.5 million people Canadians who will belong to visible minority group.

Statistics Canada report also shows about 7.7 million immigrants living in Canada are from are visible minorities and  from diverse nation.

Minister Joly message said, “This year's events are especially exciting as we celebrate Canada 150 year and our Government is proud to support Canadian Multiculturalism Day events all across the country, including major celebrations in Montréal, Vancouver and Toronto.”

“I invite all Canadians to take part in these events and discover the many cultures and communities that have helped make Canada a great place to live” stated Joly.

Canadians from different provinces and cities came together to celebrate the Canada’s Multiculturalism Day.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Image:Canadian Multiculturalism Day 2017/Twitter