SCHOLAR: THE STORY BETWEEN FRENCH/ ENGLSH CANADA

 

Multiculturalism is, “a term typically used to describe the ethnocultural diversity arising out of immigration together with public policies designed to accommodate it,” it is a subset of cultural pluralism (Cameron 2007, 73).  Canada has since its inception had two great linguistic communities existing.  It has been shaped through cultural pluralism.  The division between the French and the English created the Canadian identity.  In the, “Early decades of the British North America [there were] unresolved debate[s] between …  accommodation and assimilation” (Cameron 2007, 74).  The Constitution Act of 1791 set out the terms in which the French would tolerate the English.  The French sought to preserve its language and religion as they fought for cultural dualism to be incorporated into the framework for British North America. 

The English looked down on the French and attacked them.  Lord Durham “launched a merciless and scathing attack on the French Canadians, who clung to ancient prejudices, ancient customs and ancient laws” (Cameron 2007, 75).  Clearly the belief of superiority shaped the views of prominent Englishmen when in regards to the French.  They sought to progress the liberal world and coexist with the French.  Durham wanted to dissolve the French to make one nation similar to what had transpired with the Acadians of Louisiana.  He genuinely believed that the French Canadians would be better off.  He planned to obfuscate French identity by constitutional order which would then force the French to participate in the English system (Cameron 2007, 76).  The problem or the division between French and English was an existential problem in the development of British North America.  Mill Acton saw a nation wherein the “co-existence of several nations under the same State” (Cameron 2007, 78) as a test.  This would evidently progress the ideal of liberalism to create national unity.  They needed mutual accommodation in order for this to work.  It has taken generations for Canadians to understand the dualistic nature of the Canadian identity.  There are two communities that vie for authority with two languages.  As time passed the Quebecois began to want the same things as the English although they satisfied themselves with heir agrarian lifestyle along the banks of St.  Lawrence, protecting their language, their faith and their distinctive culture (Cameron 2007, 79).  They continued to distance themselves from the English.  After WWII, Quebec moved towards the adoption of a new collective strategy that brought them in direct competition with the English.  They adopted Bill 1010 Quebec’s language law which was designed to make the English retreat.  They had become a society that Durham thought they were incapable of as they began to modernize Quebec.  They transformed into a secular, commercial and busting society (Cameron 2007, 79).  Through the struggle for imperial dominance, the French and the English had to find a way to amicable live together and through the Quebec Secession Reference, the Supreme Court of Canada identified “four fundamental, unstated principles that support Canada’s constitutional order:  federalism, democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, and respect for minority rights” (Cameron 2007, 82).  This was the practical accommodation that enabled both the English and the French to coexist in a dualistic matter.  In this, a workable compromise was established which then a common culture can thrive. 

The 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was monumental to the tolerance of multiple cultures.  It recognizes Canadian diversity wherein the enjoyment of liberty in modern Canada can be sustained.  It provides freedom and equality of opportunity in a social environment that is considerate of diversity (Cameron 2007, 85).  The Charter declares democratic, legal, equality and mobility rights.  It has provisions for language and education rights as well as protecting aboriginal rights and freedoms.  It previses equal status between men and women and  freedom of religion.  The Charter represents the fundamental values which upbring the Canadian identity.  Canada is a country of immigrants from all walks of life.  Multiculturalism is a distinct value of the Canadian identity and it is brought together through tolerance, common existence and the act of living together.  Through this, Canada is socially and culturally transformed to form the Canadian life.

 

REFERENCES

Cameron, D. (2007).  Uneasy Partners Multiculturalism and Rights in Canada. “An Evolutionary Story” Canada: Wilfred Laurier University Press