Includes bibliographical references.

"Ethnic minorities have a deep affection for Canada. This was most evident in the Québec referendum held on October 30, 1995, where the ethnic vote was instrumental in keeping the country united. But why is the affinity for Canada so strong? Commonly heard argument is that Canada’s multiculturalism ideal, our demonstrated attachment to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination, tolerance and respect of cultural differences, has made them loyal to Canada.
There are, however, a number of arguments against multiculturalism and the policies and programs that support it. Many critics believe it fosters disunity and social division by creating self-contained ethnic ghettos. The money spent on multiculturalism is perceived as an attempt to placate ethnic voters. There are those who simply object to state-funded activities. In Quebec, some have taken the view that multiculturalism is nothing more than a ploy to undermine the French culture from being one of the two founding cultures to being one of a plethora of cultures. Other critics support multiculturalism in principle but deplore the lack of an effective and well-financed policy with sufficient government backing to achieve its stated objectives.
After 25 years as a federal policy, is multiculturalism helping or hindering Canadian unity? This book presents diverse viewpoints in thoughtful and considered essays by 24 Canadians on how to meet the needs of our evolving society." (Book Cover)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreward

Opening Remarks to the Juliet Cuenco Annual Memorial Seminar / Amelita A. Armit

DEFINING THE BATTLE LINES

Introduction: Identifying the Issues / Andrew Cardozo and Louis Musto

All Over the Map: The Lack of Consensus on Canadian Identity / Andrew Carozo

Public Opinion on Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity / Louis Musto

PARLIAMENTARY VIEWS ON NATION BUILDING

Liberal Party: A Continued Commitment to the Ideals of Multiculturalism / Hey Fry

Bloc Québécois: Integration Rather Than Multiculturalism / Christiane Gagnon

Reform Party: Federal Funding for Multiculturalism a Needless Expense / Cliff Breitkreuz

New Democratic Party: Standing UP for Canadian Values / Simon de Jong

Progressive Conservative Party: Guiding Our Future Through an Understanding of the Past / Noel A. Kinsella

Independent MP: Culture as an Individual Responsibility / Jan Brown

RACE, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN CANADA

Multiculturalism, Jews and the Forging of the Canadian Identity / Irving Abella

The Role of Ethnic Minorities in the Pursuit of Equality and Multiculturalism / Emilio S. Binavince

Our Constitution Does Not Admit of Distinction of Races / Nathan M. Greenfield

True North Strong and Hyphen-Free / R. L. Gabrielle Nishiguchi

New Racism, Cultural Diversity and the Search for a National Identity / Li Zong

CANADA AND THE WORLD

The Role of Ethnic Minorities in Building a Stronger Economy and a More United Country / Jonathan L. Calof

Multiculturalism in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom: An Overview / Karim H. Karim

The Quest for Canadian Unity in a Changing World / Geoffrey Pearson

MULTICULTURALISM AS A BUILDING BLOCK

Linking Our Multicultural Asset to the Information Highway /
Jean Augustine

Defending a Meager Program / Amy Go

Quebec, Canada and Multiculturalism: A Vision for the 21st Century / Fo Niemi

How to Advance National Unity: A Professional and Personal Perspective / C. Lloyd Stanford

Multiculturalism as a Response to an Evolving Society / Elliott Tepper

A Must for B.C, A Must for Canada / Lilian To

The Only Way to Go: Why Multiculturalism Can Help Unity / Joseph Wong

Contributors