Canadian Values

Canada defines itself as an accepting, diverse country where minorities are given freedom of speech and equal rights to the general population. Our country’s values revolve around the equality of all Canadians no matter their race, religion, age, or gender. We encourage the immigration of non-Canadians into Canada, and we give all Canadians the freedom to express themselves without the fear of punishment. Our country is opposed to the discrimination of minorities and is supportive of individual’s self expression. In comparison to other countries, Canada’s acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles is unparalleled.

Unlike some countries around the world, Canada welcomes the immigration of foreigners. With an average of approximately 235,000 people entering the country per year, Canada is ranked within the top five countries for the highest immigration rate (Statistics Canada). With the constant flow of immigrants being accepted into Canada, the number of foreign-born citizens and first generation Canadians is steadily increasing. The 2011 census showed that Canada’s population was comprised of 7,217,300 people who originate from over 200 countries outside of Canada; overall, first generation Canadians make up 22.0% of the total population (Statistics Canada). Forming nearly one quarter of the country’s total population, Canada is home to the largest percent of immigrants in the world (Kirk). With 17.4% as second generation Canadians and 60.7% as third generation or more, Canada remains a diverse country where cultures from all around the world are represented (Statistics Canada). Our country solidifies itself as a place where all people are embraced and multiculturalism is celebrated.

Home to a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds, Canada frowns upon the ill treatment of any citizen; we do our best to ensure that every person is treated with fairness and respect. As defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, no person should be discriminated based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental disability. Canada values the equal treatment of all residents. The right to same-sex marriages marriages differentiates Canada from other countries. As one of the first three countries to legalize same-sex marriages, Canada remains one of only 25 countries where it is legal. The right to freely express oneself without restraint is a major Canadian value.

In addition to not discriminating against race, Canadians also discourage sexism and promote gender equality, though it is an area where the government can improve. Out of the 34 countries in the OECD, Canada has the seventh largest wage gap between men and women in 2014 ("The Facts"). In 2014, women earned and average of 87 cents for every dollar earned by a man ("The Facts").  Though the wage gap is decreasing in Canada, it still needs to disappear in order for gender equality to be reach.

Either escaping poverty or lured by the equal rights and freedoms of all our residents, people come to Canada with hopes of a better quality life. Canada provides its residents a place where multiculturalism, freedom of speech, and self expression are its major values.

Immigrant Percentage Within Countries' Population

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/12111108/Mapped-Which-country-has-the-most-immigrants.html

Works Cited

“The Facts about the Gender Wage Gap in Canada.” Canadian Women’s Foundation, www.canadianwomen.org/the-facts/the-wage-gap/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2018.

“Generation Status: Canadian-Born Children of Immigrants.” Statistics Canada, 15 Sept. 2016, www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/as-sa/99-010-x/99-010-x2011003_2-eng.cfm.

Kirk, Ashley. “Mapped: Which country has the most immigrants?” The Telograph, 21 Jan. 2016, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/12111108/Mapped-Which-country-has-the-most-immigrants.html.

“150 years of Immigration.” Statistics Canada, 29 June 2016, www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-630-x/11-630-x2016006-eng.htm.