Canadian Multiculturalism Act 1988

Summary

Enacts Canadian multiculturalism policy as federal law, recognising and promoting the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. Requires federal institutions to advance the multiculturalism policy and support minority language and cultural maintenance.

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil-Canadians can invoke the Multiculturalism Act to support cultural programming, language preservation, and government recognition of Tamil heritage in federal policy and funding allocations.

Key provisions

• s.3(1) — statement of multiculturalism policy
• s.3(1)(a) — recognition and promotion of the diversity of cultures
• s.3(1)(g) — promotion of understanding and creativity
• s.5 — obligations of federal institutions

Primary source

Related entries

• → Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — ss.2, 15, 27 (CA)
• → UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities 1992 (UN)