Press, Public Sphere, And Pluralism: Multiculturalism Debates in Canadian English-Language Newspapers (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION The value of multiculturalism has been an almost consistent concern in Canadian newspapers since the establishment of the policy in 1971. Writers periodically express strong opinions about how well or how poorly it has performed. The nature of the arguments are usually shaped by the commentators' respective interpretations of the policy's objectives, including the following: the complete assimilation of minorities into the mainstream and the abandonment of their cultural traditions; the integration of immigrants into Canadian society as they continue to retain aspects of their own cultures; the fostering of Canadian citizenship; the elimination of racism; the establishment of equality; encouraging better inter-cultural relations; funding minority cultures; privileging minorities; promoting cultural relativism; and curbing Quebecois nationalism. At the two ends of the discursive range are arguments that insist, on the one hand, that multiculturalism is leading to the disintegration of Canadian society (e.g., Brigitte Pellerin, Gazette, March 8, 2006) and, on the other, that it is strengthening the nation in which Canadians of various backgrounds have a sense of belonging (e.g., Giles Gherson, Toronto Star, June 24, 2006).