World

No room for special status in Canadian mainstream: Multiculturism

by Barry ORegan | April 4, 2009 at 06:29 am

212 views | 17 Recommendations | 4 comments

Barry Artiste Op/Ed

Again, another story, which I have always espoused as decades of Liberal Ethnic Pandering for Votes.

Thank god we now have a Conservative Government who state to ethic communities "You are not to be treated any different than Canadians, if you want to be Canadian, then Suck it Up and start acting Canadian. Nothing like fostering Racial Strife by treating on Culture better than another. Or kowtowing to the Liberal Drivel of Multiculturalism and Diversity in making those new to Canada "Special"! You are Canadian as soon as your Ass hits Canadian Soil as far as I am concerned we are all equal! Get used it!

Canada's ethno-cultural communities no longer need special status, says the minister in charge of multiculturalism.

Jason Kenney said Canada's minorities are strong and rich enough to support themselves and should compete with "old-stock" Canadians and other ethnic groups for cultural funding.

"We don't need to force the issue of diversity, it's there," he said in an interview with Sun Media. "The challenges of today aren't turning Canada into a diverse society. It already is."

OUTDATED POLICIES

Kenney said the federal Liberals' multiculturalism policies of the 1970s, which funded particular communities and "their food and folklore," are outdated. He struck a nerve, in a recent speech, when he doubted the necessity of diversity programs.

"Our ethno-cultural communities are sufficiently large and robust with their own resources that they don't need government contributions or subsidies in order to maintain diversity," he said.

After that speech, Kenney was quickly asked if the popular Ukrainian Shumka Dancers would no longer qualify for government funding.

"No," he said. "They don't qualify under multiculturalism because they are the new mainstream. They do qualify for funding under the various arts programs that exist in Canadian Heritage."

The same goes for ethnic newspapers. "They would get the same consideration as non-ethnic newspapers, but they won't get different consideration because their readers happen to be from a different part of the world originally."

Here is a related story I posted today on the futility of Multiculturalism and Diversity
http://my.nowpublic.com/world/canada-isnt-hotel-cdn-immigration-minister-says

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Uwe Paschen

at 07:14 on April 4th, 2009

I can see where you are coming from Barry, however this is a double edged sword of sorts.

What would you say where you a minority and immigrant or second generation Canadian?

This sort of politics will add full to the separatist fire and may cause the break up of Canada faster then you would be able to counter it. Quebec just fund one more reason to be independent.

And the same would apply for Ontario and NB.

André Drouin (not verified)

at 11:01 on April 4th, 2009

Paschen

I am afraid I dont get it. "If all become Canadians as soon as their ass hits canadian soil" you seem to conclude that provinces will want to separate from the country.

Please tell us more.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 11:12 on April 4th, 2009

Pashen, Quebec is not covered under any multiculturism programs. Their place in Canada is guaranteed in the Constitution of this land. They are also recognized under the Official Languages Act. I don.t see how a conclusion can be reached that this would cause Quebec to separate. Ukranians opened up the part of the country I live in. They settled this area at the turn of the century. They worked hard and found their place in Canadian society. As many immigrants they came here to improve their lifes. While it is important for people to retain their roots, it is also important that we all become Canadians. Our strength is in our diversity and fair laws. I.m proud to be Canadian and our diversity.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 11:14 on April 4th, 2009

Barry a great story. Thank you for addressing this issue.

Barry ORegan

at 18:51 on April 4th, 2009

Thanks to all of you for your comments, as you can see my friend Paschen, We are a nation of immigrants who wish all who come here to assimilate as equals, it is not fair to single out one group as special as that just fosters resentment. Canada says all are equal, and that is how is supposed to be.

Quebec being the first who settled Canada have rights,and it is in our constitution as it should be. Will Quebec separate, I think not, as long as politicians do not keep screwing around with the constitution and rights given to Quebec.

Uwe Paschen

at 23:09 on April 4th, 2009

None seem to realize that all are Immigrant in Canada and all failed to assimilate to the Native Canadian cultures.Assimilate into what though? Canada does not have a uniform Culture like Japan or Sweden. If you look at it honestly and fairly, then all Canadian should assimilate into the Native or Aborigine Cultures such as the Huron Native North American. It is not that clear cut.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 13:34 on April 5th, 2009

I agree with you to some extent Pashen, however the country was settled as a colony by the French first and then later it became and English colony. The Europeans brought their culture and customs with them. This is also true for the United States. At the time of discovery by Columbus in 1492, there was not one single culture in the newly discovered America. Aboriginals were nomads and moved to where the hunting grounds were plentiful.

That is why even today, we have an obligation toward our aboriginal population.