Chapter 12: This Adventure Called Canada March 21, 2006

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.