Multiculturalism in Canada: Evidence and Anecdote

With over 20 percent of the population foreign-born, and with more than 250 ethnic origins, Canada is one of the world’s most multicultural societies. Canada’s ethnic and religious diversity continues to grow alongside immigration.

Yet how well is Canada’s model of multiculturalism and citizenship working, and how well are Canadians, whatever their ethnic or religious origin, doing? Will Canada’s relative success compared to other countries continue, or are there emerging fault lines in Canadian society?

Canadian Multiculturalism: Evidence and Anecdote undertakes an extensive review of the available data from Statistics Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada operational statistics, employment equity and other sources to answer these questions and provide an integrated view covering economic outcomes, social indicators, and political and public service participation.

Evidence and Anecdote provides a detailed analysis from the national perspective as well provincial overviews, showing both common trends and regional differences. The book outlines the theoretical, historical, and policy context to illustrate the uniqueness of Canada and evolution of multiculturalism and to help readers understand the broader context for the evidence and analysis.

Visuals and charts are extensively used to engage readers and substantiate the changing nature of Canadian diversity.

Intended audience includes the media, academics, policy makers at federal, provincial and municipal levels, organizations active in integration and related issues, as well as ethnic and religious communities themselves.

Canadian Multiculturalism: Evidence and Anecdote is now available in e-book (pdf format, direct link here) and print-on-demand (direct link here) .

A long-needed work that integrates economic, social and political data to assess Canada’s success in creating an inclusive society. Griffith’s wide-range of data, illustrated through compelling charts and combined with a policy overview, make this a must read for those interested in citizenship, multiculturalism and immigration.

Ratna Omidvar

Executive Director, Ryerson GDX.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Theory, Policy and Practice
• Canada: A National Perspective
• British Columbia: Or Should it be Asian Columbia?
• Alberta: The New Face of Diversity
• Saskatchewan: Steady Growth
• Manitoba: Quiet Success
• Ontario: Multiculturalism at Work
• Québec: Impact of a Complex Identity
• Atlantic Canada: Immigrants Wanted but Will They Come and Stay?
• The North: Aboriginal Nations and New Canadians
• Policy Reflections and Implications
• Acknowledgements
• Appendices