411: Diversity In Canada

Author: Zeeta / Whatsthe411

There are an endless number of answers when asked what being Canadian means – there are as many different answers as there are inhabitants. No one’s personal experience is the same - even if raised in the same household. That’s what makes you unique.  You are not a carbon copy of anyone or anything. Your experiences, geography and environment shape you. Your friends and family influence you, so does your interaction with society.  Being Canadian however, embraces these differences.  It’s celebrated whether your heritage is African, European, Asian, Latin American, Caribbean, Middle Eastern or West Indian – being Canadian means we get the right to honour, big up and be proud of “where we come from”.

Your potential is limitless and there are no boundaries as to how far you can push yourself.  Regardless of the adversities you may be faced with, being Canadian gives you the right and opportunity to try your best at what you do. Being Canadian means a plethora of things, but one thing’s for sure, as you read these profiles on various active figures in our community, being Canadian means being proud to be you.

Read about what being Canadian means to some of our young Canadian talent in the artists section:

“[Being Canadian means] being free, being one of the most loved countries in the world, respecting our neighbours (for most of us)” – Classified (Rap artist, Reps East Coast Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia)

“Canadian Culture is Degrassi and Star Trek.  I know Star Trek isn't Canadian, but I take great pride in knowing that people from all over the world move to our country.  I know we have our problems, but for the most part, different races live and work together and get along.  Just like in the future on Star Trek.” – Jenn Hollett (Journalist, Reps St. Catherines, Ontario)

Fast Facts – Diversity in Canada

• The Aboriginal proportion of Canada’s total population is increasing.  In 2001, just over 1.3 million people reported having at least some Aboriginal ancestry, representing 4.4% of the total population.  By comparison, in 1996, people with Aboriginal ancestry represented 3.8% of the population.
• In recent years, the number of immigrants coming into Canada has risen to all-time highs.  Between 1991 and 2000, 2.2 million immigrants were admitted to Canada. At the time of Confederation, Canada’s population was chiefly British (60%) and French (30%).  By 1981, the combination of declining birthrate and infusion of non-European immigrants saw the British and French total decline to 40% and 27%. 
• Presently the proportion of people with British, French ethnic origins had dropped to below one-half of the total population (46%).  
• The 2001 census showed over 200 different ethnic origins reported from all continents of the world. 
• The 2001 census also found that 18.4% of the population was born outside Canada – the highest proportion in 70 years.