POL224Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Clarity Act, Scottish National Party, Nass River
Document Summary
Canada is an instructive example for studying cultural diversity multiculturalism vs. cultural assimilation. The country has been profoundly marked by debates over these concepts. Canadians have 200+ first languages, including about 25 aboriginal languages and 2 official languages. Quebec"s secessionist movement highlights a dilemma between civic and ethnic/cultural nationalism. Increasing diversity with international immigration questions further the relevance of the idea that one nation / culture = one state. 99% of aboriginal peoples able to speak english or french. Nearly half the english language is the same as french. Rulers of the motherlands (france and england) have gone through a long series of wars and alliances. Three major european powers involved in the colonization of north america. With the quebec act, the new british rules decide not to assimilate the french population. This early decision made it more difficult to change direction later on. Attempt at cultural unification of english and french canadians in 1840 unsuccessful.
