Multiculturalism Timeline

Multiculturalism Through the Years

The road to true multiculturalism hasn’t always been direct, but the underlying concept is something most Canadians aspire to uphold. Following are some of Canada’s key multiculturalism milestones.

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Multiculturalism Through the Years

Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson creates the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism to help shape federal and provincial language policy. Other ethnic groups in Canada take issue with the commission’s limited focus and ask the government to consider all cultural groups while recommending policies.

1963

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1969

The commission’s final report is released, calling for a recognition of the cultural contributions of Canadians who are of neither French nor English heritage.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1971

Canada becomes the first country in the world to officially institute a multicultural policy, which is embraced by many Canadians and faces little opposition in Parliament, but some French-language advocates argue it will fail to protect Quebec’s distinct culture.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1976

The federal government adopts the Immigration Act, removing some restrictions on immigration from non-European countries and solidifying Canada’s dedication to welcoming a diversity of newcomers.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1977

The Canadian Human Rights Act is created to protect all Canadians, including newcomers, from discrimination based on membership to marginalized groups.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1982

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is introduced, dictating that the provisions within the Charter “shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians.”

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1984

The Special Parliamentary Committee on Visible Minorities’ Equality Now! report suggests that even after a decade of official multiculturalism policy, BIPOC Canadians are not being given the opportunities to fully participate in Canadian life.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1985

The findings in the Equality Now! report lead to the creation of a House of Commons Standing Committee on Multiculturalism, followed by the creation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act two years later.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1988

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act receives Royal Assent, turning the government’s multiculturalism policy into law and institutionalizing multiculturalism in all federal institutions.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1996

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is created as a federal Crown corporation to eliminate “all forms of racism and racial discrimination in Canadian society.”

Multiculturalism Through the Years

1997

The federal government updates its multiculturalism policy to focus more heavily on social justice, civic participation, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

2002

The government declares that Canadian Multiculturalism Day will be held each year on June 27.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

2005

Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism is launched, outlining more than forty new and continuing initiatives for combatting racism and discrimination.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

2008 -2015

The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada becomes a crucial means for reintroducing Canadians to the national importance of Indigenous perspectives and culture.

Multiculturalism Through the Years

The federal government launches Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022, investing $45 million to support and complement existing programs and initiatives aimed at eliminating inequality by focusing on three main pillars: demonstrating federal leadership, empowering communities, and changing attitudes.

2019