Embracing diversity makes Canada stronger
The fears Maxime Bernier expressed for this country’s future are unfounded
Maxime Bernier’s comments about Canadian diversity have struck a nerve, not least for those who came to this country because it is a beacon of inclusivity.
The comments were made in a considered fashion, in a series of six tweets, in English and French. These are no drunken ramblings.
We are a mere 14 months away from the next federal election. Comments such as these by a member of Parliament serve as a form of dogwhistle politics, regardless of whether that was Bernier’s intent. They give comfort to those who would see members of cultural and religious minorities, who make up a large segment of our population, as second-class citizens. And they create feelings of exclusion among those of us who come from diverse backgrounds. This feeling of tiered citizenship is one we know all too well from our former prime minister Stephen Harper.
As a fiercely proud Canadian, I say to Bernier, echoing our prime minister: Our nation thrives not in spite of our diversity, but because of it. Embracing diversity does not segment our population into tribes as Bernier seems to suggest, but instead brings us together, broadens our horizons and makes us all better. We learn from each other’s cultures, traditions and foods. Our children become better global citizens as growing up amid our own society’s diversity enables them to accept those who may not look like them or think as they do.
Bernier’s assertion that “More diversity will not be our strength, it will destroy what has
We learn from each other’s cultures, traditions and foods.
made us such a great country” is neither correct nor well-founded.
Canada has prided itself on being a welcoming nation. In a world of maniacal world leaders thriving on the shock factor, Canada has emerged a champion on the world stage. What perhaps Bernier is not considering is what embracing diversity brings us. It attracts individuals to Canada hungry to work hard for a better future, thirsty to give back to the community around them and desperate to build a life for themselves and their families better than the one they left behind.
Walk into any hospital in any major city in this country and take a good look at the doctors, nurses and staff who work there. Canadian diversity is here to stay; it is what helps our nation stand out on the world stage, it is what adds a richness to our population. I toast my neighbour’s perogies with my samosas. We talk about our parents, who immigrated here around the same time, in the early 1970s. We talk about what life was like growing up looking a little different, sounding a little different, not having parents who spoke English as their first language.
Bernier’s stated fear that too much diversity will destroy what has made Canada a great country is unfounded. In a world rampant with hate and discord, our nation is a beacon of light and an example of how people of different cultures and traditions can live side by side in peace and harmony. By the way, it would be interesting to know what exactly he means by “radical multiculturalism.” Adding the word “radical” to any other word does not inherently make it any more threatening than saying “radical apple pie.” Multiculturalism is sewn into the fabric of our country. It is who we are as people.
Also troubling was the prolonged silence of Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, who finally did the right thing on Wednesday, distancing himself from Bernier’s remarks and denouncing identity politics.
What we need is less fearmongering and more breaking down walls. Instead of being afraid of our neighbours because they might look or speak differently than we do, why not break bread or, better yet, bond over poutine? Fariha Naqvi-Mohamed is the founder and editor in chief of CanadianMomEh.com, a lifestyle blog. twitter.com/canadianmomeh