.... Canadian supporters of multiculturalism insist that their model amounts to a celebration of diversity, rather than the imposition of political policies. Were it so simple.
In Canada, as in Europe, individuals with a minority background are often treated as members of a group rather than simply as citizens. In Canada, as in Europe, politicians look to unelected community leaders, often deeply conservative figures, to speak for their particular communities.
The underlying problems with multicultural policies do not vanish on crossing the Atlantic. Confrontations over issues such as free speech, public prayers or the wearing of the burqa cast a shadow over Canadian society as much as they do over European ones. [Guardian Cif] Read more
