Our oath of citizenship says it all

Re: Guard western ideals — July 16 Canada has thrived with a

remarkable diversity of newcomers over the centuries. Since European settlement we have employed both Common and Civil Law traditions. Neither is derived strictly from a singular religious tradition and neither denigrates other traditions as being unlawful. This is important as the European founders came with their societal religion (baggage?), and in each case, that was Christianity.

Our values and ideals both evolve from our culture, and though our legal systems and religious heritage play an integral part, they are fluid. As we continue to diversify demographically, our culture continues to evolve but it does so within the framework of our legal traditions, Constitution and Charter. One thing about humans, however, is that if things are proceeding reasonably well, we prefer evolution over disruptive change. Our multicultural policies in this country were not intended to disrupt but to enrich: to achieve a “soft” assimilation wherein cultures don’t force themselves upon one another either as a majority or minority; that minority cultures can celebrate their uniqueness together but not to press the existing society to change for them. Instead, our

society will evolve organically.

When we invite newcomers to take Canadian citizenship we ask them to swear an oath. Regardless of their language skills, it is expected that they fully understand what it is that they are swearing to. The oath reads in part that they: “will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil (their) duties as a Canadian citizen.” Among those duties/ responsibilities is protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment. It should also be made expressly clear that no law takes precedent over Canadian law. Religious or canonical practices must be compatible with Canadian law — there is no religious exceptionalism.

Taking the oath does not guarantee compliance and respect for the existing cultural pluralism/ heritage, but understanding it beforehand would go a long way to clarified expectations. Fortunately, most comply eagerly. The immigration process has always been a challenging endeavour for newcomers, but it should be undertaken with the expectation of change — not in the receiving society, but by the immigrant. Future generations are thankful for their perseverance. TJ (Tom) Hiller Kitchener