A. Diversity and Legislation

Summary: Diversity and Legislation in Canada

Multiculturalism in Canada

• Definition: Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of diverse cultures, races, and religions in Canada.

• Adoption: Became an official policy during Pierre Trudeau’s leadership in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Legislation and Reflection:

  • Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988) acknowledges multiculturalism as a fundamental Canadian characteristic.

  • Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms enshrines multiculturalism.

  • The Broadcasting Act of 1991 mandates the Canadian broadcasting system to reflect cultural diversity.

Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988)

• Recognizes multiculturalism as integral to Canada.

• Goals:

  • Preserve culture and language.

  • Reduce discrimination.

  • Enhance cultural awareness.

  • Promote culturally sensitive federal-level changes.

• Established after reports like Equality Now! and recommendations for a multiculturalism policy.

Canadian Human Rights Act (1977)

• Purpose: Ensures equal opportunity for all, prohibiting discrimination based on sex, disability, religion, etc.

• Scope: Applies to federally regulated activities (provinces/territories have their own laws for non-federal matters).

• Institutions:

  • Canadian Human Rights Commission (investigates discrimination claims).

  • Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (judges discrimination cases).

• Section 25: Multiculturalism is preserved and enhanced as a core value.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Multiculturalism

• The profession is shaped by Western values (independence, work, self-sufficiency).

• VR professionals must adapt to incorporate non-majority cultural values into their planning.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When was multiculturalism adopted as an official policy in Canada?
   a. 1960s
   b. 1970s
   c. 1980s
   d. 1990s

2. Which Act acknowledges multiculturalism as a core characteristic of Canadian society?
   a. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
   b. Canadian Multiculturalism Act
   c. Broadcasting Act
   d. Canadian Human Rights Act

3. What is a primary goal of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act?
   a. To centralize language and cultural practices
   b. To reduce federal oversight on cultural matters
   c. To preserve culture and reduce discrimination
   d. To unify Canada under one culture

4. What year was the Canadian Human Rights Act passed?
   a. 1967
   b. 1977
   c. 1987
   d. 1997

5. What does the Canadian Human Rights Commission do?
   a. Pass laws
   b. Investigate discrimination claims
   c. Enforce multiculturalism policies
   d. Broadcast cultural programs

True or False

6. The Broadcasting Act of 1991 reflects multiculturalism in Canadian broadcasting.

7. Multiculturalism in Canada only applies to visible minorities.

8. Vocational rehabilitation values are inherently aligned with all cultural groups.

9. Multiculturalism as a law was first passed in 1988.

10. Section 25 of the Canadian Human Rights Act promotes cultural unification.

Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. b. 1970s

2. b. Canadian Multiculturalism Act

3. c. To preserve culture and reduce discrimination

4. b. 1977

5. b. Investigate discrimination claims

True or False

6. True

7. False (It applies to all cultures, not just visible minorities.)

8. False (VR professionals must adapt to different cultural values.)

9. True

10. False (It promotes the preservation and enhancement of cultural diversity.)