Thread by @NoLightStreets

These are citations from Alberta Community Development and the Albert Multicultural Commission back in the mid-1990’s. Why is it important? If you want to know how Canada got to where it is, you gotta do some digging… this is part of that excavation. [THREAD]

[1] Multiculturalism… the next step.
Three Year Strategic Plan 1994-1997, by the Alberta Multicultural Commission. p. 1. archive.org/details/multic…

[2] "Albertans value the cultural and ethnic diversity in Canada, Multiculturalism policies should support the contributions of the various peoples to Canada and should be designed to eliminate racial and cultural discrimination. Immigration policies should...

...focus on assisting individuals overcome barriers to achieve full participation in all aspects of Canadian society.”

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 3.

[3] “If we achieve the Awareness and Access objectives, Participation will follow.”

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 4.

[4] Participants [in Review ‘93] told us that if Alberta was ever to become a society that sees diversity as a strength, we must improve awareness and understanding of the valuable contribution diversity makes to Alberta's economic, social and cultural well-being.

p. 4.

[5] "Some people think multiculturalism is a real problem. To them, multiculturalism is a threat. In fact, it is one of the greatest competitive advantages we could have. 🪡

Quite simply, multiculturalism is the internal globalization of Canada. And it will be one of the key factors contributing to our ability to our sense of confidence that we can succeed in the global economy of the future.”

John Cleghorn, President, Royal Bank of Canada
p. 5.

[6] Diversity programs can and should be community-based, community-driven, and community supported.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 5.

[7] "Diversity happens! Deal With It!''

Slogan suggestion from Review '93 participant

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 6.

[8] One objective of commission: “Develop, in partnership with others, a comprehensive strategy to eliminate racism through school and community-based programs. Implement the strategy by September, 1995.”

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 6.

[9] "The greater the diversity in a working team, the greater chance it has of creating innovative breakthroughs. Our citizens' ethnic origins can be utilized to weave an international network of trade and goodwill.”

- Sadruddin Boga

Sadruddin Boga, advisor to the Multicultural Association of Fort McMurray

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 7.

[10] “For the sake of ourselves, our children and our grandchildren, we have to not just promote multiculturalism but live in a multicultural way.”

- Review '93 participant

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 10.

[11] …our primary role will be to inform, advise and guide government departments, organizations and community groups in implementing diversity initiatives that are in the best interests of Albertans.
In order to do this, 🪡

it is imperative that the Commission be given the expanded authority and autonomy within government to effect change. Increased authority and autonomy will...

...provide us with the flexibility we need to accomplish the goals and objectives set out in this plan and demonstrate to Albertans government's renewed leadership and commitment to a culturally diverse society.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 10.

[12] Ongoing responsibility for initiatives that are best dealt with by other government jurisdictions - like school-based anti-racism programming - will be transferred to those areas following a period of transition.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 11.

[13] “The Alberta Multiculturalism Act will remain in place and the Commission will continue within government as a policy advisor and a community advocate for fair and equitable practices which value diversity.”

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 12.

[14] ''Canadians have good reason to feel pleased with ourselves when it comes to multiculturalism. The world is very interested in what Canada has tried to do.”

Walter Uegama Associate V-P and Director of continuing Studies, UBC

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 18.

[15] “Those employers who don't adapt to the new Canadian reality will become the economic dinosaurs of the future.”

Orest Kruhlak, Executive Director, Laurier Institute, Vancouver

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 20.

[16] Seizing this opportunity is one of the reasons the Alberta Multiculturalism Act was created.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 21.

[17] ''Government must become a facilitator and integrator, rather than being directly involved in the lives of the people and private sector.”

- Towards 2000 Together Report

[*By that they mean…*]

We must also set the stage for more community involvement in the delivery of diversity programs by giving organizations and groups the training and tools they need to assume that responsibility. It was suggested...

...the Commission be given whatever autonomy and authority it requires to facilitate these changes.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 22, 10, 17.

[18] "Government's role is not to dictate, but to facilitate the discovery of made-in-Alberta solutions."

Speech from the Throne, August, 1993

🪡

…organizations and community groups… will need on-going advice, training and guidance that is accessible, affordable and coordinated.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 23, 22.

[19] “When governments push ownership and control into the community, their responsibilities do not end.

🪡

They may no longer produce services, but they are still responsible for making sure needs are met. When governments abdicate this steering responsibility, disaster often follows.”

David Osborne and Ted Gaebler in the book Reinventing Government

[20] A community model for program development and delivery does not mean the end of the government's responsibility in this area. The Commission will be needed to advise government, business, and community organizations on issues pertaining to the growing diversity in Alberta.🪡

Albertans will also continue to need an advocate for multiculturalism policy within government.

Alberta Multicultural Commission, p. 24.

[THREAD END]

All of these quotations are from the Three Year Strategic Plan 1994-1997, by the Alberta Multicultural Commission. archive.org/details/multic…
#multiculturalism #history #Alberta #Canada