Chapter 12: This Adventure Called

Canada

March 21, 2006

Racialization, Discrimination, and the Law

Rethinking Citizenship: Universal or Inclusive?

• 1947- Citizenship Act was passed. Canadian’s were no longer defined as British subjects

• Universal: the same rights and obligations were to be given to all citizens regardless of who they were or where they came from.

• Universal Citizenship was seen as a way to foster a shared loyalty, develop a society-building commitment, and ensure fundamental rights to all Canadians.

Problems with Universal Citizenship

• Recently come under attack

• A one-size-fits-all citizenship with universal rights cannot possibly cope with Canada’s multi-layed and deeply divided diversity.

• Is it even possible to address the demands of diversity within the framework of universal citizenship?

This Adventure Called Canada

• Canada is a country that is a “solution in search of a problem”.

• Canada has been unable to establish a moral community of citizens.

• The “adventure called Canada” is complicated by numerous factors.

• Canada is hardly perfect but less imperfect than the rest.

Challenges of the Millennium

• Aboriginal peoples and minority groups are no longer willing to bide their time on the sidelines; they are actively and openly competing for recognition and resources.

• Government policies are becoming more pluralistic.

• The government has become more involved in inclusion, acceptance, and equity. They have also encouraged government intervention and collective rights.

Human Rights• Human rights are no longer about what is done, but

about what is not being done to avoid hurting, excluding, or exploiting others.

• Concerned with modifying institutional structures and institutionalized power.

• Are human rights universal and cross-culturally applicable? Are human rights universal or simply an extension of Western values?

• Universal human rights may exist, but the current list is Eurocentrically biased and needs to become more inclusive.

A Postnational Canada: A Work in Progress

• Canada may be becoming the world’s first postnational society.

• Canada may provide a prototype for the ideal 21 century society because of their simple ability of transforming weakness into strengths.

• Model for “living together with differences”

The Canadian Way• Promoted as a solution of accommodating diversity

in deeply divided societies without creating chaos. • It is a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. • Diversity: the common good is best served when

everyone is accepted and respect for who they are.• Inclusiveness: ensures that all Canadians participate

fully and equally regardless of their racial or ethnic background.

• Must be a society-wide commitment and an institutionalized structure to promote ideals.

Reality of the Canadian Way

• Overestimates the magnitude of Canada’s responsiveness to minorities and minority demands.

• Tolerance is conditional and readily revoked when costly.

• Canada appears vulnerable. This vulnerability may translate into strength.

Types of Citizenship• Citizenship: a social contract involving a transaction

between individuals and the state.

• Universal Citizenship: citizenship that treats each person

the same. • Multicultural Citizenship

1) Equity: improving racialized minorities institutional access and representation

2) Self-Determining: endorsed by aboriginal peoples and the Quebecois.

3) Postnational: Dual or even multiple citizenship.

4) Inclusive: seeks to balance the universal with the

customized.