Canadian Ethnic Attitudes and Identity in the Context of National Unity

Abstract

This paper examines the findings from a national survey of ethnic and multicultural attitudes and identity in order to assess the prospects for national unity in Canada. A basic assumption of this paper is that the diversity which is characteristic of Canada is quite compatible with national unity, provided that Canadians endorse an ideology of diversity and show tolerance in ethnic attitudes. Ideological support for diversity and a substantial degree of tolerance were generally found, thus boding well for national unity. Specifically, ethnic attitudes were quite positive; this was particularly true for the mutual attitudes of French and English Canadians. On the other hand, a number of disturbing signs were also uncovered. Some segments of the Canadian population are clearly less tolerant than others and certain ethnic groups are particularly likely to be the targets of prejudice. The investigation of ethnic identity revealed that among Canadians of British and French origin, a Canadian as opposed to a hyphenated identity was associated with greater tolerance. Among "other ethnic" Canadians, however, those with a hyphenated identity were just as tolerant as those who identified themselves as Canadian. Further analyses revealed that the experience of cultural diversity is associated with ethnic tolerance and the acceptance of diversity, and that cultural isolation is likely to be accompanied by intolerance. The paper concludes with a number of suggestions for promoting tolerance and therefore, national unity.