Distorted: A View of Canadian Multiculturalism within a Bilingual Framework

The author explores the question of whether multiculturalism can exist within Canada's system of official bilingualism. He begins by presenting a theoretical definition of multiculturalism. This is followed by an overview of its historical development in Canada and a conclusion that multiculturalism, as it actually exists today, falls short of the theoretical definition and, therefore, is a failure. In order to rectify this problem, the author calls for a re-evaluation of Canada's legal system so that laws which unintentionally discriminate against certain groups can be identified and amended. He emphasizes that Canada's official languages policy must not be viewed as an official cultures policy and proposes that Canada should he regarded as being a "pioneer" society in which the concept of official founding peoples has no place.