Canadian Culture Ch. 7 & 8 (p. 175-176, 204-207)

What Is Canadian Culture? Culture: a shared approach to life based on common social norms, beliefs, and values Is there a Canadian culture? If so, what is it?

Immigration and Multiculturalism Immigration Policy Restrictive from WWI to 1960s British, Americans, N. Europeans were preferred 1962: most restrictions removed on Asian and African immigration 1967: immigration policy officially “colour-blind” Country of origin and race no longer factors Immigrants chosen using a points system based on age, education, ability to speak French or English, and employment prospects If you have enough points, healthy, of good character, then you’re let in with spouse and dependent children

Immigration and Multiculturalism

Immigration and Multiculturalism Immigration Policy 1976: relatives of immigrants already in Canada allowed in Refugees (people fleeing unsafe countries) Not often welcome before WWII (ex. Jewish refugees) Post-WWII: economy booming, workers and consumers needed, more concern for the mistreated, refugees (or “displaced persons”) welcomed 1957: 37,000 Hungarian refugees after uprising against USSR failed 1968: 11,000 Czech refugees after USSR invasion 1972: 7000 Asian-Ugandan refugees after persecution

Refugees

Immigration and Multiculturalism Multiculturalism Policy Purpose: to support and encourage all ethnic groups in Canada to honour their culture and share it with the rest of Canada Mosaic, not assimilation or melting pot Introduced in 1971 by PM Trudeau Programs set up to make all Canadians feel at home, prevent racism, and teach cultural respect 1988: Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship established to promote multiculturalism, now Department of Citizenship and Immigration

Immigration and Multiculturalism Multiculturalism Policy Not all Canadians agree with multiculturalism For: strengthens Canada, makes all feel welcome, increases cultural knowledge/respect and national unity, spreads values of tolerance and equality Against: emphasizes differences not similarities, prevents a common national identity, can lead to isolation and conflict Difficulties School and national holidays based on Christianity (ex. Christmas and Easter) Multicultural Festivals (ex. Chinese New Year and Ramadan) Superficial? (food, dance, music, and costumes)

Canada’s Social Safety Net Definition: A series of government programs that ensure a basic standard of living for Canadians aka “Welfare State” 1927: Old Age Pensions Money for retired seniors Expanded in 1966 – Canada Pension Plan 1940: Unemployment Insurance Money for people in-between jobs 1945: Family Allowances Money for families with children 1966: Day Care and Income Assistance (Welfare) Canada Assistance Plan solidified gov. funding for these programs

Canada’s Social Safety Net 1966: Medical Care Act – “Medicare” Prov. & fed. govs would pay for medical services Before Medicare, bills from serious illnesses or accidents could bankrupt Canadians Medicare first started in 1962 in Saskatchewan Pushed by Premier Tommy Douglas – “father of Medicare” In beginning, unpopular with doctors (went on strike) Douglas becomes leader of federal NDP Party, pushes for Medicare across Canada PM Pearson passed national Medicare act in 1966 Worried that NDP would take Liberal votes if he didn’t

Tommy Douglas