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[MMarston]

As a divisive election tears Americans apart over questions of race and immigration, a CBC News poll suggests Canadians are right in believing they think very differently than their U.S. neighbours when it comes to multiculturalism. In fact, we're more likely to think minorities should assimilate.

In a national polling partnership between CBC and the Angus Reid Institute, 68 per cent of Canadian respondents said minorities should be doing more to fit in with mainstream society instead of keeping their own customs and languages. The same question was put to Americans, with only 53 per cent of respondents saying minorities need to better adjust. The Canadian response represents a hardening of attitudes away from multiculturalism over time.

"It does seem like a very surprising finding, especially when you consider this is a country that has been living with 45 years of official multiculturalism as government policy," said Shachi Kurl, executive director of the Angus Reid Institute. "It is maybe not what conventional wisdom might expect. But what these findings show is there are real limits on what Canadians — regardless of their own heritage or walk of life — are prepared to put up with in terms of accommodation and the sense of the mosaic versus the melting pot."

...

The online survey was conducted in early September from a sample of 3,904 Canadians. The results have a 2.5 per cent margin of error 19 times out of 20. The poll was conducted in the wake of a series of issues that dogged politicians as they contested last year's federal election: a proposed ban on niqabs in public service; the Syrian refugee crisis; and terrorist attacks both in Europe and on Parliament Hill.

The results also hint at why Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch believes she may be onto a winning issue by asking supporters their thoughts on vetting would-be immigrants and refugees for "anti-Canadian values." According to the poll, two-thirds of Canadians say they're "satisfied" with how well new immigrants are integrating into their communities. That figure seems to fly in the face of another result, because an equal number said they believe "minorities should do more to fit in better with mainstream Canadian society."

...

Former B.C. premier and Liberal cabinet minister Ujjal Dosanjh has written and spoken extensively about the need to address concerns about equality, race and culture in the face of blind devotion to multiculturalism. He said the poll shows Canada's political leadership needs to pay attention.

"What you want is creative multiculturalism, generous multiculturalism, but not unthinking or mindless multiculturalism where everything anybody brings to this country is acceptable," he said. "Diversity is great if we can begin to live with each other in equality, in understanding ... but we also understand our collective obligations to building a better society. If we can't live together with each other properly and make concessions to each other, then this phrase that politicians use — that diversity is a strength — is nonsensical."

Dosanjh says he's not surprised the results had a higher percentage of Canadians than Americans indicating they favour better assimilation. He said the difference may simply come down to the fact that more Americans believe immigrants are integrated anyway, that newcomers and old stock alike are united in the common pursuit of the "American dream."

...

The poll says people who have been living in Canada 10 years or less are nearly twice as likely as other respondents to say that minorities should retain their customs, languages and culture. Millennial respondents — aged 18 to 34 — were also more likely to favour multiculturalism. The shift towards assimilation increased with age.

Likewise, immigrants who have been in the country for more than 20 years are in lockstep with the two-thirds of respondents overall who said minorities should be doing a better job of fitting in.

(There's a handful of other graphs and info at the link)

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/...nadians-multiculturalism-immigrants-1.3784194

 

[McDougles]

According to the poll, two-thirds of Canadians say they're "satisfied" with how well new immigrants are integrating into their communities.

That figure seems to fly in the face of another result, because an equal number said they believe "minorities should do more to fit in better with mainstream Canadian society."

Weird thing to omit from the OP. It's as if the poll was intended to spur articles saying one thing, even if the results are as muddled as ever.

 

[MMarston]

Weird thing to omit from the OP.

It is there?


EDIT: Nope, it's not. Sorry.

 

[His Majesty]

"What you want is creative multiculturalism, generous multiculturalism, but not unthinking or mindless multiculturalism where everything anybody brings to this country is acceptable," he said. "Diversity is great if we can begin to live with each other in equality, in understanding ... but we also understand our collective obligations to building a better society. If we can't live together with each other properly and make concessions to each other, then this phrase that politicians use — that diversity is a strength — is nonsensical."

Well put.

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Weird thing to omit from the OP.

I don't really think they're that contradictory. Your girlfriend could be satisfied by your sexual performance but still wish you would do more.

 

[exmachina64]

Weird thing to omit from the OP. It's as if the poll was intended to spur articles saying one thing, even if the results are as muddled as ever.

I wonder what the overlap is.

 

[Dylan]

It's hard to extrapolate people's actual motives behind what they said on the survey, but it's possible to believe that people should be open to the cultures surrounding them without believing that they should give up on their own traditions.


My personal example, having recently moved to Montreal, I've been forcing myself to get out to French areas so that I can be more exposed to the language and social differences that go along with that culture, even though it would be very easy for me to stick with anglophone areas of the city. I've also been trying to take advantage of the diverse packets of immigrant culture here, such as a large Iranian population near where I live, in order to learn those traditions as well.

 

[Aiustis]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

With the exception of illegal immigrants from Mexico, and the more recent distrust of Muslims, I think most Americans see modern immigrant populations as hard-working, humble, and in love with the American dream. Stereotypical Chinese/Korean immigrants push their kids through school and own businesses, stereotypical West African immigrants work many jobs, stereotypical Indian immigrants become doctors/engineers, etc.

It's not uncommon, for example, to see people have higher opinions of West Africans than traditional African Americans.

 

[McDougles]

I wonder what the overlap is.

All it tells me is that people are willing to agree with certain statements or believe certain talking points while having a much deeper or convoluted inner ideology on the subject.

Aka this is a starting point, but has too many moving parts to gather much from.

With the exception of illegal immigrants from Mexico, and the more recent distrust of Muslims, I think most Americans see modern immigrant populations as hard-working, humble, and in love with the American dream. Stereotypical Chinese/Korean immigrants push their kids through school and own businesses, stereotypical West African immigrants work many jobs, stereotypical Indian immigrants become doctors/engineers, etc.

It's not uncommon, for example, to see people have higher opinions of West Africans than traditional African Americans.

And what does that have to do with Canadians and Canada?

 

[OceanBlue]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

Why? What's wrong with children living in dual-language households or living with the traditions of their parents' culture?

 

[Brinbe]

Who the fuck are these Canadians (how old are they) and where are they from? That's probably important to note too.

 

[MMarston]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

That sounds a little too much don't you think?

EDIT: Oh wait, was this a jab at aboriginal residential schools?

 

[MikeyB]

Interesting stuff. I think the old Trudeau ideals of Canada's multiculturalism as a cultural mosaic was not understood by his supporters. Look at the boomers surprised by the emergence of ethnic enclaves in places like Markham, Brampton, and Richmond.

That's the price you pay for awesome cuisine, old timer.

 

[Heshinsi]

What's the percentage once Alberta is taken out of the equation?

 

[Aiustis]

Why? What's wrong with children living in dual-language households or living with the traditions of their parents' culture?

I take it you're not familiar with Canadian history

That sounds a little too much don't you think?

It was a joke...those are things that are/have been done before.

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

All it tells me is that people are willing to agree with certain statements or believe certain talking points while having a much deeper or convoluted inner ideology on the subject.

Aka this is a starting point, but has too many moving parts to gather much from.



And what does that have to do with Canadians and Canada?

The article openly contrasts the attitudes of Canadians to those of Americans towards immigrants. I was trying to explain why that is, from my perspective. I don't know what the Canadian immigrant experience is like.

 

[Dynamite Shikoku]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

Sounds like Australia's stolen generation

 

[echoshifting]

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

Am I reading this right? Propaganda to highlight "the good ones" while increasing fear and distrust of others? That's a weird thing to actually ask for.

Edit: Oh this was sarcasm huh ;p

 

[Crimson_Echidna]

 

[Quick]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

I hope this is sarcasm.

Edit: Hurray, it is sarcasm. I was going to link a Wikipedia article on residential schools.

 

[MMarston]

It was a joke...those are things that are/have been done before.

I feel bad that it took me too long for that reference to register in my head, because I've always thought that more people should be aware of that history as well.

 

[Robdraggoo]

This is confusing Canada.
So you want you immigrants to blend in more with Canadian society. Which is fine

But give up their cultural heritage in the process. Which is not fine.

What did I miss. Seems the questions are vague enough to hide motivation from the answers

 

[Subpar Spatula]

What's the percentage once Alberta is taken out of the equation?

Alberta isn't the only place that does this. In BC people will casually say don't walk in Richmond because of bad Asian drivers or that Newton is "Hinduminium" central.

People may vote progressive but a lot do seem to have some super shady thoughts.

 

[OceanBlue]

I take it you're not familiar with Canadian history



It was a joke...those are things that are/have been done before.

Ah I'm not. My bad. That sounds awful.

 

[Goldenroad]

As a Canadian, I feel I must apologize for this...even though these are not my views at all.

 

[karasu]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

This is probably the most disgusting post I've ever seen on this board.

 

[MMarston]

Alberta isn't the only place that does this. In BC people will casually say don't walk in Richmond because of bad Asian drivers or that Newton is "Hinduminium" central.

People may vote progressive but a lot do seem to have some super shady thoughts.

Perhaps maybe people are more concerned/attracted with the progressive idea or image that Canada represents internationally, but a lot of apathy towards actually applying that in their own lives.

This is probably the most disgusting post I've ever seen on this board.

He's being sarcastic, thankfully.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

This is probably the most disgusting post I've ever seen on this board.

Come on. It was clear sarcasm

 

[CazTGG]

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

I'm sure this post was trying to be a dig at residential schools and the horrible legacy they left but it really doesn't come across that way.

What's the percentage once Alberta is taken out of the equation?

Important question.

 

[TheRealTalker]

I wonder how old the majority of these people polled are and particularity which areas they conducted them in

 

[AlStrong]

Well, there might be certain things that we would deem inappropriate in "2016". Too broad of a generalization to meld.

idk.

 

[Slayven]

Only way i believe this is if the poll was of 100 percent first nations

 

[[KoRp]Jazzman]

Not that surprising really when you think about it and its not like we are talking about 90% of the population. I think what gets me though is that a lot of this is coming from the Boomer generation whose parents were immigrants/refugees themselves. Somehow they view their parents struggle and that of new immigrants/refugees differently which really blows my mind especially as a Canadian.

One complaint I do have though is that we have done a really poor job of dispersing immigrants in the last 10-15 years. I know people don't want to move here and then head to small communities in the prairies and such, but that is where the need is not being met.

Letting people come over and having them basically building large communities in Vancouver and Toronto where they struggle to find meaningful employment really feels like we are setting ourselves up continue this negative immigration view down the road.

 

[Shaanyboi]

What's the percentage once Alberta is taken out of the equation?

This is a very valid question

 

[BocoDragon]

All this subtly anti-American ribbing on the part of Canadians "we're not a melting pot.... we're a mosaic!"

The lie detector test determined... that was a lie.

 

[Tapejara]

I'll be honest, those are pretty disheartening results. I've always liked the idea that contemporary Canadian culture is born from a mosaic of different cultures. I don't think people entering our country should have to assimilate in the sense that they drop their previous cultural practices or beliefs; multiculturalism is what makes Canada, Canada.

The article points out that millennials favoured multiculturalism compared to older generations, and I can understand why that is. Having spoken to older relatives, many of them still view Canada as a Christian country (despite that, y'know, Aboriginal groups were here first), and they don't like the secularisation that has become more prominent over the years (i.e. "War on Christmas" types). I feel like us millennials have less attachment to those sorts of things, so that's probably why multiculturalism is more important to us.

According to the poll, 79 per cent of respondents said Canada's immigration and refugee policies should "give priority to Canada's own economic and workforce needs" rather than giving "priority to people in crisis abroad

This is also disappointing. The refugees coming into Canada can integrate into our work force and should be a boon for the economy. There are plenty of talented people coming from Syria, don't dismiss them.

 

[digdug2k]

I wonder how old the majority of these people polled are and particularity which areas they conducted them in

There's an age breakdown graph on the site. Even amongst the 18-34 year olds, only 50% said they should encourage keeping ethnic traditions (but that's better than older demographics).

 

[BocoDragon]

For my part, I don't need minorities to do anything. They should know English so we can all talk and do business, but if you speak your own language or, god forbid, live and congregate with others from your home culture, I don't mind.

I'm usually mingling with these groups anyway. I've been in all Chinese parties or Indian weddings. There is no barrier between these worlds, besides what you make for yourself. You don't have to wish everyone wears trucker hats and hangs out at Tim Horton's watching the game for a society to interact properly.

 

[yanipheonu]

I'd love to see what this "mainstream" Canadian identity is.

Multiculturalism is the only true identity i can really find. With our birth rate as terrible as it is, it may be the natives who will have to fit in with the immigrants, not the other way around.

 

[erpg]

Come on, Canada. Let the elderly Chinese people do what they do.

What they should do is make it mandatory for minorities to send their kids to schools specifically designed to get them integrated. English and or French only, preferable schools where they live away from their parents to minimalize their influence. It's pretty much too late for the older ones.

Another idea would be to run tv programs and stuff that highlights the good ones that do integrate, and makes the less integrated minorities look extra ass backward and unsavory.

You had me going there for a second.

 

[Darksol]

I too want to know what the percentage is after Alberta is gone.

 

[Walpurgis]

I'm not surprised after the whole niqab fiasco. While there are many in this country who hold these kinds of views, there doesn't seem to be much passion for them. The people answering these polls are the same people that gave the Liberals a majority.

 

[Aztechnology]

With the exception of illegal immigrants from Mexico, and the more recent distrust of Muslims, I think most Americans see modern immigrant populations as hard-working, humble, and in love with the American dream. Stereotypical Chinese/Korean immigrants push their kids through school and own businesses, stereotypical West African immigrants work many jobs, stereotypical Indian immigrants become doctors/engineers, etc.

It's not uncommon, for example, to see people have higher opinions of West Africans than traditional African Americans.

Absolutely true from my experience in a very (90%+) white city. It's really interesting how first or second gen people from Africa view longstanding African-Americans as well. Speaking anecdotally they often share the stereotypical views towards Black Americans pervasive in our culture (not that it comes up often). Now it's very likely driven by the relationship between racial stereotypes and not wanting to be tied to the American Black "identity". That is to say by being the people that get behind the bully to better fit in. But it's still interesting.

 

[subrock]

2/3 of Canada is basically the American midwest, so I'm not surprised.

 

[Snowybreak]

I too want to know what the percentage is after Alberta is gone.

Is Alberta some sort of super-conservative province?

Background for question: I'm American.

 

[subrock]

Is Alberta some sort of super-conservative province?

Background for question: I'm American.

Think Texas

 

[MMarston]

Is Alberta some sort of super-conservative province?

Background for question: I'm American.

For the most part, yeah.

 

[Heshinsi]

Alberta isn't the only place that does this. In BC people will casually say don't walk in Richmond because of bad Asian drivers or that Newton is "Hinduminium" central.

People may vote progressive but a lot do seem to have some super shady thoughts.

Look at online postings by Global, CTV, Trudeau, etec. The most hateful and disgusting comments posted are almost always from Alberta. I've even made a game out of guessing where the comment poster resides in. Sure there's some nuts posting from every other province, but if you just put money on them being from Alberta each and every time, you'd be swimming in winnings. It's the GAF game where Florida is Alberta.

Last fall's election, and when they started coming out of the woodworks publically:

The comments in regards to the NDP victory:

 

[Snowybreak]

Think Texas

For the most part, yeah.

Ah, thank you. That's what I was imagining.