Liberal Statement on the 42nd Anniversary of Multiculturalism
October 8, 2013
MONTRÉAL AND TORONTO– The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made the following statement today on the 42nd anniversary of Canada’s policy of multiculturalism:
“Today we mark 42 years since Canada adopted an official policy of multiculturalism. In so doing, we affirmed that Canada is strong not in spite of our diversity, but because of it.
In a country as diverse as ours, this is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the common values that bind us together as a nation: democracy, freedom, compassion and equality.
This anniversary, specifically, serves as a reminder that Canadians deserve better than the Marois government’s divisive plan to legislate away minority rights. We are an open, positive people, and we will demand better than this.”
Liberal Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Critic, John McCallum, continued:
“From our earliest days as a nation, through to the official adoption of multiculturalism in 1971 and the later inclusion of this principle in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada’s strength and vibrancy have long been built on the cornerstone of diversity.
Canadian multiculturalism quite simply upholds that all our citizens are equal, and that their individual contributions enhance and enrich our national character.”