OTTAWA, October 1, 2011 - The Association for Canadian Studies and the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association 2nd Annual Conference Ottawa, Ontario, September 30 to October 1 2011
Marriott hotel, 100 Kent Street
1:45 – 3:00 pm
Multiculturalism, Human Rights and Canadian Identity
Cartier II Room
Multiculturalism has been a cornerstone of Canadian society for 40 years. It is premised on the concept that all citizens are equal, and they can maintain their identities, take pride in their ancestry and do so without undercutting their sense of belonging to Canada. Public opinion surveys generally reveal that Canadians are supportive of the principle of multiculturalism ). However the nature and depth of this support is often the object of debate. Also there is often some uncertainty around how the theory of multiculturalism is applied when it comes to issues of human rights and discrimination.
This panel discusses the impact of multiculturalism on human rights from the perspectives of four institutional champions of Canadian human rights. More specifically, the panel will address:
Chair: Ayman Al-Yassini, Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Gaetan Cousineau, Commission des droits de la personne et de la jeunesse, Québec
Judge David M. Arnot, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Barbara Hall, Ontario Human Rights Commission
Maxwell Yalden, former diplomat and senior public servant, and author