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"Canadian" as an Ethnic Category: Implications for Multiculturalism and National Unity

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  • Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann

Abstract

Among English-speaking, non-aboriginal Canadians, there is such a thing as an ethnic Canadian identity. Frequently, biological ancestry is confused with social ethnicity, so that everyone's "true" identity is presumed to be rooted somewhere else. Yet most people who are born in Canada, or who immigrate to Canada at young ages, become ethnic Canadians. Against this view of Canadianness, illiberal multiculturalists argue for strong identification of Canadians with ancestral ethnic groups. By contrast, the public policy of liberal multiculturalism encourages private, individual choices of identity. Paradoxically, this liberal policy also encourages identification with Canada and Canadian citizenship, both vital to Canadian unity. Canada's multiculturalism policy should not change to the illiberal, group-oriented multiculturalism some critics demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann, 1999. ""Canadian" as an Ethnic Category: Implications for Multiculturalism and National Unity," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 25(4), pages 523-537, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpp:issued:v:25:y:1999:i:4:p:523-537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Howard Brotz, 1980. "Multiculturalism in Canada: A Muddle," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 6(1), pages 41-46, Winter.
    2. Conrad Winn, 1985. "Affirmative Action and Visible Minorities: Eight Premises in Quest of Evidence," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 11(4), pages 684-700, December.
    3. Lance W. Roberts & Rodney A. Clifton, 1982. "Exploring the Ideology of Canadian Multiculturalism," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 8(1), pages 88-94, Winter.
    4. Yasmeen Abu-Laban & Daiva Stasiulis, 1992. "Ethnic Pluralism under Siege: Popular and Partisan Opposition to Multiculturalsim," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 18(4), pages 365-386, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann, 2000. "Rebuttal to Abu-Laban and Stasiulis," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 26(4), pages 489-493, December.
    2. Yasmeen Abu-Laban & Daiva Stasiulis, 2000. "Constructing "Ethnic Canadians": The Implications for Public Policy and Inclusive Citizenship," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 26(4), pages 477-487, December.

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