The Historical Phenomenon of Minorities: The Canadian Experience
Year:
1981
Author :
Volume and number:
, 13
Collection:
, 3
Journal:
, Canadian Ethnic Studies / Etudes Ethniques au Canada
Pages :
, 1-39
Abstract
The evolution of a pluralistic society in Canada is reviewed through a historical overview of its ethnic & linguistic minorities. Patterns of territorial expansion, immigration, ethnic localization, & recognition of group rights up to WWII are summarized, with special attention to native & francophone group treaties. Postwar urbanization (especially the congregation of large immigrant groups in Toronto, Ontario), the decline of the British presence, & the relative stability of the French population are all considered as major influences on contemporary pluralism; the radicalization of Quebecois politics in the 1960s is given particular note. The duality, flexibility, & regionalism of the Canadian state are emphasized as facilitating the growth of an accommodating pluralism. In a commentary, Cornelius J. Jaenen (U of Ottawa, Ontario) commends Morton's ethnicity analysis while noting some reservations on his summary of British-French relations in Canada; these include Morton's view of Quebec's "exceptional" bilingualism & biculturalism (both Manitoba & New Brunswick have instituted the former) & his omission, in analyzing the key role of the educational system, of a historic repression of ethnic diversity by the Anglo-Canadian schools. L. Whittemore.
Theme :
CanadaHistory and folkloreLinguistic minorities
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