Mr/Ms. Bowie Makes Some Valid Points

The major point being; "Maybe Canada is a haven of tolerance, but it is certainly one-sided -- not being accepted by newcomers who cling to their own cultures, the ones they supposedly wanted to leave behind." but putting that aside most, if not all , of our successes at thanks to "immigrants" who committed themselves to being Canadian first.

CAN'T EMBRACE MULTICULTURALISM

I read "Dissecting the new Canada" (Jan. 14) and before going any further into the Comment section, I had to throw in my two cents. I have never, nor will I ever, embrace "official multiculturalism." To me the essence of that word means "no culture at all" and as a fourth generation Canadian I find that offensive. It is also insulting, not to mention annoying to hear over and over and over, again and again and again that we are all immigrants here. I was born here; I am a native Canadian -- as in "... my home and native land." How many countries exist today that were not first peopled by another race? Does that somehow negate or dilute who they are today?

Canada has a history that goes back to the 1500's when Jacques Cartier arrived on our shores. Canada did not begin 30 years ago with official multiculturalism. What is wrong with Canada's traditions and language requirements and culture that cannot be embraced by new immigrants? Maybe Canada is a haven of tolerance, but it is certainly one-sided -- not being accepted by newcomers who cling to their own cultures, the ones they supposedly wanted to leave behind.

Canada does have an identity, I assure you. For those who need reminding, Canada is a land of pioneers and trailblazers. We are inventors and innovators. We are tolerant, yes, to a fault. When talking about diversity in regards to Canada, I don't talk about people, but weather conditions and geography.

Let people come to Canada from anywhere! Welcome all! But don't insult us by keeping your own culture -- because it has destroyed mine. That makes me resentful, not racist.

Because of multiculturalism, I have become a Canadian without a country.

B. Bowie

Brampton

(Or you can experience the whole world without leaving home)