Canadian Jews and Multiculturalism: Myths and Realities

Publication Date: November 2007

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Michael Brown

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Social Patterns; Community Relations; Policy; History

Type: Report

Coverage: Canada

Abstract:

Since the British conquest in 1759, Canada has experienced multiculturalism in three phases: (1) a period of multiculturalism manque from 1759 to 1971; (2) a period of official multiculturalism that began in 1971 and is still running its course; and (3) the beginning of an open society paying only mild lip service to multiculturalism that has been emerging since the late 1990s. Each period has had advantages and disadvantages for the Jewish collective and for individual Jews. Often the interests of the collective were not identical with those of individuals.