June 27, 2008

Diversity is at the very heart of Canadian history. Many different people coexisted all across this vast land for thousands of years, and there was an abundance of communities, ethnic groups, cultures and languages that we cannot even imagine. Tragically, colonization almost made this diversity completely disappear, but what has survived is still an incredible resource. We should all learn more about and be part of the efforts being made by the First Nations, Inuit and Métis to preserve this treasure, this essential, but perishable, asset.

Today, Canada—a remarkably hospitable country—is home to the world. The image of the multicultural mosaic has entered into our national imagination and is used to evoke all the people and identities that exist side by side. Multiculturalism has been established as a sound value, a means of shaping our society, a promise for the future.

We must continue to celebrate our diversity, one of our greatest strengths. Our biggest challenge, however, is to avoid communitarianism, which increases and cultivates differences. We must also strengthen the ties that unite us and increase the number of opportunities and places for dialogue to better assert the principles and values that bind us. We should discover together everything we have in common, everything we want to accomplish in this country, where anything is possible and dreams can come true. We must replace the “every man for himself and his clan” mentality with a willingness to live and work together.

May this multiculturalism day be a great celebration of Canadian solidarity and diversity!

Michaëlle Jean

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Media Information
Isabelle Serrurier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280