Working site on citizenship and multiculturalism issues.
2013/08/08 Leave a comment
How the respective Ministerial roles between Minister Kenney and Alexander are shaping up – both Ministers have their names on statements and releases.
Statement — Ministers Jason Kenney and Chris Alexander issue statement recognizing Eid al-Fitr.
2013/08/08 Leave a comment
Further confirmation of just how mainstream and accepted gay rights have become in Canada and how the Conservative Party is part of that mainstream.
John Baird’s defence of gay rights ‘offensive,’ women’s group says | Toronto Star.
2013/08/06 Leave a comment
Good to see a healthy debate on the legacy of Trudeau, given that so much writing has had elements of hagiography. Bob Plamondon’s recent The Truth About Trudeau provides a valuable counter-narrative that, like many counter-narratives, may try too hard to make its case. On the other side, Andrew Cohen, emphasizes the long-term impact of Trudeau’s achievements, particularly the Constitution and the Charter, and his role, sometimes divisive, in trying to keep the country together.
Like all leaders with a legacy of achievement, views and interpretations will differ, but if Trudeau doesn’t ‘haunt us still,’ his legacy continues to shape the country, in big and small ways.
Even the Conservative government, opposed to much of the Trudeau legacy, has to live within it, sometimes with grace (e.g., the 2008 apology to aboriginal Canadians), sometimes churlishly (e.g., refusing to publicly commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Charter). And the reference to multiculturalism in the Charter (the Canadian ‘brand’) has equally sticking power despite efforts to invoke pluralism as an alternative.
2013/08/02 Leave a comment
A good overview putting some of the critiques in a broader context. Yes, the changes have been significant and, in many cases overdue, and a number of others less defensible. But his great political skill has been able to operate at two levels at the same time: developing and encouraging support among the numerous ethnic communities in Canada while pursuing some major policy changes that make immigration more restrictive for non-economic immigrants.
One of my own ‘tests’ of how immigration and the related issues of citizenship and multiculturalism are perceived in a country is the presence or absence of strong anti-immigration lobbies or political parties. While we have a range of critics of immigration policies, naturally enough, we have no major organized opposition to Canada as an immigrant-based country.
All Canadian political parties are engaged with immigrants and new Canadians, with any wedge politics to increase support among ethnic communities, not to create a split with the ‘mainstream’.
The dynamic in Quebec is different, and more influenced by European debates and tensions.
2013/07/29 Leave a comment
Good overview on the remake of the Canadian Museum of Civilization into the Canadian Museum of History, and the likely narrowing of focus and messaging. While the CMC was ‘content light’, my experience taking visitors around from many countries is that the Canada Hall gave them a powerful image of the diversity and evolution of Canada.
And some of Jack Granatstein’s lament in Who Killed Canadian History seemed exaggerated as our kids went through their primary and high school education with a reasonable amount of ‘traditional’ history in addition to social history. Not to say a refresh is not warranted, but hopefully less jingoistic than the War of 1812 celebrations.
How Stephen Harper is rewriting history – Canada – Macleans.ca.
2013/07/27 2 Comments
A good overview by INSEAD academics of some of the advantages for larger companies of multicultural managers and leaders, and some of the advantages:
2013/07/27 Leave a comment
More on the ‘who is in charge’ question re multiculturalism between Minister Kenney, Alexander and Minister of State Uppal.
Cabinet orders add to confusion over Canada’s multiple multiculturalism ministers – Inside Politics.
2013/07/26 Leave a comment
Good piece on religious freedom, and how it has to be based upon the freedom of coercion.
Robert P. George and Katrina Lantos Swett: Religious Freedom Is About More Than Religion – WSJ.com.
2013/07/26 Leave a comment
The contrary view to Minister Kenney’s achievements as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. Not a balanced take, but highlights the challenges of defining and finding balance given the range of interests and perspectives.
Memo to Chris Alexander, Canada’s new immigration minister | Toronto Star.
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