Transcript 7 Canadian Culture . ppt - Prince George Secondary

Canadian Culture
Ch. 7 & 8 (p. 175-176, 204-207)
What Is Canadian Culture?
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Culture: a shared approach to life based on
common social norms, beliefs, and values
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Is there a Canadian culture?
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If so, what is it?
Immigration and Multiculturalism
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Immigration Policy
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Restrictive from WWI to 1960s
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British, Americans, N. Europeans were preferred
1962: most restrictions removed on Asian and
African immigration
1967: immigration policy officially “colour-blind”
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Country of origin and race no longer factors
Immigrants chosen using a points system based on age,
education, ability to speak French or English, and
employment prospects
If you have enough points, healthy, of good character,
then you’re let in with spouse and dependent children
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Immigration and Multiculturalism
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Immigration Policy
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1976: relatives of immigrants already in Canada
allowed in
Refugees (people fleeing unsafe countries)
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Not often welcome before WWII (ex. Jewish refugees)
Post-WWII: economy booming, workers and consumers
needed, more concern for the mistreated, refugees (or
“displaced persons”) welcomed
1957: 37,000 Hungarian refugees after uprising against
USSR failed
1968: 11,000 Czech refugees after USSR invasion
1972: 7000 Asian-Ugandan refugees after persecution
Refugees
Immigration and Multiculturalism
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Multiculturalism Policy
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Purpose: to support and encourage all ethnic groups
in Canada to honour their culture and share it with
the rest of Canada
Mosaic, not assimilation or melting pot
Introduced in 1971 by PM Trudeau
Programs set up to make all Canadians feel at home,
prevent racism, and teach cultural respect
1988: Department of Multiculturalism and
Citizenship established to promote multiculturalism,
now Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Immigration and Multiculturalism
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Multiculturalism Policy
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Not all Canadians agree with multiculturalism
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For: strengthens Canada, makes all feel welcome,
increases cultural knowledge/respect and national unity,
spreads values of tolerance and equality
Against: emphasizes differences not similarities,
prevents a common national identity, can lead to
isolation and conflict
Difficulties
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School and national holidays based on Christianity (ex.
Christmas and Easter)
Multicultural Festivals (ex. Chinese New Year and
Ramadan)
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Superficial? (food, dance, music, and costumes)
Canada’s Social Safety Net
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Definition: A series of government programs that ensure a
basic standard of living for Canadians
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1927: Old Age Pensions
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Money for people in-between jobs
1945: Family Allowances
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Money for retired seniors
Expanded in 1966 – Canada Pension Plan
1940: Unemployment Insurance
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aka “Welfare State”
Money for families with children
1966: Day Care and Income Assistance (Welfare)
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Canada Assistance Plan solidified gov. funding for these programs
Canada’s Social Safety Net
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1966: Medical Care Act – “Medicare”
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Prov. & fed. govs would pay for medical services
Before Medicare, bills from serious illnesses or
accidents could bankrupt Canadians
Medicare first started in 1962 in Saskatchewan
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Pushed by Premier Tommy Douglas – “father of Medicare”
In beginning, unpopular with doctors (went on strike)
Douglas becomes leader of federal NDP Party, pushes for
Medicare across Canada
PM Pearson passed national Medicare act in 1966
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Worried that NDP would take Liberal votes if he didn’t
Tommy Douglas