Multiculturalism in Canada: Individual vs. Collective Rights

Abstract

This essay will look at the controversial topic of multiculturalism in Canada. It will explore aspects of individual rights compared with group rights. This is a very important topic to Canadians, as they claim to live in a multicultural nation where many different groups co‐exist. In order to answer the many questions which arise with this topic, it is first necessary to define multiculturalism as it has developed throughout the nation. With this background in mind, it will be easier to understand where individual rights stemmed from. Did they evolve on their own, or do they stem from group rights and traditions which were already in existence? Does this make a difference when we compare the two? As multiculturalism becomes more prominent in Canadian culture, and the rights of the group come to the forefront, where do individual rights stand? Immigrants coming to Canada can expect that their cultural differences will be tolerated and respected, yet problems can arise if individual rights are infringed upon. This essay will specifically look at the case study of Sharia Law infringing on women’s rights in Ontario, and Ernst Zundel who spread hate crimes against the Jews under the pretext of the individual right to free speech. Through these case studies, it will be determined whether Canadians prefer to have their individual rights protected, or respect their cultural and groups rights above all else. The conclusion will express how Canadians feel about the difference between group and individual rights.