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Multiculturalism in Canada

Canada is a country that is built on immigration and embraces diversity.  It is known for having one of the most diverse populations in the world.  Recognition of this diversity and its economic and social advantages led to the passage of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988.  

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, passed in July 1998, made Canada the first country in the world to pass a national multiculturalism law clearly reaffirming multiculturalism as a fundamental value of Canadian society.  The Act acknowledges multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society.   Designed to preserve and enhance multiculturalism in Canada, the Act seeks to assist in preserving culture, reducing discrimination, enhancing cultural awareness and understanding, and promoting culturally sensitive institutional change. Over the years, federal institutions have striven to ensure that their policies and programs respond to the interests and concerns of all Canadians. This will continue to require sustained efforts by the federal government as the Canadian population continues to change and steady numbers of people from around the world decide to make Canada their home.