English Canada Should Follow Quebec’s Lead and Prioritize Integration Over Multiculturalism

March 16, 2025 TruthUSA

Commentary

Canada faces the challenge of forging a common identity among its multi-ethnic population with diverse origins. Quebec’s government rejects multiculturalism in favor of a new approach called “integration,” which seeks to integrate newcomers compassionately. This model could serve as a valuable example for English Canada.

Bill 84, known as the “An Act respecting national integration,” aims to establish a common culture in Quebec that promotes social cohesion and enables immigrants and cultural minorities to integrate into Quebec society. This common culture is seen as a unifying factor for all Quebecers to form a united nation.

The bill outlines key elements of Quebec culture that must be upheld, such as democratic values, gender equality, and the separation of religion and state. Immigrants are encouraged to learn French and actively participate in Quebec society.

Speaking at a press conference on Jan. 28, Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge defended the integration model, criticizing Canadian multiculturalism for lacking a common cultural identity.

Roberge expressed concerns about immigrants becoming isolated in enclaves and emphasized the need for a more diverse and cohesive society where people interact with one another.

Quebec’s integration strategy aims to build a common culture that all citizens, regardless of their background, can embrace. It sets out expectations for newcomers to adhere to certain values without alienating them, inviting them to fully engage in their new environment.

Contrastingly, official Canadian multiculturalism, established by Pierre Trudeau in 1971 and expanded upon in the 1988 Multiculturalism Act, celebrates cultural diversity without emphasizing a shared Canadian culture.

Critics of multiculturalism, including Neil Bisoondath, Salim Mansur, and William Gairdner, argue that this policy has exacerbated divisions in Canadian society. Mansur, in particular, warns that excessive tolerance in multiculturalism can allow intolerance to flourish unchecked.

Recognizing the flaws in multiculturalism, leaders like Angela Merkel and David Cameron have criticized the model for failing to promote social cohesion in their respective countries. Despite recent social tensions in Canada, our leaders have yet to acknowledge the shortcomings of multiculturalism.

Quebec’s integration approach presents an opportunity for Canada to rethink its multicultural policies and prioritize the integration of newcomers into a common culture that upholds shared values. By embracing this model, Canada can preserve its identity and foster social unity.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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