It seems that even multi cultural, diverse Canada has limits on multi culturalism and diversity when it is violently opposed with basic Canadian values, practices and behaviors.
A dual language English and French "Study Guide - Discover Canada, The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship" recently updated and published by Citizenship and Immigration Canada explains it all for new and potential Canadian citizens.
While enumerating the many rights of Canadians, including,
"Multiculturalism -- A fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity. Canadians celebrate the gift of one another's presence and work hard to respect pluralism and live in harmony."
...the guide also clearly and forcefully states the responsibilities of Canadians in unabashedly bald terms, specifically spelling out what is not acceptable and even, in the age of non judgmentalism, judging such unaccepted "cultural practices" as "barbaric;" warning that those found guilty of such behavior will be "severely punished under Canada's criminal laws" rather than the laws of the trespasser's native culture.
The Equality of Women and MenIn Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada's openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, "honour killings," female genital mutilation, or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada's criminal laws.
Citizenship Responsibilities
In Canada, rights come with responsibilities. These include:
* Obeying the law - One of Canada's founding principles is the rule of law. Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions. No person or group is above the law.
* Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family - Getting a job, taking care of one's family, and working hard in keeping with one's abilities, are important Canadian values. Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Canada's prosperity.
* Serving on a jury - When called to do so, you are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work, as it depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.
* Voting in elections - The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote in federal, provincial or territorial and local elections.
* Helping others in the community - Millions of volunteers freely donate their time to help others without pay-helping people in need, assisting at your child's school, volunteering at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contacts.
* Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment - Every citizen has a role to play in avoiding waste and pollution while protecting Canada's natural, cultural, and architectural heritage for future generations.
A " message to our readers" explains the basics of Canadian citizenship.
Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 54 must have adequate knowledge of English or French in order to become Canadian citizens.
However, the guide continues
[T]he idea of multiculturalism, as a result of 19th and 20th century immigration, gained a new impetus. By the 1960s, one-third of Canadians had origins that were neither British nor French, and took pride in preserving their distinct culture in the Canadian fabric. Today, diversity enriches Canadians' lives, particularly in our cities.
Now pluralistic Canadians can't claim they weren't warned if they commit a "barbaric" crime thinking they will be excused in the name of multi culturalism.
hat tip: National Post
Share