Canada - a country of cultural freedom for immigrants
In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to embrace multiculturalism as an official public policy.
Officially, Canadian Multiculturalism Day was approved by the government on November 13, 2002 and is scheduled to be celebrated on June 27. Each year on this day, Native and new Canadians are reminded of the cultural diversity of their country, made up of the many beliefs, values and customs that make Canada such a special nation. As Lila Achir, Alberta's Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, rightly observed, "Multiculturalism is a choir of many different voices coming together to make beautiful music.
On Multiculturalism Day, everyone has a great opportunity to share their life experiences, heritage and customs despite their different origins and social status. The important task of this day is to remind society that rich ethnic values are not forgotten and to preserve them for future generations.
What attracts immigrants to Canada?
Over the past century, Canada has become renowned for the diversity of cultures and nationalities that make up its vast land mass. For years, Canada has opened its welcoming arms to immigrants from all over the world, who now call the country home. Among the G8 countries, Canada is the leader in receiving immigrants. Statistics Canada Statistics Canada estimates that one in five people you meet in Canada now come from abroad, and about 200,000 people migrate to the country each year.
However, the commonality of the different cultures that have found their place in this land speaks not just to its generosity and hospitality, but primarily to the importance of its public policy development. Canada's governmental commitment to preserving the unique identity of all nationalities, as well as recognizing the cultural contributions of different ethnic groups to the full development of society, has made this North American country so attractive to immigrants for many decades.
For many newcomers who have immersed themselves in Canadian society over the past decades, Canada has become a land of great opportunities and change for the better.
