The CRRF celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day
Today, on June 27, the CRRF celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
The Government of Canada recognizes the diversity of Canadians as regards race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society and is committed to a policy of multiculturalism designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians while working to achieve the equality of all Canadians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada…. (From the Preamble to the Canadian Multiculturalism Act)
The CRRF proudly celebrates the 32nd anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and to note with pride the progress that all Canadians have made in building a country that is rightly ranked as one of the best in the world. Celebrate this day by discovering various cultures, diversity, and racial equality that bring Canada to life.
In addition to celebration, this day is a reminder to push towards continuing progress and CRRF’s ongoing mission in eliminating racism and discrimination in Canada. A two- pronged context of the Multiculturalism Act is clear from the preamble quoted above from the Act : to preserve and enhance multicultural heritage, and to achieve equality for all Canadians in economic, social, cultural and political life.
Therefore, it is important to revisit the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and understand its direction regarding race relations for Canadian Society including:
- Promoting and understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society; and recognizing and promoting the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage
- Promoting the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation
- Ensuring Canadians of all origins have equal opportunity to obtain employment and advancement in Federal institutions; and promoting policies, programs, and practices that enhance the understanding and respect for diversity of Canadians as well as enhancing the ability for Canadians of all origins to contribute to Canada’s continuing evolution.
- Encouraging and assisting all aspects of business, labour, voluntary, and private organizations in ensuring full participation in Canadian society – especially in promoting respect and appreciation for the multicultural reality. In addition, assisting ethno-cultural minority communities in overcoming any discriminatory barrier based on race or national or ethnic origin.
(from the Canadian Multiculturalism Act’s Multiculturalism Policy)
We wish all a happy Multiculturalism Day and also invite you to view our “We are Canada” project, in partnership with Enviro Foto Group featuring diverse community leaders who contribute to Canadian society in their own important ways.