Canada's ethnic communities discuss cultural diversity at Winnipeg roundtable (03/23/97)

Canada's ethnic communities discuss cultural diversity at Winnipeg roundtable

by Christopher Sikorsky
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

WINNIPEG - Canada's President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Stephane Dion was the keynote speaker at a roundtable hosted by Winnipeg's College Universitaire de Saint-Boniface on March 13. The event was co-sponsored by the Canadian Jewish Congress and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

"Cultural Diversity and the Challenge of Canadian Unity" was the topic of discussion. The event was modeled after an initiative launched by the Jewish, Italian and Greek communities of Montreal and Toronto to emphasize the significant role Canada's various cultural communities have in achieving national unity.

Five representatives of various Canadian ethnic communities joined Minister Dion in expressing their views on the subject. The panel included David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), Jack Jedwab of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC), Bohdan Kordan of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Rénald Remillard of the Société Franco-Manitobaine, and Vice-Chief Royce Wilson of the Assembly of First Nations, Manitoba Region. Goldie Hershon, president of the CJC, acted as moderator.

Mr. Jedwab, the CJC's executive director for the Quebec region, led off the roundtable by outlining the three "R's" necessary for national unity: reconciliation, recognition and renewal. He noted that, according to a recent poll, 81 percent of Quebeckers would like to reconcile with other Canadians and put the unity issue to rest.

Mr. Jedwab emphasized the need to overcome the polarization of Canada's Anglophones and Francophones and to create new solidarities among Canadians of various cultural backgrounds. He stated that recognition of the contributions of French Canadians to Canada's historical reality can be readily given, as Canadians have a deep attachment to the values of pluralism.

The CJC activist also said he is proud to be Jewish, a Montrealer, a Quebecker fluent in both French and English, and a Canadian, and would steadfastly oppose anyone who forced him to choose any one of these identities and exclude the others. "They are all too valuable to be abandoned," he said.

The UCC's Dr. Kordan was the next speaker. The Saskatchewan-based political science professor stressed that in order to develop national unity and a common purpose among all Canadians, the meaning of Canadian citizenship must be better articulated to include the psychological, social and political aspects of belonging to the nation.

"National renewal will depend on cultivating, not only a sense of pride in Canada, but recognizing the rights and obligations of citizens of Canada," argued Dr. Kordan.

He also advised Canada's cultural communities to fully participate in the life of the country as a basis of their citizenship. "Full and meaningful participation in a renewed Canada means acknowledging the mistakes of the past, respecting differences and understanding that diversity does not mean disunity."

Mr. Wilson recognized the significance of acknowledging Quebec's special status, but said official recognition of the rights of Canadian aboriginal people should take priority. Mr. Chartrand agreed, adding that Canada is a very young country and, thus, "there is a lot of work to do."

In his keynote address, Minister Dion pointed out the positive aspects of Canada and how important it is to preserve them in a united country. He said Canada is unique in that many countries would find it impossible to even organize a roundtable among ethnic groups.

Mr. Dion added, "There is perhaps no other country in the world where a human being has a better chance to be respected simply because he or she is a human being, regardless of race, religion or culture."

Canada's ethnic communities have an especially important role in promoting national unity, the minister said. Due to the fact that these communities have played a crucial role in building the country, they can be leaders in "preserving Canada as a positive example of the inherent dignity of the human person."

Mr. Dion went on to emphasize why, in a multicultural society such as Canada, it is still relevant to talk about the status of First Nations and Métis people or Francophone language rights: "It is relevant because the spirit of tolerance and mutual recognition which took so much struggle to achieve between French and English Canadians, or natives and non-natives, is the same spirit which has allowed us to open our borders to welcome other groups into this country." Minister Dion cited the arrival of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada as an example.

The contributions of Ukrainian Canadians to Canadian affairs were also seen as a reason to support multiculturalism. Minister Dion countered the claims made by critics of multiculturalism that the policy divides society.

He pointed out that, in fact, it enriches society in very practical ways. "The tenacity of Ukrainian Canadians in Manitoba and elsewhere in maintaining their culture and their connections to their land of origin has led to surprising new opportunities for commercial and cultural exchanges with newly independent and democratic Ukraine," Minister Dion said.

The minister also mentioned the recent visit to Ottawa and Winnipeg by Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Hennadii Udovenko.

Minister Dion concluded with a plea to Canadians. He expressed his conviction that the distinctive character of Quebec society "should be embraced by all citizens, especially those who understand the desire to have multiple identities yet remain proud Canadians."

The parliamentarian urged Winnipeg-gers, regardless of whether they are Anglophones or Francophones, and whether their parents are natives or immigrated to Canada, "to learn from each other and reconcile with each other."

Minister Dion stated confidently that if a message of reconciliation is sent to all Canadians, including Québecois, the building of national unity will be accelerated.

| Home Page |