Thread by @MaximeBernier

1/ My friend Senator Leo Housakos published this insightful critique of multiculturalism five year ago. It is as relevant as ever today.

Multiculturalism’s an outdated insult /via @globeandmail theglobeandmail.com/opinion/multic…

@globeandmail 2/ “But beneath any good intentions was a political strategy to buy ethnic votes. Multiculturalism became a state-financed marketing program. The government used tax dollars to buy photo ops with ethnic leaders. It would translate into broader support in general elections.”

3/ “Although the Trudeau Liberals introduced the strategy, successive governments of different stripes led by Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper also embraced it to exploit the voting potential of so-called ethnic Canadians.”

4/ “We should replace multiculturalism with a policy of integration. We should find ways to help newcomers settle in Cda and assume their responsibilities as citizens. We should be more rigid in expecting new Canadians to share a commitment to uphold our fundamental liberties.”

5/ “Members of various ethnic communities are fed up with platitudes. They are active members of our society at all levels, and they demand no special status – they just want an equal opportunity to contribute to the continued development of their communities.”

6/ “Our policy of multiculturalism is outdated and doesn't respond to the challenges faced by new immigrants to integrate and adapt. Multiculturalism insults our status as Canadians.”

-Senator Leo Housakos, G&M, 2013