Québec’s schools operate in a model of inter-culturalism, while schools across Canada are shaped by the vision of multiculturalism. Neither approach critically addresses racism.
Multicultural leaders say it’s vital to involve their communities in COVID-19 response strategies, tailor messaging to community values and choose trusted messengers to deliver it.
Our public pools are cherished places: just ask 28 Australians for their recollections. But there was a time when not everyone was welcome in the pools.
Multicultural market places in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver may seem like an equalizing market force. But the availability of diverse foods says nothing about the equity of ethnic groups.
As we face a growing tide of unregulated hate speech, the media is crucial in normalising diversity. Yet progress here has been slow. Even the ABC has failed to meet some of its own targets for hiring a diversity of employees.
Hockey is often considered Canada’s national sport, but with the changing demographics of the country and the rising success of the Toronto Raptors, basketball is also seen as a national sport.
Kebab vans symbolise the success of ‘bottom-up’ multiculturalism, providing a way for the non-European cultural ‘other’ to become part of our way of life.
Australia is becoming more diverse, but these charts show we are still predominantly an Anglo society with strained relations with other cultures, particularly Indigenous and Muslim Australians.
Malaysian-born Tan, from Victoria, who has most recently been Director of Multicultural Engagement at Swinburne University of Technology, replaces Tim Soutphommasane, who in August completed his term.