Ashley Chen

Canada has a long-standing reputation as a multicultural country, but how is that actually being reflected in our country?

"Canada praises the fact that it is a multicultural country," says Jenny Zhang, a student at York University majoring in geography. "It has benefited from the impact of diversity with new cultures and ideas. The sharing of it all has brought people together, and (multiculturalism) helps us learn from each other to build a stronger and more prosperous society."

However the idea of multiculturalism in Canada is too vague and not everyone in Canada has readily accepted this ideology.

"It is argued that only the larger metropolis cities, such as Toronto, have reflected a more multicultural society. However, even as Toronto is recognizably more multicultural, we tend to stay in our comfort zones by living in certain ethnic communities," says Zhang. "Also, negative attitudes toward different cultures do exist, such as racism, segregation and closed-mindedness."

When critiquing the depth of Canada's multiculturalism, you only have to look as far as immigration policies to see how current immigrant applicants are being handled in day-to-day situations.

"People have a desire to immigrate to Canada, but there are government enforced regulations that encourage the acceptance of immigrants who can improve our economy over other potential immigrants," Zhang says. "If you have money, you have a better chance. The acceptance of immigrants should be evenly distributed and more attuned to the needs of certain immigrants, mostly the ones in need or in danger."

Ashley Chen is a second year student at York University in Toronto. Her latest overseas volunteer experience to Kenya has spurred a desire to spend more time travelling to volunteer.
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/283244