03 December, 2012

Canadian Census Reveals New Levels of Diversity

Reports recently issued on the 2011 Canadian census reveal that the country is more culturally diverse than ever before. Perhaps the most important factor in the spread of diversity has been Canada's immigration system, which welcomes thousands of newcomers each year to the country's shores.

Diversity in Canada takes many forms. Throughout the country, one can find a great array of ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. This diversity is supported through a national policy of multiculturalism, which promotes the celebration of different cultures living side by side in a democratic society.

Canada's population currently stands at approximately 34,000,000. According to census results, the country's overall population increased 5.9% in the past five years, maintaining Canada's place as the fastest-growing G8 country. Immigration, as opposed to natural increase from births, contributed to about two-thirds of this growth. This sets Canada apart from other G8 countries, like the United States, whose growth largely comes from within.

Over 200 ethnicities are currently represented across Canada. Visible minorities are projected to increase from 16.2% of the population in 2006 to approximately 30% by 2031.

Increases in population growth and ethnic diversity predictably vary from region to region. Urban centers are still likely to be the most ethnically diverse, as a majority of new arrivals to Canada settle in one of the country's major cities. However, growth has also reached more rural areas of the country. In the last five years, the Yukon Territory saw the largest population increase in Canada, with growth of 11.7%. Immigrants are increasingly choosing to settle in more rural provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan to take advantage of abundant job opportunities in a variety of sectors.

Over 200 languages are spoken in Canadian households. The majority of multilingual Canadians speak English or French at home in addition to their native tongue. This is demonstrative of the strong pull the two languages exert as 'languages of convergence', functioning as the main venues of communication in work and social exchange throughout the country.

Canada's national policy of multiculturalism has helped the country adjust well to its historic levels of diversity. The policy is enshrined in both the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Multiculturalism promotes equal respect and acceptance of all races, religions, and cultures. Canada has been a global leader in developing and practicing this concept, which many countries around the world seek to emulate today.

The policy of multiculturalism, coupled with Canada's sustained high levels of immigration, has resulted in a changing Canadian landscape. Every year, thousands of new arrivals come to Canada. They bring with them their own skills, knowledge, language, religion, and cultural norms. These all serve to strengthen Canada's international character and make it recognizable as a truly tolerant and global society.

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