Thirty Years of Multiculturalism Policy

OTTAWA, October 5, 2001. Thirty years ago, on October 8, 1971 Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announced, in the House of Commons, Canada's official Policy of Multiculturalism. "Trudeau's Policy is as relevant today as it was then" says Art Hagopian, President of the CEC. "We cannot deny that multiculturalism is an important fabric of our society and that the Policy has played a vital role in creating a nation where diverse communities are afforded respect and acceptance and where the choice to maintain one's culture and heritage is accepted as part of our Canadian identity. As Pierre Trudeau stated ‘The conscious support of individual freedom of choice must be safeguarded. If freedom of choice is in danger for some ethnic groups, it is in danger for all'. We urge the current government and the leadership of this country to reflect on this policy, support its principles and build on the late Prime Minister's vision of an inclusive and just society. We owe it to future generations and to the nations of this global village who are enviously following our lead".

"The Multicultural Policy has become our nations's guiding principle from which we can gather strength. Actions and measures in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 must be fair and just" says Oleh Romaniw, Vice-President of the CEC. "We commend the Prime Minister's reaffirmation of this value and the commitment of welcoming people from around the world. We are also pleased to see the All- Party-Resolution in the Province of Ontario which condemns all hate crime and reaffirms a tradition of tolerance and respect for diversity and encourages all Ontario residents to treat one another - regardless of race, religion, background or ethnic origin - with generosity, compassion, dignity and respect. These statements, and many other similar ones, are a reflection of the positive impact of the Multicultural Policy on Canadian society. It has become a way of life, a way of doing business and a statement of who we are as a nation. It must continue to be strengthened and supported." says Mr. Hagopian.

To read the Rt. Hon. Pierre Trudeau's statement on Multiculturalism as stated in the House of Commons, on Oct. 8, 1971 go to www.culturescanada.ca.

For more information contact Anna Chiappa (613) 230 - 3867, fax (613) 230-8051.

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The CEC is a coalition of national ethnocultural organizations whose mandate is to promote understanding of the multicultural reality of Canada.