1. Canadian Culture
Ch. 7 & 8 (p , )

2. 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?

4. 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

5. Immigration and Multiculturalism

6. 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

7. Refugees

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. Tommy Douglas