Mosaic In Canada

Canada presents its self to the world as a multicultural nation that is accepting of all, the official term for this is a mosaic. A mosaic is a design made up of individual and unique pieces that come together to create a larger image. In regards to Canada, this means each person is a unique piece of Canada that plays a role in the larger picture and allows them to keep their individuality, culture and ethnicity. The idea of the mosaic is a unique portrayal in North America. The United States uses the image of the melting pot, this idea means that new Americans are supposed to mix and merge into American culture. The Canadian mosaic seems much more welcoming than a melting pot and is likely alluring to immigrants who do not necessarily want to leave their country, but may need to for a variety of reasons including dangers of war or seeking more opportunity.

This projected Canadian image is not necessarily the practice in Canada. Multiculturalism does not necessarily equal equality and acceptance of other ethnicities and races on an individual level as well as on a government level. On the 18th of October 2017 Quebec passed the provincial Bill 62, known as ‘religious neutrality’ legislation. The main change that this law will introduce is that individuals must uncover

their face when receiving or giving public services. Essentially anyone working within the government’s public sector must adhere to the dress code outlined in this bill, as well as those who choose to use public services. Many Quebeckers believe that this bill is specifically targeting Muslim women who wear head scarves, such as niqabs and burkas, for religious reasons.
This essay will explore the effects of the Liberal’s Bill 62 and how it may affect the targeted demographic.

Bill 62 is an example of racist legislation within Canada that contradicts Canada’s mosaic image. This will be explained by exploring “othering”, racism, as well intersectionality in regards to the effects this bill will have and the historical expectations of immigrants in Canada. The books Identity and Belonging: Rethinking Race and Ethnicity in Canadian Society edited by Sean P. Heir and B. Singh Bolaria and “Race” and Ethnicity in Canada: A Critical Introduction by Vic Satzewich and Nikolaos Liodakis will be used to explore and better understand “othering”, racism and

intersectionality.
Chapters 3, 13 and 14 from Identity and Belonging: Rethinking Race and Ethnicity in Canadian Society will be used to better understand Canada’s history of immigration, disregard to immigrant needs, as well as ethnicity and community in Canada. This will aid in understanding othering, intersectionality as well as Canada’s history with immigration. Chapters one, two, three, and seven from “Race” and Ethnicity in Canada: A Critical Introduction will be used to explain and understand racism, assimilation, more of Canada’s history of immigration as well as the treatment and expectations of new immigrants, as well as institutional racism. Together, these books will help to define terminology, providing examples, as well as aid in understanding how Bill 62 relates to the above topics.