Multiculturalism & the Points System
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Trudeau’s new policies on Canadian multiculturalism painted a picture of an inclusive and progressive Canada. Now accepting of immigrants and trying to shape its own national identity, separate from Britain, Canadian society went through changes: Indigenous communities were expanding, the new points system was put into place, and the prime minister was advocating for the “cultural freedom of Canadians” (Muhammedi, p. 81). Despite these seemingly positive changes, Muhammedi, the author of Gifts from Amin, argues that such policies ignored the long history of injustice in Canada, especially “towards Indigenous, Black and immigrant communities” (Muhammedi, p. 82). The Canadian government failed to address the deep-rooted inequalities that shaped the country in the past. Saying they will be open to diversity is one thing, but saying it without acknowledging the past doesn’t mean much; instead, it turns these policies into superficial gestures.
As for the point system put into place in 1967, one can argue that it is both non-discriminatory and discriminatory. On the one hand, millions of people immigrated to Canada under this new system from countries such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, Jamaica, Trinidad, and India (Muhammedi, p. 79). It allowed migrants into the country based on factors such as education, language proficiency, employment opportunities, etc. (Muhammedi, p. 79). On the other hand, it “continued to discriminate against applicants from the developing world” (p. 79). Indeed, by accepting immigrants with higher-educations, this policy continued favouring people from wealthier or Western countries. Additionally, by favouring individuals who spoke both French and English, the policy judged individuals on their ability to integrate into Canadian society.