Essay Assignment: Assessing Canadian Identity

Canada is well known for being multicultural. It is a part of Canadian identity.

Key Question: To what extent is Canada a model of a successful multicultural country? (past, present, [and future]?)

Your essay should include:

1) Intro: Thesis + Multiculturalism in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and public policy today

2) Body:

• Past = Assess Canada’s actions in the past with regards to:
  1. Aboriginals (White Paper, self government, environment, Oka Confrontation, Nisga’a, Nunavut, education)
     • Part 1
     • Part 2
     • Ch 6: 178, Ch 7: 212-214, Ch 8: 260-256
  2. Quebec (Duplessis Era, Quiet Revolution, FLQ, October Crisis, Flag, Official Languages Act, 1980 and 1995 Referenda, Bill 101)
     • Part 1
     • Part 2
     • Ch 6: 182-183, Ch 7: 217-221, Ch 8: 257
  3. Immigration & Constitution (early 20^th Century policies, point system, Meech Lake, Charlottetown)
     • Part 1
     • Part 2
     • Ch 6: 177, Ch 7: 211, Ch 8: 246, 262-264
• Present = Assess the reality as you see it in your life and around your community (includes the media)
  • Bonus: A comparison to another country that is successful or a model of being unsuccessful

3) Conclusion:

• [future?] Where are we at now, where should we go from here?

Essay Rubric