Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Canadian Multiculturalism Dayis an annual event focusing on the diversity of Canada’s peoples and cultures. The day, which is celebrated on June 27, began with a Royal Proclamation on November 13, 2002, stating that the long legacy of diversity in Canada should be marked and celebrated. This holiday joined other civic celebration days in a week-long event known as Celebrate Canada, which culminates in Canada Day on July 1.

Background

Canada is home to a wide variety of peoples and cultures. This cultural diversity is one of the country’s best-known attributes and has been a part of its history since pre-colonial times, when diverse populations of Indigenous peoples lived all over the country. Different cultures coming to Canada have contributed new languages, lifestyles, and belief systems to the fabric of society. In modern times, Canada has embraced and worked to protect this cultural diversity, known as multiculturalism.

In ancient times, Indigenous peoples such as the First Nations and Inuit were the first humans in what is today Canada. Starting in the sixteenth century, explorers and settlers from France and Britain began arriving in Canada. They formed many relationships, both beneficial and confrontational, with each other and the Indigenous peoples. By the mid-eighteenth century, wars and diplomacy had left the British as the dominant power in Canada. However, major populations of French Canadian and Indigenous people still remained, with many wishing to hold onto their cultures and languages. Due to the dominance of British culture and language, French Canadians became second-class citizens in some respects, and Indigenous people faced even worse treatment in the form of displacement, racism, and cultural suppression.

Around the time of the Confederation of Canada in 1867, people of British background made up approximately 60 percent of the country. People of French background made about 30 percent. The remainder was mostly people of Indigenous ancestry, which now included many of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry known as Métis. These percentages shifted significantly in the coming generations. Around the turn of the century, a large influx of mostly European immigrants arrived in the country. Later in the twentieth century, vast numbers of immigrants from East Asia and India arrived.

By the 2000s, Canada had become an extremely diverse country. Citizens identified with more than 250 ancestral backgrounds. The original three backgrounds—Indigenous, British, and French—remained in large percentages. However, significant numbers of European-Canadians reported roots in Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Holland, and Poland. Meanwhile, large numbers of Canadians reported family lines coming from China and India.

These diverse groups added countless new ideas into Canada’s society, including beliefs, religions, holidays, foods, and activities. Languages also diversified. While English and French held on to their prominent place in society, by the twenty-first century, Canadians spoke dozens of languages. Some Aboriginal languages re-emerged or strengthened. Meanwhile, immigrants brought their languages with them. Some important examples include Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, and Arabic.

Overview

On November 13, 2002, the Canadian government announced that, by Royal Proclamation, a new holiday called Canadian Multiculturalism Day would take place every year on June 27. The day was meant to acknowledge the long history of cultural diversity in Canada, and to celebrate the contributions of different peoples to the country. It is observed at national, provincial, territorial, and local levels.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day joined a series of other holidays—including National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and Saint-Jean Baptiste Day on June 24—that celebrate Canada’s diverse population. These holidays are part of a week-long celebration known as Celebrate Canada, which leads to Canada Day on July 1. Canada Day marks the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation that established the modern-day country.

Although there is no set schedule or established activities for Canadian Multiculturalism Day, celebrants usually use the day to celebrate diversity. They mark the accomplishments and contributions of the many diverse groups within Canada. They also reflect on the importance of equality, respect, and cooperation between different peoples as cornerstones of democracy.

Each year on Canadian Multiculturalism Day, officials may release statements showing their appreciation of cultural diversity. In addition, organizers of some events may announce themes to be observed or special events to take place during that particular year’s celebration. Events often include festivals or concerts that showcase a particular art or activity important to a cultural group. Typically, all people are invited to attend to learn about or sometimes even participate in the activity. This is meant to foster friendship, education, and understanding.

The establishment of Canadian Multiculturalism Day was an important step in an ongoing effort to fully embrace Canada’s cultural diversity. Prior to the mid-twentieth century, despite the abundance of cultures in the country, Canadian leaders generally did not seek to emphasize diversity as a strength. Rather, English-speaking Canadians of British background generally held the most social advantages, while other groups had fewer opportunities or faced outright discrimination.

An important early step for Canadian multiculturalism was bilingualism, which became an official policy in 1963. Under this policy, both English and French would serve as official languages. The spirit of diversity and cooperation grew through the 1960s. Another major step occurred on October 8, 1971, when Canadian leaders included the idea of multiculturalism in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. That meant that all people would be treated equally under the law.

In 1988, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act was another important step. This expanded on previous agreements and policies, creating a legal framework for protecting and promoting cultural diversity. It pointed out ways that Canadians might reduce discrimination, celebrate diversity, and promote social contributions from all kinds of people. Further developments expanded on this idea, such as the creation of the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, which would monitor diversity and enforce multicultural policies.

Many Canadians viewed the establishment of Canadian Multiculturalism Day as a positive step, and a way of marking the country’s significant progress in protecting and promoting diversity. However, some have criticized the push for diversity as harmful to Canada’s heritage and existing social systems. Others have suggested that current multicultural programs do not truly represent people in natural and comprehensive ways, or bring deep and lasting improvement to society, but rather emphasize limited aspects of culture such as fashions, foods, and artwork.

Canada, like many developed countries, is experiencing demographic change brought on by an increasing older population coupled with declining birth rates. Countries have turned to immigration to maintain vitality in areas such as its labor force. Many among the population with multi-generational citizenship can come to believe the traditional, cultural fabric of their country is being altered or is disappearing. Stress is added when impacts of immigration affects daily necessities such as affordable housing. Shortages in this area are a challenge facing Canadians, particularly in urban areas. Global, developed countries are continuously wrestling with these scenarios involving demographic change. For its part, Canada has continued on a path welcoming both immigration and multiculturalism.

In his 2023 statement marking Multiculturalism Day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that Canada was the first country to adopt the principle of multiculturalism as a government policy. He emphasized Canada’s commitment to combating hate and racism and the removal of systemic barriers that perpetuated these ills. Trudeau’s statement emphasized that while the nation celebrated the backgrounds of all its citizens, it could do such while acknowledging common citizenship as Canadiens.

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