True multiculturalism requires multiple languages

Providing services in other languages embraces true diversity

True multiculturalism requires multiple languagesPrime Minister Trudeau has “trademarked” the line “diversity is our strength,” but his idea of diversity seems to be related to only skin colour, costumes (for which he is fond), and food. It definitely does not include more fundamental elements found in a diversity of languages or thought. Canada is targeting 400,000 immigrants per year.…

Lessons from Boris Johnson’s departure and the contest to replace him

The diversity quotient of the leadership candidates is striking, at odds with the conservative caricature

Lessons from Boris Johnson’s departure and the contest to replace himCanadians with a general interest in politics will be watching the current developments in the United Kingdom. They might even feel a touch of envy. Less than three years ago, Boris Johnson bestrode the British scene like the proverbial colossus. Thwarting the dogged opponents of Brexit – including many in his own party – he…

The New Canadians Health Centre is helping refugees thrive

Centre's mandate is not just about meeting medical needs; it's about a more equitable community

The New Canadians Health Centre is helping refugees thriveNearly 700 refugees – half from Afghanistan – have received care at the New Canadians Health Centre in Edmonton, Alta. since it opened in late August 2021. The centre is the result of a partnership between academics, local settlement and health-care organizations, and the provincial government. Family doctors, nurses, specialists, including a pediatrician, psychological therapists,…

Mentors are key to embracing new Canadians

An important lesson for nation-building in Canada

Mentors are key to embracing new CanadiansAs a new Canadian, I was fortunate to have had the guidance and mentorship of many outstanding Canadian role models. They helped pave my integration into a new society and provided me with invaluable advice for my professional career. There’s an important lesson here for nation-building in Canada. Bringing immigrants to Canada is only half…

Immigration can help solve Canada’s economic challenges

Immigration policy must build bridges and align with economic, social, education and multicultural policy

Immigration can help solve Canada’s economic challengesI was recently invited to share my thoughts and take a futuristic peek at the role of immigration in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited me to speak at its annual executive leadership summit that included more than 250 decision-makers in the executive branch. My presentation spanned the unresolved immigration issues…

Canada must overcome its lingering linguistic imperialism

Nowhere else in the world could a person speak only one language and be considered educated

Canada must overcome its lingering linguistic imperialismA Czech proverb says, “You live a new life for every language you speak. If you only know one language, you only live once.” Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau got himself into hot water recently due to his inability to speak French. How he was chosen to lead a corporation that’s expected to offer services…

The Toronto Blue Jays truly are Canada’s team

Just like Canada, baseball has a way of bringing diverse groups together

The Toronto Blue Jays truly are Canada’s teamThe Toronto Blue Jays are often referred to as Canada’s team because they’re the only Major League Baseball organization in the country. This season they’re playing the most exciting baseball we’ve seen in years, and even though their ranks don’t include many Canadian players, they certainly look a lot like Canada. There are as many…

More than ever, we need to embrace diversity

There’s no superior culture in the world

More than ever, we need to embrace diversityWe live in a very diverse world. Not only is each individual unique but, as people from different parts of the world have come into contact, it has become clear that each culture has different priorities. Do we have anything in common? I was very fortunate to have been brought up in a multicultural and…

New podcast explores systemic racism, celebrates Black achievement

BlackTalk offers an ‘ethnic, modern, inclusive and informative’ take on the Black experience for listeners of all backgrounds

New podcast explores systemic racism, celebrates Black achievementThe murder of George Floyd last year was a pivotal moment for University of Alberta political scientist Andy Knight. The expert in international politics is acutely aware of his good fortune throughout his distinguished career. Growing up in Barbados, then immigrating to Canada in his teens, he felt insulated from the worst of the anti-Black…

How the federal government has warped the battle against racism

Canadians believe in equality and compassion; we don’t believe in pitting one group against another

How the federal government has warped the battle against racismCanada has always prided itself on being one of the most open and least racist countries in the world. This view may not have always been true, particularly when it comes to our past immigration policies, which only became colour neutral in the 1960s. But since then, and continuing today, the vast majority of our…
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