Why does everyone commenting here feel the need to compare themselves to any other country, particularly the US? You should be comparing yourselves only to yourselves, and want to do better for your country because it’s what’s best for your country, not “put it into perspective” or ignore it because others are doing worse. That’s complacency, and nothing ever gets accomplished that way. The West would never get better at human rights if it only compared itself to other countries with worse human rights. It really feels quite defensive in a very unbecoming way, and it’s not putting Canada in the great light you think it is. Seek out what you can do better and do it - no need to compare. And LISTEN to those in your country who are saying things need to be better, and why, and how - don’t just dismiss them because you perceive that it’s worse elsewhere.
4
What's wrong with "being nice and comfortable[?]"
Behavior, not complexion, is everything.
This is the elephant in the room that Thompson fails to acknowledge.
4
In this morass of opinion and anecdotes its good to get a few numbers to provide some much needed context:
"There have been 111 visible minorities who have served as Members of Parliament, as well as 23 who have been named Senators. After the 2015 Canadian election, the highest number of visible minorities were elected to Parliament in history - with 49 MPs (14.5% of the House of Commons)."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_visible_minority_politicians_in_Canada
total visible minorities in 2016: 22.3% (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Canada#Ethnicity)
"Nearly 22% of the population is now foreign-born, and about 60% of new immigrants come from Asia, particularly China and India." (http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/canada-population/)
"Foreign-born people account for nearly half of the population of Toronto. This gives Toronto the second-highest percentage of foreign-born residents of all world cities after Miami. Unlike Miami, Toronto has no dominant culture or nationality, which also makes it one of the world's most diverse cities. 49% of the city's population belong to a visible minority group (compared to 14% in 1981), and visible minorities are expected to hit a majority of 63% of the Toronto CMA population by 2017."
(http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/toronto-population/)
7
I find Ms. Thompson's remarks on Canadian racism to be over-stated and grossly inaccurate. The big fact she misses is that Canadians are getting better, albeit sometimes too slowly, at making multiculturalism work. Quebec will always be a special case and different from "Anglophone" Canada for historical cultural reasons.
When I was a young lad way back, the teachers and students put on a "minstrel show" which required that we mainly white folks put on blackface; things have changed a lot since then for sure and for the better. Yes, there has been vicious racism in Canada, and racism still persists in certain quarters, but overall from my perspective Canada is a pretty welcoming place for all people, races and religions.
I live in a suburb of Toronto that comprises about 70% people of colour. We have had incidents arising from misunderstandings and yes, obtuseness, from all sides but by and large we get along. I think that is the Canadian way. And so Ms. Thompson, we should all just relax a bit, and move on, eh?
7
That Quebec has codified into law it’s un-democratic, racist, & xenophobic biases is (they assert) their right as a “nation”.
That none of the party leaders in the run-up to the recent Federal election publicly took the firm & uncompromising stance to (as Prime Minister of Canada) bring all Federal powers to bear to overturn Quebec’s absurd claim that it possesses the ‘right’ to discriminate against Canadian citizens resident in that Province is ample demonstration of this articles assertions.
1
It's the same here in Cali. As long as my oh-so-righteous person wins, who cares what their personal morals and beliefs are, as long as we get the POWER!!
That is just human nature. Canada is just like everywhere else, just more so.
More fun with numbers. How racist parties fared at elections in the West:
(source = wikipedia unless otherwise noted)
Salvini's League in Italy: 37%
German AfD: 12.6%
France: Le Pen (1st round): 21.3% (source: Guardian)
Austria's FPO: 26%
Trump: 46.1%. Maybe he wasn't fully out at the time, but his approval is now at 40% (source = 538)
And finally: People's Party of Canada: 1.6% (source = CBC).
10
There are multiple reasons why there have been instances of gatherings, demonstrations, and even murder, with racist or otherness intent, which took place in Canada. However, it is important to note that recent actions have been inspired in part by the incessant stream of belligerent, dysfunctional, hateful, self-interested, need I go on, barrage of rhetoric coming directly out of the mouth of the president of the United States. I am sad to see writers sounding off about the Canadian situation in such delineated terms in the New York Times when it is the moral leadership of the world which has gone by the wayside in a country which once had (and potentially still does have) so much to offer, the US. Writer, I understand your academic career requires definition but this kind of exaggeration in a foreign newspaper sounds opportunistic for sure.
4
I lived in Canada for about 4 years and I never encountered racist attitudes, actions, or behavior. Not once. A little Francophile disgruntlement from the fringes, yes, but not "racism" as we understand it in the United States today - what with a current president who is a vehement racist, and Nazi apologist.
If we want to end racism, shouldn't we focus our attention on the most egregious promoters of hate, rather then trying to create racial tensions in a place where they are almost non-existent?
7
Funny that the essay doesn't mention First Nations, who remain prominent targets of racism. It ought also to be noticed that the Quebec Secularism law applies also to crucifixes, the most commonly worn religious symbols in Quebec. My subjective impression is that many Canadians work hared to counter their own racialk and ethnic prejudices. I think our society is complicated and that the growth of awareness of prejudice, the growth of acceptance of racial, cultural and gender diversity, if not adequate to the need, has been spectacularly rapid. This progress has been achieved in a country which has no heritage of a "melting pot" ideological goal and which finds good reason not to want that solution.
2
HI Cheryl: First I'd like to say I think your Grandmother is a wise soul. A good portion of Canadians are working hard to address past wrongs and ingnorance, but to keep poking old wounds may not be a positive approach as we have seen south of the border. Maybe your comments might better addressed in Canadian media to be effective.
4
The writer completely fails to see how Canada's social construct is inherently more diverse and tolerant. We are mature enough to know that someone's black face party pic is not the same thing as their policy. That just because we allow a far-right party in, doesn't mean we agree with them. The true strength of Canadian multi-culturalism is that we embrace that fact that it is "multi", you can't brain wash people into agreeing on one doctrine. However, through our dialogue and political process - we reach a consensuses on what's acceptable. That "niceness" and civility in engaging in the process - is the true power of our diversity. Just look at the multitude of colours and attitude in our parliament now - its legitimacy and existence speaks for its own power.
9
Much of what the author says is true, but her brief analysis of Quebec's struggle with how to deal with the question of ultra-religious Muslim female costume omits more than it discloses. To conflate this issue with racism is a serious mistake.
Caught up in the discussion are splits in the feminist movement, constitutional requirements that no religion be discriminated against, and the fruit of the Quiet Revolution, which ended hundreds of years of the Catholic hierarchy riding roughshod over what women in Quebec could and could not do regarding such fundamentals as divorce, birth control and dress.
These issues make any opinion on the controversy by Canadians outside Quebec woefully uninformed, offensive to a vast majority of the population and unlikely to do anything except throw gas on the fire. As for Americans opining on the issue from general principles, they should perhaps remove the beam from their own eye before trying to get the moteout of their neighbor's.
11
Literally no-one I've asked who have commented on Quebec has answered whether they speak enough French to understand the issues they suggest constitute racism. Not one. Which suggests to me that they just like publishing comments but don't have the slightest clue what they are commenting on.
4
I am very liberal and do not consider myself a racist, but this sensitivity regarding black face is ludicrous. I’ve had Halloween parties in the past where my friends have come as Bob Marley, Diana Ross, etc. in black face. It was not meant to be demeaning, racist, or offensive. Racism is a problem in this world and I’m certain there are instances where black face is totally inappropriate. But some of this stuff is just plain ridiculous. One day I hope, to quote Bob Marley, the color of a persons skin is of no more consequence than the color of their eyes
30
I lived in Montreal for 15 years and my experience was of homophobic, racist, anti-Semitic, people and actions. There is a language law in Quebec and strong actions were directed at Jewish establishments. One Passover all the kosher for Passover products were removed from grocery shelves because they didn't have French on them larger than English. Yet, one could go into a Chinese or Indian store and find no French on any products. Jews were driven out to live in Toronto; taking their businesses with them. Not an official progrom; rather blatant discrimination. In 1995 there was a referendum for separation from Canada on the ballot and election evening the leader of the party Quebecois went on the news and said the election was lost because of money and ethnics. Homosexuals were attacked and murdered in the parks. I left Quebec feeling it's ugly undertow.
10
@Nettie Glickman
Quebec is indeed a curious blend of cosmopolitanism and ultranationalism.
Your experience is not unique.
Toronto was the same in the '50s
Curious, though, that Mordecai Richler's "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz," set in Montreal, does not dramatize this aspect of Francophone culture.
3
Beyond lacking any factual basis, your position is simply laughable pandering to American public opinion.
Black face is an american taboo in response to a serious american problem, its culture of fear and hate which allows repression of brown and black people to this day. The racially charged rhetoric surrounding forms part of America's toxic culture wars which it seeks to export to every country of the world and proponents of these positions are not progressives but social regressives. You will fail in your attempts to import this culture to Canada because unlike in the US we are capable of recognising semi intellectual smears and won't be browbeaten.
That you've internalised this taboo and attempt your to achieve visibility with your crass divisive arguments only reflects on your personal subservient attitude to US empire's monoculture and question values. If Canadian voters were to listen to the cranks like this author Canada might have Scheer as PM with his politics of division, and I don't see how an anti gay anti abortion candidate. Thank goodness Canadian voters looked past attempted instrumentalisation of a fake issue at Trudeau's real record.
Perhaps learn a language or two Cheryl Thompson and find out what real diversity is all about?
8
That Canada was ever a "diverse paradise" was ever a delusion.
3
In August I visited Canada for the first time in 40 years. Walking around Toronto, speaking with people in a park, and people working in cafes, I did feel like I was in some type of diversity paradise. I also thought of camping along Lake Ontario all those years ago and being shocked by the "Paki" jokes told by the Canadian campers around the campfire. That was not so long ago and we must never buy into a mythical "paradise. Us Americans know that from the changes we saw from November 2008 and today. Dr. Thompson's is so on point when she writes that, "diversity is also tough, challenging and sometimes outright frustrating because it requires listening, being open to what you don’t know, and letting go of what you think you do. At the same time, diversity is just the myth; anti-racism is the work."
3
This essay is rather belated, what one would routinely encounter in American graduate programs in the '80s and '90s. It appears that racialist rhetoric and institutionalized fingerpointing have made their way into the curriculum at Ryerson.
What does Canada offer?
Canada accommodated thousands of Syrian refugees and lawfully processes thousands of border crossers seeking asylum.
Two days ago, a minority Liberal government was elected, with the promise of imminent progressive coalitions. The People's Party of Canada came up goose eggs. Bernier himself lost his own riding, Beauce.
This political development contrasts the rise of populist nationalism throughout Europe, South America, the US, and Europe.
Canada offers Old Age Pension, Canada Pension (for people who have worked), Supplemental Income, Disability Income, and Unemployment Benefits. Each province offers universal health care and regulates the cost of prescription drugs.
Some do not get what they want, but most get what they need.
What does one witness in the US? Adjacent to the famous Santa Monica Pier are parks full of homeless people, by the hundreds. The same is true of virtually every major US city--Philadelphia, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, D.C. Never mind Rio, Mumbai, Soweto.
Individuals with chronic health conditions can go bankrupt because of the cost of health care and drugs.
Gun violence?
Give Justin Trudeau and the Liberals some credit. It is not easy to effect significant societal change.
12
Canada has never had a shortage of space for more people, yet back in the thirties when desperate Jews needed a refuge the response of Canadian Prime Minister McKenzie King was "none is too many." Welcome to Alabama or is it Mississippi.
3
@Don
"Canada’s prime minister is set to apologize for what he will call the country’s moral failure in denying asylum to Jewish refugees during World War II. In one key event in June of 1939, the government of Canada rejected a plea from prominent Canadians to let 907 German Jews on board the MS St. Louis come ashore."
(apology delivered, BTW)
https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2018/11/07/canada-prime-minister-apology-jews-wwii/
The US also refused the Jews:
"During World War II, the Motorschiff St. Louis was a German ocean liner infamously known for carrying more than 900 Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany in 1939 intending to escape the Holocaust to disembark in Cuba. However they were denied permission to land. The captain, Gustav Schröder, went to the United States and Canada, trying to find a nation to take the Jews in, but both nations refused. He finally returned the ship to Europe, where various countries, including the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, accepted some refugees. Many were later caught in Nazi roundups of Jews in occupied countries, and some historians have estimated that approximately a quarter of them were killed in death camps during World War II.[2]"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_St._Louis
2
It appears from reading most of the commentary that not too many NYT readers are in much agreement with Ms Thompson especially when it comes down to the Black, Brown face issue.
Perhaps Ms Thompson would be happier if more Canadians voted for the parties to the left of the Liberals.
Not me though as the end result there would be a Conservative Government.
Move On Ms Thompson Canadians have spoken and they are not adverse to voting for someone who dressed as Aladdin .
The Horror or it all , I know .
10
You've touched on a very good point. I suspect many voters went for Trudeau because he was, from a liberal centrist point of vue, the least of two evils. The ghost of Mr Harper, our last conservative prime minister, still lingers. Mr Trudeau has done much to divise in order to fulfill his vision of diversity, inclusivity and justice. The map of election results throughout the country clearly show the divisiveness he has sown.
1
Cheryl Thompson writes : « And none made a concrete pledge to counter virulently prejudicial legislation in Quebec, which bans the wearing of religious symbols in the public workplace, fomenting Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. The resurgent Bloc Québécois slyly tucked it away during the campaign.»
That is patently false. The Québec's secularism law (loi 21) bans some civil servants, teachers, police officers, judges, government lawyers and other authority figures from wearing religious symbols at work.
16
@Normand Lester Those are the only ones they could directly address. You can be sure they would have added everyone else if they could.
1
Dear Dr Thompson, in politics, everything is relative. Compared to what is going on now in the Middle East, Africa, Hungary, France, Austria, Germany, Britain, Spain, Poland, Russia, all through Latin America, and yes, the great Republic to our South (which I still admire and respect), Canada may not be a diverse "Paradise", but I believe we are clearly well ahead of the pack when it comes to tolerance of diversity. And we are capable of doing even better.
122
@Dave
Amen to that Dave! As an ex-pat Canadian living in Houston, I would advise our dear Dr. Thompson that the world never has been, and never will be "perfect". If you stride about all swelled up about real and imagined micro-aggressions you will certainly find them!
I would add my personal opinion that a lot of so-called "racism" is in fact discomfort with another person's different and unsettling behavior and/or culture. And don't tell me I am obligated to embrace social behavior I find unpleasant!
7
Don’t tar Canada with an American brush. Canada is not perfect but it is the best model we have for multiculturalism and tolerance. I never need to apologize for being Canadian.
9
"Stop Pretending Canada Is a Diverse Paradise" It's all relative, Dr. Thompson.
1
This reminds me of a time when I was in Northern Europe and some Scandinavians were giving us Americans untold grief about race relations between black and white folks. About 5 minutes later the guy giving us the hardest time decides to tell an unflattering joke about Jews. When I called him out about it he said that was different and not the same as the American problem between blacks and whites.
A couple of days later Another group of people are asking us about race relations in America and one of the Danes begins to slander Turkish immigrants in the most derogatory, bigoted way.
I asked him how he could call out Americans for being bigoted when he himself was a bigot. The answer was the same....this was different. It didn't compare to the race relations in America and so he wasn't bigoted. I believe he followed up his characterization of the "problems" between the Danes and the recent Turkish immigrants as something we wouldn't understand because the Danes were different than the Americans. Go figure.
7
In true Canadian fashion, we criticize our own. Very sorry to read this article. Yes, there is racism everywhere. Point taken. Canada is still the best place to live, democracy is alive and well here, the rule of law works, we have responsible regulation and good public policy, we have a short election cycle, we have legislation that allows four hours paid to vote on election day. All in all, I give us a nine out of ten.
80
@Barbara Quinn
No, we're not perfect, but we're not doing that badly, either.
I give us an 8, a solid B.
9
@Barbara Quinn
Well stated - I give us a nine out of ten as well.
3
Sigh. Who is saying Canada is a diverse paradise? You know who is saying that? Exactly no one. Canada is a nation of about 38 million people. The thing about people is, they're, you know, people. People with flaws, prejudices, grace and love. Canada has plenty of racism, as does any country. As a geographically massive nation, Canada also has regional differences. As an immigrant nation, Canada also has huge cultural differences.
So why does Canada rank so high in surveys? Because we don't have problems? No. Because we haven't elected divisive leaders? No. Because we're better people? No. We rank highly because we make the effort. Do we fail? Constantly. Could we do better? We could and we should. The point is, we try. Canada resettled 25,000 Syrian refugees at the peak of their civil war. The United States, with ten times our population, settled a small fraction of that number. During the recent election campaign a member of a well known satirical news TV program ambushed the Conservative leader at an event. When a Conservative supporter verbally accosted the actor, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer defended the actor.
We are an immigrant nation that tries to celebrate diversity. After just losing out in the Conservative Party's leadership race, Maxime Bernier started his own xenophobic hard right party. He ran over 300 candidates. He won zero seats.
Canada is far from perfect. But we're making an effort. In today's world, an effort at inclusivity stands out.
125
@Rob
Excellent points.
It interests , amuses, and saddens me that many US citizens traveling abroad wear Canadian identity
symbols.
10
@Rob
Well said, Rob.
5
@Rob Thank you - this is what I would have said if I had your eloquence.
6
As an immgrant, I have lived both US and Canada for number of years. What I have seen is that Canada is the closest thing to paradise! Perfect? No. Room to improve? Yes. But you can easily feel the warmth everywhere in Canada, the nicest place on earth.
156
Dear Dr. Thompson,
Take a break from the academic world for just a moment and get down to real life. Many years ago Justin Trudeau went to an Arabian Nights costume party. I repeat; a COSTUME PARTY. Being in costume he would naturally dress in Arab attire and darken his face brown or black. What would you expect, a conservative suit and tie with a white face ???
There is absolutely NO racist connotation. NONE. ZIP.
Get over it!!
40
I respect your opinion but am not sure you speak for everyone including people of colour. First of all, I think it became a big issue in this election because it was exaggerated and distorted by the opposition and the conservative media. In fact, when interviewed by CTV, black and brown people in Trudeau's own riding were not bothered by the photos of him because they didn't feel he meant to offend, knew he was not racist and also valued his commitment to the riding and his support of human rights. Secondly, making blanket statements condemning Trudeau and singling him out on this issue are not helpful. Nor is warning him to take his minority government seriously. This seems an empty threat.
175
If the Canadians aren’t a tad bit anxious about their changing demographics who are we to complain. It is probably not even noticed or a concern at this point.
Under their current immigration rules Canada is projected to become a western minority 20 years after the USA.
2
@Charlie Toronto, Canada's largest city (I live in the suburb) already has 52% of the population who identify as visible minorities. Dr. Thompson seems very bitter in her opinion, but I doubt many people in Canada see the need or would want to start working on a national strategy on race relations.
Toronto is a very nice place, very diverse, you should come visit. In many ways it is like San Francisco, but without the hills, but a very liberal environment.
And as someone else mentioned, the Underground Railway ended in Canada, it was the safe place. Many notable American black authors moved to Canada for a while after the fugitive slave laws were changed to avoid the worst of American society.
10
@Warren Courtney
Right, Toronto in Ontario Province has had a majority non-white population for some generations but has never had a minority mayor or a minority as Premier. All the past century, have there been no competent political candidates for mayor of Toronto or Ontario among the minority populated city or provincial leaders?
I don't believe Freedom of Speech is a Canadian Right under Trudeau. Correct me if I'm wrong.
4
@Ryan Bingham
I'm not aware Trudeau has made any modifications to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, so I'll take a pass on the rhetorical question.
63
@Andy
FUNDAMENTAL rights in the Charter of freedoms
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
12
Actually, bill c-16, which was passed in june 2017 and integrated in the Canadian Human Rights Act, renders discrimation based on, among other things, gender identity and"expression" a criminal act in a section of the criminal code dealing with hate speech. If you work for the federal government in Canada and refuse to use someone's prefered pronouns ( they, them, zir, for example) you may end up in court, and some have since this bill became law. This extension in the human rights and hate crime laws is viewed by many to be compelled speach. This bill was introduced by Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party.
6
Perhaps the wearing of black and brown face by whites might be an indication (albeit unconscious) of a deep admiration for, desire toward and wish to be black.
2
@Dr. Diane
Only when you're playing basketball or singing.
Who wouldn't want to be Michael, James, or Aretha?
1
Racism in Canada? Americans say, "Hold my beer! I'll show you racism."
6
The new legislation in Québec state that people in a position of authority (judges, police officers, teacher of young children, etc.,) are forbidden to wear religious signs while on duty ( and/or political signs, affiliation and the likes).
It is absolutely permitted to wear religious signs everywhere else at any time.
Easy !
8
I am confused by the statement that "None of the moderators at the only English-language debate asked questions about race issues" when several such questions were asked. For example:
"Good evening. As a member of Beausoleil First Nation, my question is this. If elected, how would your parties work with provinces and territories on recognizing and affirming Indigenous rights, specifically noting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, and the calls for justice in the recent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry? Megwitch."
While this wasn't asked directly by a moderator - it was asked by a Canadian who had been selected to ask this question to all candidates - it was in essence the same thing. Implying that the debate was not alive to these issues is misleading.
10
"School of Creative Industries?"
Ms. Thompson is no Viola Davis.
I doubt Ms. Thompson has experienced the chronic, generational employment discrimination that descendants of blacks slaves in America endured.
Her academic history suggests the opposite.
No intelligent individual believes Canada is a "Diverse Paradise."
In Canada, the most serious victims of racism are its indigenous folks, many of whom still live on remote reservations, often with inadequate housing and undrinkable water. Indigenous women are subject to endemic sexual violence. This is serious racism.
Trudeau's overzealous interest in drama is not racism. It was a Conservative Party smear job that did not work because Canadians understand Trudeau to be a good kid.
Pluralistic societies embody competing values. Quebec's Bill 21 is an expression of ethnocentrism, not racism. As in any civil society, it will be contested in the courts--and probably overturned.
Quebec secularism challenges religious tradition in the public sphere. What contemporary justification is there for the Sikh practice of not shorning one's hair, a custom derived from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of ten human Gurus? The hijab, burka, kippah?
Any insights about young black kids playing Crips and Bloods on the streets of Toronto?
Ethnocentric violence in Africa and the Caribbean?
Canada is a comparative Paradise. Think Child Benefit.
Just ask the black people streaming illegally into Quebec on Roxham Road.
13
@Tibbs
I actually meant Viola Desmond.
But Viola Davis works almost as well.
1
Canada since its beginning has never had an Afro-Canadian or other Canadian visible minority as Prime Minister, although it had one mixed race Premier of British Columbia, and yet for all our faults in the USA we have elected an African American President, whom polls as late as 2019 show is one that most Americans, regardless of race, still much admire. So, as far ahead of our country in diversity and the absence of racial politics as Canadians claim of their country, an American can only politely say that Canada seems to view race differently than us. And we believe Canada’s racial minorities must still look to the United States for opportunities that they will not find still in Canada.
2
Yes, Canada is not a Diverse Paradise. Yes, Canada has real racial issues that should not be swept under the “Canadians are all nice” rug. Yes, Canada’s past history with First Nations was absolutely shameful, and even now indigenous Canadians face racism and bigotry. Yes, we now know that 2019 Trudeau is far more flawed as a politician and as a person than what we imagined and hoped for in 2015 Trudeau.
But Canada is not a racist country. Trudeau, even with his blackface sad history, is not a racist. In a world where nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise, where racism and xenophobia are on the rise in Western liberal democracies, including in Canada, Canada nonetheless remains a beacon of hope for diversity, refugees, immigrants, anti-racism, anti-bigotry, civility, and just being nice.
There are real issues with racism and bigotry, there are real regional differences, urban vs. suburban vs. rural differences. Canada is not perfect, Canadians are not perfect, Trudeau is not perfect. But Canada is a truly great country. Most Canadians are wonderful people.
Canada has Justin Trudeau, we have Donald Trump - Canadians should be delighted with what they have, while still striving for an even better and more just society.
11
This clip from Tallboyz humorously sets out Canadian racism. Tallboyz is a racially diverse sketch comedy group.
"Sunny ways" is about the sun shining so warm and bright that one is forced to change behaviour (i.e. taking off one's coat in the Aesop fable). Thanks Tallboyz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd40aHWhNE0
2
I am so sick of this trope about Canadians saying"sorry" like it's a national tic. Even learning it as their first word, as someone commented here. I'm especially irked by a Canadian who happily promotes this stereotype that has been levied on us as somehow being a sign of weakness or insecurity. Come on, people! Since when is being polite and friendly a thing of embarrassment? Are we that far in the gutter that common courtesy and respect for fellow human beings is considered unusual, or worse, that successful diversity in Canada is a myth? Give your head a shake, Cheryl. While of course we have problems like any other country, you do not characterize the Canada or Canadians whom I know.
11
I was interested in more specifics to justify this column’s shrill tone, but found little more than a lot of very broad, breathless statements and ‘evidence’ such as Trudeau’s having cluelessly worn blackface decades ago.
The “diverse paradise” of the headline is a straw man. I’m glad that the writer is engaged in this research, though perhaps the level of focus that entails has coloured her perspective.
Doubtless the number of hate groups has risen in recent years, but, fuelled by the Internet, where any dimwitted malcontent can start a discussion board or Facebook page and attract his share of like-minded incels, nearly all Western democracies would have seen a significant rise.
3
If you want to know how well diversity has been incorporated into the fabric of Canada just take a careful look at the individuals in the lead picture for this opinion piece.
8
If Canada is such a racist awful place why are so many people trying to join us?
1
@mitchell People who are looking to immigrate make calculations based on a number of factors – economic opportunity, personal safety, etc. The fact that immigrants see Canada as offering more economic opportunity and personal safety (among other things) than other countries is no reason to rest on our laurels and pretend that we don't have serious problems to address.
2
Making comparisons to the US is problematic because the US is, to a greater extent than Canada, really two separate countries, uncomfortably joined at the hip like Siamese twins. Always has been.
We'd all be better off if the blue states merged with the best parts of Canada and let the prairie provinces join the red states. Then we could have health care and the interior could have their low taxes and hunting, or whatever it is they want.
4
@Jomo
Not a bad idea, actually!
It would work geographically.
British Columbia could become one of the West Coast's elites, especially California and Washington State. Oregon is a bit problematic.
Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes could become part of New England.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba could be lumped together with Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
What to do with the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut? Become one with Alaska?
Is there racism in Canada? Absolutely. Is it an issue? Of course, evil is evil. Yet the author is way off base.
For starters some of the worst and most enduring racism in Canada has always been perpetrated against, and continues to be against, First Nations peoples. Yet, the author didn't mention them at all. Shame on her for that. I suppose we could call that exclusion racist in itself.
Yes, there was a candidate this year that presented himself a la Trump - bigotry and xenophobia included. The author is wrong about his not being denounced. During the English language debate, the Bloc Québecois candidate specifically denounced the politics of divisiveness and hate that this 'Populist' candidate represented and said that Canadians didn't want it. He was right, on Monday, he was not re-elected in his riding which he had won several times when he was a member of the Conservative Party. I think this is a clear signal that people don't share this racist view and that Canada isn't so bad as the author portrays.
We are all entitled to our opinions. Why the author wants Canadians to be more upset over Trudeau's 'brown face' Halloween costume is unknown to me. Personally I think he may have lacked judgement, but I don't think he did it from a position of racism or condescension based on how the man presents himself. People are allowed to be idiotic and make stupid mistakes from time to time - this does not make them racist.
17
Is Canada racist? Why not? Just like the USA Canada has in a very short time become increasingly non-white, non-European, and non-recognizable. This always results in resentment and opposition. Canadians may be more polite and restrained in their views but no less racist than other victims of diversity. Diversity is destroying all we have is a common feeling in Europe, America and Canada and only honesty rather than hypocritical outrage about racism is what is needed. I am sure Canadians react just as badly as Americans when they see television ads showing multiracial families and groups which have no relation to reality. They feel as we feel that marketeers are brainwashing us to accept what we know is unacceptable and undesirable.
2
I won't defend the refugee bashing one commentor notes because I do believe it reflects either ignorance of the refugee system or more likely latent racism. They just don't get a free pass in my book.
On the other hand this opinion piece and the title that goes with it appears to be simple pandering to American prejudice for reasons that belong to the author and which appear transparently self serving to me. My personal take on the whole Trudeau black face scandal is political leverage of an imported culture war that resonates in the US but won't get any real traction in Canada because it doesn't reflect any form of reality on the ground.
10
Everyone I talked to about the blackface scandal agreed that they would be voting based on policy. Compare Trudeau’s record on immigration and social welfare policies to Scheer’s and you’ll see why progressives voted the way they did.
I think politics should be about policy. How a party will govern. I’m glad Canada can still see that.
12
One could argue that you yourself is prejudiced agains French Canadians... Your tone is less than positive.
Every country has degrees of racism, Canadians are not immune. However, they have never "owned" other people and enslaved them for profit. So this is simply a tempest in a teapot. The racism in Canada is nothing compared to the rest of the world. Canada isn't perfect, but it's the closest a bunch of humans living together can get to.
In keeping with secularism, the new legislation in Quebec affects all religions by the way. Crucifixes everywhere have been removed from public places etc. Please educate yourself before making broad statements.
5
@Al
Canada, as part of the mighty British Empire, took part in the slave trade and had slaves on what became its current territory and thus benefited by slavery.
Slavery was prohibited there only when its master, Great Britain, did so.
It’s worth noting that Canada and the British Empire supported the Confederacy during our Civil War right up until the Southern defeat at Gettysburg. So much for revulsion against slavery, huh...
3
@Al, Canada was part of the UK where slavery was legal until 1833 so technically you are wrong. Canada was established as a country in 1867. I am also sure if you went back and did the research Canadian banks as part of the UK also financed West Indian ventures. Stop trying to make the US so evil on everything it’s just twisted logic.
I think we need to be fair to Canada. After all it has to live up to all of the global elite, Liberal hopes and dreams Of what a country should look like so that they can demonize the US. No country can live up to this especially one with such dependency on fossil fuels and with an indigenous people problem. The truth is that Europe, Canada, and the US are equally “racist” but Canada and Germany have liberal leaders so the left has to glorify them and make believe it’s not so bad when in truth it’s all the same.
1
Strange coupling of words and image ... in which the crowd in the photo certainly speaks to diversity ... and the only people not smiling are the security detail.
4
Canada is a great place to live - people flock here by the millions (including my immigrant mother). Is it perfect? No. Is it wonderful? Yes.
Racism and sexism have been baked into the fabric of society for years and Canada is a place where it is slowly unravelling. But if you keep bashing white folk, you serve no purpose other than to shift them to the right. Let's look at what is working in Canada and elsewhere and keep that vision strong.
After all, it was OVERWHELMINGLY WHITE FOLK who voted FOR multiculturalism in Canada's constitution back in 1980.
8
Unfortunately, as long as there are different races and ethicities, there will be racism.
That said.... Candada completely rejected an attempted populist right wing invasion into governing this week. That should celebrated.. rather then plowing yet another "the world is imperfect and we much rise up in ideological anquish over it.... because one of the least racist western nations today still has lingering racism.
Personally, I feel the US could do well with a nice injection of Canadian openess, imperfect though it may be since every nation has some racists in it.
1
@Chuck The distance between our political left and right up here is far shorter than the USA and most of the rest of the world - including Scandinavia! Let's hope things stay that way in Canada.
2
The picture says it all! Look at the diverse group of people pressing forward to greet Trudeau - try to imagine a similar scene with our liar-in-chief (:
5
The world looks at Canada as a subject study.
Liberal, progressive, addicted to marihuana, admitting tens of thousands of Syrian refugees and so on. It really is what the Liberals want.
You know what I see?
When you hear rumors that a whole province wants to secede now, when you hear that the refugees are abusing the hospitality of the locals and showing up in numbers the locals resent, you begin to see a Liberal government as a government trying to shove down the people’s throats Liberal policies that they did not all seem to have wanted.
Then they go to the polls and Prince Liberal squeeks a win. He also has a minority in the government now, which means most his policies will dies on the floor from now on.
Why Obama had to go get involved in another country’s election is also a big question, as I thought that meddling in another country’s internal affairs was the no no that got Trump in such a dilemma.
What I really see, is a preview of what would happen here if the Liberals win.
Except Canadians sugar coat their frustration, Americans we come all out in full fury to show ours.
3
@AutumnLeaf
there is no indication that Quebec wants to secede, now or anytime soon. The BQ has been a magnet for a Quebec-specific mix of progressive policies, such as universal child care, and some troubling nationalist impulses. That is all.
The guy who ran in 300 ridings on the position that refugees are a problem didn't win a single seat.
In the Westminster system, minority governments are a perfectly reasonable mechanism, and Canadians treasure the Universal Single Payer Health Care that a minority Liberal government brought in when in a minority position. Most people I know are delighted at the minority outcome, and the only policies Trudeau will have to reject are the ones he promotes like pipelines that 2/3 of voters reject, based on their votes for the 3 progressive national parties and the BQ.
He'll get plenty done, because he'll have the support of a majority in both House and popular vote (not a guaranteed condition in our system).
It's true: our politics do look like what yours would be if your Progressives won, because your "radical left" wants what mainstream Canadian politics currently is: nationally united, capable, cordial, responsible and prosperous.
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".
4
Once again secularism is attacked as Islamophobia, as anti-Semitism and the secular is called a "virulently prejudicial legislation". Here some questions.
1)Since when religion is a race?
2)If the law is Islamophobic why the Association québécoise des Nord-Africains pour la laïcité are supporting the secular law? And this association was set up by Muslim people from Algérie, Tunisie and Maroc.
3)If the law is Islamophobic why Muslim women like Nadia EL-Mabrouk, Djemila Benhabib,.. are supporting it?
Here is an answer provided by a Tunisian immigrant. A Muslim woman, Amani Ben Ammar is supporting the law. She said; "How can a judge wearing a Muslim head scarf be deemed neutral in a case involving a homosexual? Diversity is important in society, but the state needs to avoid conflicts between professional duties and religion. I left my country because of the pressure of Islamization and do not expect to find that in Quebec" (Quebec bans religious symbols in some public sector jobs, NY Times, June 17, 2019)
7
I'd still love to retire in Canada.
2
@JoAnne Go to Florida in the winter. Tens of thousands o Canadians there - and they are one of the foundations of the state's economy.
1
@JoAnne: I know what you mean: I'd like to have a World Series ring, but I don't feel like playing baseball.
You think being polite is just sugar coating? It is more than that. Nobody I know says Canada is heaven, but it is certainly not the overly racist behemoth to its south. Requiring people to be polite forces them to reflect, at least more than the in-your-face hostility and belligerence that characterizes American politics. Blackface and brownface are the very worst of racist conduct? Hardly. When was the last lynching in Canada?
5
Canada is the least racist country in the Americas for sure, right?
How about a comparative survey of racism from Mexico and south, where you almost find a caste system in many Latin countries. Canada is what progressive Americans should aspire we become.
And by the way, banning religious symbols in public sector jobs is not racist. It's a sensible policy to promote secularism. You can think freely and worship freely, but do it outside of your official function.
7
Politics aside, Justin Trudeau is not racist.
He was playing a role, he was young, and his face makeup was done at a time when sensitivity to blackface wasn’t as it is today.
Remember Prince Harry’s swastika ? A gross mistake made in his younger days too, that he rose above, to become the caring humanitarian he is today.
Perspective, context and reason would serve us all far better, than jumping on the media ‘sensation for bumps ‘ bandwagon that puts hugely more important issues aside, as in the recent Canadian election.
That’s how this country got Donald Trump!
4
Dr. Thompson you should be encouraged that your Prime Minster states that diversity is your country's strongest asset. Here in America our president wants to send everyone who is not white, christian and of European decent "back to where they came from". Racism in the world has and will always exist until such time as there is so much inter marriage that we just become a mixed bag of humanity. I am sure that humanity will then resort to some other form(s) of stupid bigotry.
When I was a little kid several times on Halloween I was in black face and I can't even recall the why of it. I am now 70 years old. Does that make me a racist. I don't think so, like your PM I regard diversity as the United States strongest asset. I live in Seattle a coastal city and thus we have people here from all over the world that enrich our culture and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Your Prime Minister apologized and moved on, you need to do the same. Confront racism head on where it exists but Canada is a wonderful country and I envy you.
4
What's left out is the impatience, at least in Toronto, that residents have with those with damaged brains. Just try sorting out Toronto's complicated bus fare system when you've had a stroke or have diminished executive functioning as I did. It wasn't just the transportation officials who were rude. It was all the other passengers on the bus I rode in downtown Toronto. Navigating the bus fare system was really difficult. Whether caused by strokes or, in my case, exposures to toxic chemicals. Exposures that began, long ago, as I grew up downwind from refineries at Sudbury. They impaired my liver function. I'm now 81, and still have great difficulties clearing toxic chemicals. It takes many special nutritional supplements to help.
But try buying nutritional supplements like that in Toronto. In my visits there, I found that a Canadian government had banned many that are capable of restoring health or even just improving it. An example: one of them, CDP choline, helps repair brain damage that strokes and exposures to toxic chemicals cause. It helps with speech.
Years ago, the European Union at the insistence of Bayer issued a ban on many nutritional supplements. Canada copied it.
With the inability to obtain many nutritional supplements in Toronto, I can't live there. Nor would I want to, given the attitude of so many of its residents. So it's not just racial discrimination that's a problem. It's indifference to the effects of toxic chemicals.
The thread has officially jumped the shark.
6
While I — and I believe most Canadians (certainly the ones I know) — wholeheartedly support the goals of diversity, inclusivity and equality, I don’t see how the author’s anger-filled and blame-focused rant helps further that cause. Changing systemic racism — and also misogyny and other forms of prejudice — is a deep, long-term, generational challenge that requires both enlightened governance and widespread, personal shifts in perspective. I appreciate the genuine efforts I continue to see in Canada towards these changes, especially in comparison to the resurgence of tribalism, nationalism, and hatred of “others” now evident around the globe, even in so-called liberal democracies. Let’s get some proportionality here. Canada is not a paradise and we never should get comfortable with prejudice, but we’re working on it. And, yes, we are, by and large, pretty “nice”. Namaste.
10
I am not a big fan of Bill 21 but to suggest: "The resurgent Bloc Québécois slyly tucked it away during the campaign." is a bold and wildly untrue assertion, they based their whole campaign on it, discussed at it every debate, every campaign stop and every interview they gave. That does not feel like tucking much.
6
As a white woman living in Canada who is neither a "friend, colleague or student" of the author of this narrow minded diatribe against Canadians, I take offense at being called a racist simply because of my skin colour.
You would think someone as "woke" as someone who teaches at a community college in a large urban centre would understand that accusing millions of Canadians of racism in an article in a U.S. newspaper is not helpful if one is attempting to rectify a real social injustice (or in the case of the author, a perceived widespread problem of racism).
Canada does have racists, and some of them aren't white.
12
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police acknowledged in a 2014 report that there have been more than 1,200 missing and murdered Indigenous women between 1980 and 2012. Indigenous women’s groups, however, document the number of missing and murdered to be over 4,000.
2
@Judith Absolutely tragic. But does that actually speak to widespread racism as such? The issue is serious and more involved than a dispute over which 4 figure death toll is accurate.
For perspective, sounds like the scale of the murder tally of Chicago...
1
@Judith
The problem is similar to the phenomenon of missing women in the border towns and maquiladoras of Mexico.
No doubt many of the perpetrators are of indigenous origin.
This does not change the fact that it is a pandemic, but it provides context and perspective.
1
@Chance, I live up near the "highway of tears" in Northern BC. The evidence point to non-native, i.e., white serial murderers.
1
Ms. Thompson is demanding air space to declare her social grievances. A certain demographic has done the same in the states, spawning a backlash that, in part, put Trump in the White House. Ms. Thompson makes mountains out of molehills. No, Trudeau being a dope and wearing a turban or blackface should NOT be the main topic of conversation for the next ten years. Those who wish to make this the main topic of conversation do so for their own ends.
9
The worlds most ethnically diverse country is Papua New Guinea, Canada ranks 60th (based on Fearon’s Fractualization Index).
Canada is 75% white, the USA is 60% white.
News Flash, Canada is far less diverse than the USA, and 59 other countries.
4
@Brando Flex
I suppose that all depends on what you call diversity and personally haven't heard of that index. Only an American would advance proportion of black/white as a measure of diversity and anyway, what is black and white?
Sounds more like pedantry than relevance to the topic at hand.
8
Canada also only has about 1/10 as many people as the US.
1
@CH I hear this comment so often I can only attribute it to poor education.
The US at 12% has a lower proportion of foreign born residents than Canada and many OECD countries. And much lower than countries the usual propagandists would label as monolithic.
So, to be perfectly clear, ignorance is no excuse.
3
There's a truly staggering number of "actually Canada is not racist/openly discussing racism/less racist than the US" replies here. Allow me to be the 956th person to say this to those folks: if your response to an article detailing the many ways a settler colonial nation is racist (i.e., _structurally_ racist, not simply a place with many prejudiced individuals) is to go "but what about X" or "well things could be worse/are improving," you missed the point entirely and are likely someone who materially benefits from those racist structures.
2
@HX276 .M2782
There's a truly staggering number of pedantic comments here citing irrelevant arguments while applying zero critical analysis to the article being commented on. If your only contribution is to repeat victimization dogma there's a good chance you're personally profiting from the industry.
4
As many comments here show, this earnest effort is a one-sided and misleading picture of race relations in Canada.
What is more generally true is that there is a greater amount of latent (and true, sometimes not-so-latent) racism in those areas of the country that LACK diversity.
Take Quebec outside Montreal. Please!
That is where the noxious Law 21 is "popular" and indeed contributed to a large contingent of elected Quebec Nationalists (Bloc Quebecois) outside the greater Metro area. But Canadians for the most part live in the cities of Canada, like Montreal. 81% of the total population in Canada live in cities.
Our mayor, and city council unanimously, opposed this racist bill so loved by our Nationalist provincial premier, A bipartisan declaration stated that Montreal practises “open secularism” and its bylaws are neutral, regardless of the religious convictions of those who make them.
And this is true across Canadian cities, even in (gasp!) the much maligned Alberta, where the popular elected Mayor is himself a Muslim who now stands with our Montreal Mayor and with the full and unanimous backing of Calgary city council;
" I am calling on all municipalities to speak out against this.
Bill 21 is also an extraordinary encroachment by a provincial government on municipal rights. They are telling cities who they can and cannot hire. That's ridiculous".
- Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/nenshi-opposition-quebec-bill-21-1.5305955
4
This piece is a screed that tries the patience of even the wisest. Although Canada has racism, and a history of it, there never was a slave-owning culture of any kind. "Blackface" as Americans know it culturally did not exist. The 19-year-old photo of Trudeau showed him at a private faculty party dressed in an Aladdin costume. The entire uproar over it was media-generated -- in fact, the photo itself was mined by the media, then exploited by it. Although Trudeau did make some naive mistakes in power, the narrative of him as 'racist' or of the general population as racist, is a cheap fake invented by supporters of his opponents.
13
@Tara both the French and British early colonial predecessors to Canada DID give the enslavement of others a small try. Climate more than ethic worked against to being a success.
4
We still think Canadians are nice people, but we have never been blind to its struggles with racism. This is a disease that plagues white people everywhere, even nice Canadians. Expose it, own it, teach it, legislate favorably. The U.S. has an enormous need for that, as well. Slavery is still legal in this country. READ the 13th amendment.
4
I couldn't disagree more with this editorial piece. Maxine Bernier, the candidate who openly supported racist-like policies that focused on limiting immigration not only garnered less than 2% of the vote, but lost his own seat.....his party now has zero representation in Parliament. No one in Canada believes it's a "diverse paradise", it just feels like one compared to the hate filled lunacy spouted by the President south of the Canadian border. Here in the USA racism is called out regularly; how's that working out at reducing the problem? While other nations in free democracies have been consistently becoming more nationalistic (code word for racist) Canada has been constantly addressing and reflecting on its historically terrible treatment of indigenous peoples. Of course there is racism in Canada....it's the ugly side of human nature and no nation is exempt from it. But on the whole Canadians reject it....just as Bernier was thoroughly rejected by Canadians in this past election.
9
Canadians are more subtle and polite, but there is still
a strong undercurrent of racism.
It exists in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.
The CBC recently reported the experience of the only person
of colour, who left the PMO because he couldn't stomach the
the racist attitudes.
Will Trudeau's inner circle be more diverse this time round?
google cbc trudeau racial insensitivity
4
Dr Thompson’s comments are typical of many left-wing (North)-American intellectuals, who enjoy crucifying anyone who has ever said or done anything offensive over the past 40 years. Trudeau’s “blackface” incident was not a racist gesture, and was not considered as such by members of Canada’s ethnic minorities. He wore a disguise at a party which may have been in poor taste 20 years ago, but you can’t judge everything and everyone with the same 2019, post me-too yardstick. Trudeau, and his father, have both been staunch supporters of equality and tolerance over decades. To suggest otherwise is blatantly unfair, and plays into the hands of Andrew Scheer, the conservative leader, who is the only person who tried to gain political capital from this issue in the debates.
11
Yes and no.
Is Justin Trudeau in reality a racist hiding in "diversity clothing"? Absolutely not. But did he commit racist acts, including the black/brownface incidents? Yes, absolutely. But probably unwittingly, and definitely because of both his supreme insensitivity and racial privilege.
I think that in some ways this is a microcosm of racism in Canada. The vast, vast majority believe in diversity and acceptance and wish to put an end to racism. But of course the reality is that systemic and structural racism is still everywhere and, well, systemic. And it leads to regrettable and racist incidents like Justin's wearing black/brownface at an Arabian Nights-themed school fundraising event. (And I'm sorry, but I'm sick of the lazy comparisons to the blackface/KKK costume of Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia. Context matters.) So yes, we definitely need more discussion and willingness to deal with racism in Canada.
But I'd take that any day over what's happening in the US...
3
Quebec didn't ban religious symbols in all workplaces. Only in public government workplaces.
On the subject of racism, why not aknowledge the racism towards French speaking Canadians that has existed for more than two hundred years and that is still very much alive in large parts of Canada outside Quebec?
Talk about a minority! A French speaking population of 8,5 million in a sea of 350 million English speaking people.
Trust me, we know what it's like to be discriminated against. You don't have to be black or brown or a Muslim to be treated like a second class citizen.
1
Paranoia strikes deep. French-Canadians in Quebec are far more anti-immigrant and anti-First Nations than the English-speakers in the rest of the country.
2
It sounds as if the author wants Canadians to be as obsessed with race as Americans and to import American grievances and anger. Why? It's a different country with a different history and a different way of solving its problems. There should be more respect for national diversity.
10
@CanDo
"But there is no comparison between the problems in Canada with those in the U.S. especially under your current administration."
I agree with you and we wish every single day we had been born in Canada or that we could move there. Unfortunately, we cannot.
The current nightmare in the US exists not only under the current administration, though this administration is worse then anybody could have dreamed even in their worst nightmares! The Republican Party (most Whites) is racist, vicious, gun-loving and anti-democratic. Wealth and income inequality are off the charts (cowboy capitalism and cronyism).
The popularity of the Russian Asset is due to Republican politicians who stoked racism among their base for decades to help them win elections. Now they've created a monster nobody can control.
I believe we are in the stage 4 of a malignant cancer called capitalism! It's worshipped by Republicans; it gave us Trump; it fuels hate, substance abuse, destruction of the environment. Capitalism must be heavily regulated or else it is ant-human and vicious. The ultra-capitalist US today is proof positive. All the money it needs; zero humanity left! It's society in a death spiral.
Beware Canadians, the US is a toxic neighbor (just look at Cuba, Mexico, and even the Norther Triangle). If poppies grew in the snow, Canada would be overrun with violent drug cartels and guns just like all of America's other neighbors. Beware the Yankee!
5
There is no such thing as a diverse paradise. It doesn't exist. All diverse places have strife and social programs breed animosity, not a sense of togetherness. Nice try. The socialist Utopias you're dreaming about actively don't let in foreigners, and mostly of one race. That's you socialism of the Nordic countries, of which I assume you don't want to copy. Therefore we need a fair system where people get paid based on what they earn, and we stop taking from them; robbing Peter to pay Paul.
3
@PJABC, what are you talking about? "All diverse places have strife" Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are all multi-ethnic cities. They are peaceful, safe, and great places to live or to visit. I've lived in two of these cities, and I've never seen any "racial or ethnic strife. Have you ever been outside New Jersey? Also, do you really believe that social programs breed animosity? It's the opposite! Universal Medicare unites this country. Ask any Canadian.
1
Despite being polite, I guess Canadians are humans like the rest of us. At least they elected a better leader than their southern neighbors may end up with after our election.
4
Can we please focus on what is important? Denying someone service because of the colour of their skin is racist. Discounting a resume because the name on it is Jamal instead of John is racist. Not allowing public servants to wear the turban, hijab or required by their religion is prejudiced. But wearing brown face at an Arabian Nights costume party is not racist and complaining about it is a distraction from the real issues . The more air we give to the gotcha movement the more focus and credibility we take away from the racism that does exist.
41
@Herb Koplowitz These gotcha folks are the same as the Trump folks in my book.
9
@Herb Koplowitz I think this oversimplifies. Wearing brownface indicates a lack of understanding of historical racism and a general insensitivity to the ways in which the acceptable ways of talk to and about racial and ethnic minorities have changed. As a brown American, I agree there is a difference between the actions you described, but all of them are negative actions toward minorities. These symbols of racial insensitivity and past racial oppression (which include brown- and blackface) will take on outsize proportion in these discussions until we are more willing to discuss the actual underlying issues.
2
@Herb Koplowitz I agree with you.
As a "brown" (& Muslim) person who lived in Montreal as a student in the 1990s, I view Mr. Trudeau's black- & brownface incidents as insensitive, but the events must be taken in context.
At least one photo showed him in brownface at a costume party standing next to "actual" brown people. They all seemed to be having a good time.
Nothing in his policies or overall demeanor indicates a racist or chauvinistic person. Indeed, quite the opposite. When we consider the measure of someone, we should allow for people to make mistakes as humans are wont to do.
Mr. Trudeau showed sincere contrition about these incidents. Could it be because he was truly sorry or was it only because he wanted to be re-elected? It doesn't really matter. People can have multiple motivations to do the right or wrong things.
There may be things to disagree with Mr. Trudeau on policy. If he was truly an egregious person, there would be additional incidents & statements that backs this up.
I give Mr. Scheer credit for damping down his crowd when they shouted about Trudeau, "lock him up." There is nothing good about copying the mob mentality that now defines the U.S. Politeness serves a purpose in keeping people civil even in their disagreements. Politeness also tames to some extent our worst qualities. Courtesy & kindness are not things associated with the U.S. anymore. Decorum, however, would be good for everyone.
5
Canada has racists and all manner of criminals. Canadians are human beings.
Look at the numbers. Bernier's People's Party which would find its happy home in Trump's Republican Party got 1.6% of the vote. The Tories are not pure, but they are nowhere near the Republicans in the US.
The Liberals, the NDP, and the Greens won a very comfortable majority including the BQ as progressive, the majority is almost ⅔.
The Bloc supports the ban on wearing religious symbols by some public officials with coercive authority. Not, as the author says, the public workplace. Yes, a lot of this is racist. But a lot isn't. If the author were aware of the role the Catholic Church played in Quebec history and the 1960's Quiet Revolution, she'd know the deep seated hatred for religion in the province. Laicité means secularism for real as in close the door to the bathroom and close the door to the church.
The NDP and the Greens suffered from the logic of first past the post and strategic voting. To attribute its loss of seats to racism is to ignore history which has seen the NDP win many fewer seats with white men and women leaders.
We can assume that the cost of support for the Liberals will be a move to proportional representation ideally Sean Graham's dual member proportional.
4
This commentary is very misleading. There are bigots and all manner of evil doers in Canada. But look at the numbers. Bernier's People's Party which would find its happy home in Trump's Republican Party got 1.6% of the vote and won no seats. The Tories are not pure, but they are nowhere near the Republicans in the US.
The Liberals, the NDP, and the Greens won a very comfortable majority including the BQ as progressive, the majority is almost ⅔.
The Quebec law banning religious symbols applies only to public officials with coercive powers not. Some of the support is indeed islamophobia, but some is based the rejection of the repressive history of the Catholic Church in Quebec.
We can assume that the cost of support for the Liberals will be a move to proportional representation ideally Sean Graham's dual member proportional system
7
What a simple-minded slam!
Among other things: as many people have pointed out, Trudeau wore face paint and an Aladdin costume at a costume party. It means nothing!
And yes, Canadians tend to be polite. Also much better educated overall than Americans.
10
Of course there are racists in Canada (as everywhere else), but Justin Trudeau is most certainly not one of them. The blackface headlines make sensational stories, but few talk about the context: all were long before he went into politics and, more important, two costume parties with the respective themes, Arabian Nights and Africa. Both were fundraisers, one to raise money for a women's sports team to compete in Africa who, unlike their male counterparts, did not receive government funding. It is not only ironic, but also disturbing that anti-immigrant parties helped fuel this "outrage"; whatever one thinks of the Trudeau government, its policies are certainly not racist.
7
Canada’s immigration guidelines, based on an archaic assumption of its Constitution, as a “country for white people,” has been crafted with credential, wealth and educational preferences that give advantages to developed and Western countries. One result has been a stable national population, and , with the exception of new Asian immigrants in British Columbia, a racial majority of whites in all parliamentary districts as intended. There’s no danger of Canada having any major population majority of non-white voters, also as intended. Trudeau’s youthful costume fun which only in hindsight seems racially insensitive, by contemporary political correctness Standards, is a foolish distraction and really beside the point of institutional racism deeply embedded in Canada’s immigration laws and political system. A white Canadian wearing a costume in brown or blackface is not the problem of First Nation unemployment and lack of social development, nor illegal police stop and frisk stops of non-whites in Nova Scotia.
It's not incredible reading simple lies coming out of the most corrupt state in the Union.
1
@Andy
No, the most corrupt state in the union is New York or Rhode Island, possibly New Jersey.
This piece substitutes one extreme view of Canada with another.
I was born in Canada and have visited family there for decades. Whatever Canada’s faults, they pale in comparison to the xenophobia and race-baiting running rampant south of the border. Trump and his cabal have made racism—which (spoiler alert) exists in every nation to one degree or another—a leading export, giving cover to those who once largely hid quietly under their rocks. The notion of Canada as a racial “paradise” is clearly an overstatement, but it is—on the whole—more tolerant, open and inclusive than any country I have ever visited.
7
Canada like most UK commonwealth nations has a much higher percentage of our population that are secular. There is more attitude toward citizens wearing religious costumes than it is toward the color of someone's skin.
2
Racism or discrimination in various forms plagues all societies, and Canada is no exception. I think it’s a problem which needs to be revisited constantly, because complacency is how it will strengthen and propagate. The ingredients are there—economic uncertainty, a teetering standard of living, poor integration of immigrants, etc. And then there’s a government—like many governments before it—which spends too much time playing political games to create a stable foundation for the future.
That said, I also don’t believe that trudeau is a racist. I think his multiple black/brownface endeavors reflect the immaturity, poor judgement, self-absorption, and questionable intelligence which plague him to this day.
1
The People’s Party of Canada was absolutely crushed in this election. Maxine Bernier lost his seat— the only one the party held until now.
The tide xenophobic bigotry that seems to have swept across Europe and America was stemmed for now anyway in this election.
There was outrage indeed over Trudeau’ youthful blackface incidents as a teenager and his later brown face misdeed as Aladdin at a costume party. All of these uncovered by a Conservative supporter. Fair enough. Trudeau did the right thing and apologized.
It would have been best if he had mentioned these incidents before they became weaponized.
Trudeau should indeed heed the result of this election— much more so on his betrayal of his previous promises of electoral reform and action on the climate crisis.
4
As a Canadian living in the US for 40 years I find this an interesting article. I think a lot depends on how you define the word “racism”. What exactly is a “racist”? This is a word charged with emotion (understandably) but it is a word that can be used as a weapon..unfairly at times..even in Canada.
A well known incident at University of Toronto: it has been traditional for the mentor of graduate students to be called their “master” (the teachers at my private high school in Toronto were also called masters in the 1960,s). This professor said to a black student one day a few years ago when their mentor was approaching words something about “your master” (I dont know the exact words).
The point is it was a bad poorly conceived joke from a man who I understand was never accused of being a “racist”. The student complained to the University and despite an apology from the professor that the student refused to accept the man was asked to resign after many years on faculty.
So even in Canada words like “racist” can be shall I say..overused. Like a controversy about wearing dark faced makeup when dressed up as Alladin at a costume party.
These incidents will do nothing to erase true racism.
2
Every place touched by European colonialism, which is pretty much every place, is infected with white supremacy. This ought to be accepted as a basic fact. As the author rightly points out, the question and the work are what are we going to do about it.
2
Let's get past the "Canada is better at all things" trope that seems to be an argument bandied about by the US Left all the time.
3
Is this article supposed to make Americans feel better? Having lived and worked in both countries for many years I can tell you first hand these two immigrant countries are about as far apart on racism on two nations could be. No, racism in Canada is not sugar coated although it may appear that way when compared to the racism that infects almost every aspect of American life. This is not the time to run pieces to make Americans feel better about themselves. It’s time for full on realism. This country, with eyes wide open, elected a racist President and would happily do so again. If you think that’s what Canada has done, dream on.
7
Stephen Harper wasn't that long ago, we do know what kind of book-burners Canadians have a history of voting for.
5
No, the wearing of religious symbols in the public workspace is NOT banned in Québec, rather, the wearing of religious symbols by provincial government employees in positions of authority (police officers, judges, prison guards, teachers) is not permitted while performing their employment duties. There is no ban on anyone else wearing religious symbols, nor on provincial employees while not performing their duties. Please get your facts straight.
7
Mostly baloney. Trudeau’s failings is helping Alberta by OKing a pipeline that will increase Albertan’s prosperity, for which favor Albertans voted him out.
2
I am puzzled about flagrant contradictions both in articles and in comments. We are supposed to be for separation of Church and State, and yet, many say Quebec is a racist society for demanding that no civil servant in authority wears religious garbs.
Canada is like any other country. No better, no worse. There is one thing I notice though. There is a lot of Quebec bashing. Some should get to read on the founding of Canada. (Besides aboriginals). The French got here first. That’s a fact. Second group to arrive: the British. The multiculturalism à la Trudeau is a very very recent phenomenon. And no, Canadians are not racist, but recognizing that a nation does not have to die in order to accommodate the liberal world view.
5
Brilliantly expressed. Serious times demand serious people and it's time for the PM to grow up and actually LEAD.
2
If Canada has so many problems with diversity, racism, and immigration... name me three countries that handle it better.
Seriously, anywhere on the entire planet that is more accepting of cultural and religious freedom.
Racism will never be completely gone (and we certainly have our share of right wing nuts), but I’m a world traveler and Canada deals with it a lot better than anywhere else I’ve been.
6
Ok, easy enough.
1. New Zealand. The main example of racism there in recent years is highly involved with rugby, which I think even fans of the sport can admit makes them act like morons sometimes. Doesn’t excuse the behavior, but certainly explains it better than “but he was young and meant well!!!!”
2. Columbia. There is an extraordinary amount of immigration from a variety of nationalities and races to the country, which is at least better than sticking First Nations people into boarding schools against their will up to ‘96.
3. France. At least in France, men of non-white races were allowed to vote in the 1870s, unlike in Vancouver Island/British Columbia.
If you had indeed researched the history of blackface in Canada you would have learnt that it is not a thing here. Canada’s original sin is it’s treatment of First Nations, not slavery. Had Trudeau dressed up as an aboriginal person, he would be out by now. painting his face black to dress up as Aladdin for a costume fundraiser three decades ago? Non-issue.
6
Bonjour, like in the French Canadian,who survives in Canada, and yes Canada is a “Diverse Paradise” this is why the Liberal Party has been elected Monday. This is why we are a democratic society, equality, respect of differences are values that we shared in Canada.
3
I have lived in Canada for 49 years and not once seen or heard of anyone using blackface
1
Of course racism exists in Canada, just as it does throughout the world.
But the scale on which it does pales in comparison to that in the land directly south. Any snowbird can tell you that.
To hold Canada up as a giant beacon of virtue is disingenuous — please do not confuse pride with smugness — but diversity’s warmth is closer than you might think.
1
If you are going to talk racism in Canada time to stop bringing up "blackface" & "Trudeau" in the same paragraph never mind assuming that he survived despite it. I don't think anyone thinks racism doesn't exist in Canada, and most understand how it can be used by the far right to inflame people, but collectively our diversity is regarded as a strength - in fact it informs what modern Canada is today. Dr. Thompson lives in Toronto, and as herself a person of colour, hopefully experiences how largely colour blind we are.
2
I lived in rural Ontario on a lane of five houses. Two house of old timers of English decent, one of with a Brazilian immigrant married to a Canadian, another with a Jamaican immigrant married to a Canadian, and ours, a gay American married to a Canadian. What diversity!
In restaurants I was often impressed by the diversity; not with the clients alone but the make up of the diners at each table, all sharing together. I also noted how fragile it is and how easily it can be destroyed.
It's hard to softly call someone on their racism if they're your neighbor and still manage to buy turkeys from them, but it can be done. Learning isn't easy either.
6
A drama teacher, in many years past, dressed up in costumes that, today, are (and rightly so) considered wrong and offensive. Today, the Prime Minister openly admits he is ashamed and has apologized for his past indiscretions. We are not perfect and have a long way to correct racism in Canada, but I am proud to have a leader who can own up, and publicly recognize his mistakes. If we can't openly have this discussion, and we punish anyone who recognizes their own indiscretions from the past, we will never solve this racism problem. I believe Justin Trudeau has set the standard we all need to follow....not the other way round.
9
Criticism of the law on secularism is perceived in my part of the world as Quebec bashing. Professional political strategists have, with reason, predicted that it would create a serious conflict between Canada and Quebec. The backlash from English Canada will help them convince Quebecers that sovereignty is our only option.
Even a well educated person that lived in Montreal can fall in that trap. We call this phenomenon the Two Solitudes. Basically, it’s ignorance of what is happening in the other community.
3
@Skiplusse. The vast majority of Anglo Canadians are sympathetic to Quebec’s secularism and its desire to preserve its culture. However, the news media love a news angle.
2
Cheryl is out to lunch here. Dressing up like Aladdin for a party 20 years ago is not what scuppered Trudeau, and is irrelevant to whatever racism issues plague Canada.
Conservatives have always been a strong force in Canada, and Trudeau managed a swing against them last election. Now, despite Trudeau’s gift of a pipeline to pump up Alberta’s economy, Albertan Conservatives have reasserted themselves.
The moral to be drawn is: no point trying to curry favor with ingrates.
11
@John✅Brews
Absolutely correct. Trudeau also learned the lesson that competence is at least as important as diversity. That may be bad for minorities seeking executive positions in Cabinet, but it's better for everyone else in Canada.
3
Well placed in Opinion section. Nice try, I prefer more facts and analysis. Of course Canada has history and presence. We are a diverse nation, still working things out.
10
Ah, geez, the first word a Canadian child learns is, "Sorry."
You can still be polite and nice, but work hard for equality. Those are not mutually exclusive.
At least you are not exposed to real hard-core open nastiness every minute via the scene we have down here.
Having courage to confront inequality and racism does not mean you need to turn crude and crass, right?
2
All I can say is "Way to go, Aladdin"
1
I don't think that Canadians are pretending that we are all perfect
However , the author has not given a balanced assessment and omits facts that disprove her thesis
Firstly , the school where the Prime Minister was photographed in Blackface was not a segregated school and had many students of Asian and East Asian background . Trudeau was a drama teacher and the school play that year was Aladdin and so it was not surprising that he dressed as he did. In interviews aired on the CBC , Asian and East Asian parents said it was Justin being his usual" over the top" and they did not view it as racist
Considering Jody Wilson , the author notes that she is Indigenous and therefore implies that it was a factor in Trudeau's disagreement with her . Trudeau had a genuine disagreement with her and it had nothin to do with her being Indigenous . One can argue the merits of the disagreement , but it did not and does not , involve indigenous issues
11
If the child of a Muslim family has a problem at school, do the parents want to meet with a teacher, a school counselor and a principal all wearing crosses?
On a more general note, I don’t have a problem with the lady checking me out at the grocery store wearing a niqab (the face covering garment as opposed to the more general hijab referenced here). I would not like attending a business meeting where I couldn’t see a coworker’s, client’s or vendor’s face. I believe seeing each other is an inherent, human way to feel we are making contact.
I’m 72 and never wore blackface nor have seen anyone doing so in any environment. That doesn’t mean someone who once did something dumb or insensitive, even if more than once, should necessarily be eternally blamed.
On an even more general note, the challenge of dealing with racism, in Canada, the U.S., or anywhere, is that people tend not to change. Good luck, oh Canada!
4
This article was quite biased and, could be improved definitely.
Racism, by definition is when people intentionally harm others based on skin colour, gender, religion. Prejudice lacks the intent however the actions often look the same. Fear contributes to racism and a lack of awareness contributes to prejudice.
Education, government policies, and face to face conversations between people who are "different" are some of the ways to combat this problem.
Labelling Canada as a racist country and leading with anger is not helpful in general. Seeking to understand the others perspective while very difficult when on feels the mixture of emotions connected to being mistreated is hard.
I was upset when I learned about Trudeau's blackface/brownface, and I believe that when he was younger he had a lack of awareness and huge white male privilege however now I definitely do not think he is a racist. The Conservative and Block party however I agree are distasteful.
I lived in the US and taught a prejudice, hate and violence course for 8 years (not my choice). It is valuable to examine one's own biases (we all have them), and live as much as possible being kind to others and make amends when we are not.
I am grateful to be Canadian and I disagree with much of the tone as the article. I felt relief when I was back in Canada. The United States is vastly different when it comes to racism as is the government and state policies many that still actively promote systemic racism.
5
It needs to be remembered what was done to people of First Nations tribes in Canada up until 1996. Residential schools, which were very similar in nature to boarding schools in the United States, were horrible and abusive places.
3
Does a diverse society necesarily equal paradise? A thousand historical examples say otherwise. Yugoslavia, Lebanon, Rwanda, just a few recent examples that expose a fashionable myth.
3
Fair warning, Canada: ignoring the extent of the problem is exactly how the US wound up where it is today. Festering resentment, both by and toward people of color, results in an even worse infection of the body politic
1
@metsfan You might want to know that the Canadian federal was anticipating the challenges of diversity way back in the late 1960s. The Canadian flag was changed from one that identified Canada with one specific ethnic population to one everyone could relate to. Canadian Multiculturalism {Canada coined the word, by the way} become federal policy in 1971. Multicultural programs reshaped the story of the nation to be far more inclusive than it had bee. Dominion Day was changed to Canada Day. In the 1980s the governments of the day strongly supported the extension of multicultural inclusion to physical diversity; avoiding the US trap of framing physical diversity in terms of bogus 'races', they coined the rubric of 'visible minorities'. Discrimination on the basic of cultural or physical characteristics was outlawed across the board.
4
Of course Canada has a problem with some forms of racism. Since it's populated with human beings and human beings are not perfect the nice Canadians myth is not universal. I witnessed a clip of a polite Canadian citizen politely telling the NDP candidate that he should change the way he dresses so he would look more " Canadian." He was referring to Singh's head wrap and the fact that he told him this in a civil manner did not make the comment less racist.
Having said this I think the Canadians do a better job of facing the issue when they fall short, Compare the treatment of the NDP candidate, who has faced racism from individual Canadians, to Rep. Omar who faces rank racism from the President of the United States. Canada is not perfect yet they are trying. Trump isn't even making a effort to try. In fact he is proud of his racism and he is cheered on by many in our country. Trudeau was ashamed of his blackface and admitted it.
7
I would challenge anyone to show me a country from anywhere in the world where racism doesn't exist. I don't think you can. That doesn't mean we should just accept racism as a fact of life but this article suggests Canadians do nothing about it and that the country is a festering pit of intolerance. Nothing, in my opinion, could be further from the truth and I believe that Canadians as a whole are far more tolerant and accepting than most.
6
Born in Canada, I don’t believe that any Canadian thinks that they are not racist. White people are like whites everywhere. Canada was predominantly white until the 70’s. Quebec was the whipping boy up to that point. The horrific treatment of First Nations parallels that of the US. The NDP is a ‘“Bernie Sanders “ party and has never had much support. The Ford brothers are Canada’s equivalent of Trump. And the Conservatives want to build a fence. Canadians can be polite but no - they are not nicer than any other nation.
2
I have a question for Ms Thompson, would she rather that more Canadians shied away from the flawed Mr Trudeau and voted for the parties to the left of the Liberals thereby allowing the Conservatives a win large enough to form a Government .
Should that have happened I doubt that the utopian dream free of racism that Ms Thompson is looking for would ever come about .
I am also putting it out there where in the world is there a country entirely free of racism and any form of discrimination.
5
Canada’s most important minority is the French-speaking Quebecois.
From the defeat of France in 1759 on the Plains of Abraham, to the recognition of Quebec’s special status in 1992 at the Charlottetown Constitutional Conference, there has been much fine-grained debate on how the equality of French and English could be attained.
Canada’s second most important minority consists of its many aboriginal people, who belong to a variety of First Nations, which have sometimes sided with the English, and sometimes with the French. The right of the First Nations to self-government was recognized in the Charlottetown Accords. There is an ongoing process of Reconciliation that promises to be no more easy than the reconciliation of the English and the French.
There have been many other immigrants to Canada, and they have generally been treated less well than the people already here. In time, however, they find their place in the Canadian mosaic.
Canada receives 300,000 immigrants per year. One out of five Canadians was born outside the country. The country’s population is barely 37 million, so at any one time there will be thousands of people who feel (correctly) that they are not being treated as equals. That said, Canadians have been generally successful at providing new immigrants with access to education, health care, and political representation.
It’s always useful to look at how well this process is working. Unfortunately, that’s not what we got in this article.
2
Doctor Thompson is parading her own stereotypes while ignoring the real progress that has been made in the last 50 years.. Canadians don't think we live in a paradise free of racism, sexism and overblown taxes. Consider this: where I live kids in the first two years of elementary school in the Vancouver area learn the odious history of residential schools how children were robbed of their parents and language to adopt the dominant European culture.
Even the previous government of Stephen Harper, not known for being progressive in any sense, apologized to Canadians of Japanese origin for denying them the rights of citizens in WWII.
My point is that the legacies of European imported racism and cultural superiority are swept away as the demographics of Canada change.
We have socialized medicine, we have very little gun- and knife-related violence, and we don't invade other countries. Am I happy that Canada gave Syrian refugees a home almost without controversy? Yes but I am less enthralled that those refugees got free dental care for a year while I goto a foreign country to get affordable dental care.
You win some and you lose some in Canada, but it is a pretty good place to live. We simply don't have the extremes that are found in the US, and I wish that authors like Cheryl Thompson could explain what it is really like to live in Canada.
9
Face it, if you have a majority white population, you have racism.
Not to mention the rampant racism of the Japanese and many other mono cultures. The Japanese take it so far that they are actively hurting their own country as their population is aging out.
Really...
Here're the demographics of Canada...
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/imm/Table.cfm
Canadian 11,135,965
English 6,320,085
Scottish 4,799,010
French 4,670,595
Irish 4,627,000
German 3,322,405
Chinese 1,769,195
Italian 1,587,970
First Nations 1,525,565
East Indian 1,374,710
Ukrainian 1,359,655
Dutch 1,111,655
Polish 1,106,585
Filipino 837,130
British Isles 644,695
Russian 622,445
Métis 600,000
Seem pretty diverse to me...
And – Asians getting much more respect in Vancouver, than in NYC...
Or in this op-ed – which talks as if they’re not even in the room...
14
“The racial reckoning that failed to materialize...”
Maybe, just maybe, social justice warriors have a distorted view of the world and that most people — including minorities — really don’t care what kind of costume someone wore to a party years ago?
9
For the second day in a row, the NYT Opinion Page has sought out and published strident, extreme perspectives on the recent Canadian election. As a Canadian living in the US, who recently returned from a visit home, I hardly recognize Canada, or Canadians, through the tableaus presented in these OpEds. It makes one wonder if there isn't some bitter jealousy lurking behind the selection of these writers, whose opinions are uniformly negative on this display of Canadian sanity in voting to reject US-styled extremism. If the Blackface charge is the best ya got, you're fishing murky, shallow waters.
19
I doubt there is any country on the planet free of racism, and Canada of course has its share of idiots and older people who simply struggle with the changing face of their towns and cities.
But the overtly xenophobic Peoples Party of Canada - whose founder and leader quickly earned the nickname Mad Max - got fringe-level votes right across the country. It got 1.6% of the vote nationally, despite running candidates all over.
Parties that would be labeled progressive in US terms got about 60%, while "conservatives" took about 36%.
10
Wow, that was a rather strong article.
I just wonder why such a bitter person would choose to live in a place she describes. Why not move to a place that suits her sensibilities.
10
@Charles alexander
Likely because that place doesn't exist, nor does she know how lucky she is to be in Canada and have the luxury of being so strident.
2
Stop pretending people don't sometimes do stupid, insensitive things when they are young. And that these people are entitled to forgiveness. You're so perfect.
7
North America was invaded, occupied, colonized and conquered by white European Judeo-Christians along with their enslaved black African American property.
Along with their domesticated plants and animals. Accompanied by their alien animals, plants and diseases. Carrying their Bibles and guns.
There were no aboriginal Americans nor Indians.
3
Well
The liberals in Canada just returned a racist (and corrupt as well) Trudeau to lead their nation, Perhaps start your essay with exploring why Liberal Canadians tolerate Explicit overt racism and corruption in their Prime Minister.
1
On the other hand, what countries live up to their own mythologies? Arguably, Canada lives up to theirs better than we live up to ours. Or maybe it only feels that way because there are almost 10 times as many Americans as there are Canadians?
1
I am a visible minority who grew up in Canada. I came to Canada in 1974 and overt racism was prevalent in general society (eggs thrown at your car, racial names called, physical fights, etc..). During the ensuing 25 years (before I moved to the USA in 1999) racism started to go down a lot. Mostly because people started interacting with people of difference races and realized maybe the OTHER is not so different after all.
A good example was when I was doing construction as a summer job during my breaks from McMaster University. Most of the construction crews I worked on were not the most enlightened types and I faced hostility. One older guy in particular was rather overtly racist in the beginning but I paid no mind because I did not respect him at first. At the end of the 4 months we had gotten to know each other and he cried when I left the crew to return to school (we opened each others eyes). In Canada this type of interaction is more prevalent than many countries of the world because of the sheer number of immigrants.
The Canadian point system immigration (what Trump has also been touting) while arguablely discriminatory likely has had an effect on the smoother integration of immigrants than in some European countries.
Every place in the world I have I been to has racism. I think Canada is ahead of most in lowering this racism.
14
@SByyz
The US military is one place where interaction between the races has shown what I think is a decrease in racism. These people are working together and in the process actually get to know each other.
This result shows up in several places including the number of interracial marriages that I see in our military town.
3
@SByyz Thanks for the personal observation. You were on the front line of Canadian sequential desensitization to diversity. Irish arriving in the 1850s were thought so different as to be 'not white', but rather soon were discriminated against chiefly for their religion. When Italians, Portuguese and Greeks arrived in large numbers in the 1950s and 1960s some locals thought it was the end of their world; they didn't appear so a decade later when South Asian and Caribbean immigration picked up. Should you relocate back to Canada today I think you'll see a lot of further progress. Today's younger Canadians in particular are remarkable easy with diversity; and this is a great thing, because all studies show that attitudes towards diversity are mostly set in early life. Today's geezers haven't 'become racist', rather, they always were. Tomorrow's older folk who replace them will be a much more accepting crowd.
2
@Areader Indeed! Study after study shows what the best way to increase meaningful tolerance and understanding is to have people from diverse backgrounds working together on an equal footing towards common goals. Properly organized, militray life quifies big time.
1
Canada, like everywhere else in the world, does have a problem with racism. Ironically, the people who feel it the worst are not the newcomers with non-white skin but the indigenous people who were here before anyone else.
The author makes a number of complaints, such as the Media’s coverage of Singh’s use of grace versus ignorance, without suggesting what should have been done. Disappointing, but it does lead to some good discussion in the comments.
Personally, I think it is more important for us to work on replacing the Indian Act than have a Twitter storm of virtue signaling about Trudeau’s blackface. This would mean Canada was addressing a serious source of systemic racism.
11
Look up the statistics on the percentages of Americans with passports and Canadians with passports. You'll see why Canadians, in general, have a much better understanding and acceptance of foreign cultures. Education and travel experiences make a huge difference in the levels of racism.
10
I am a brown person who was born and raised in Canada. There is no doubt in my mind that Canada has a "racism problem" especially in respect to its treatment of native people. However, I also think that the country is, basically, less racist that most places in the world- certainly less so than the US and less so than much of Europe. That being said, the big exception to this is Quebec. Quebec nationalism has always been strongly rooted in ethno-nationalism. The passage of Bill 21 is a direct expression of this deeply rooted white racism in Quebec, which is tolerated behind the excuse that Quebec nationalism makes Quebeckers "different'. They are only different in that overt ethnic nationalism makes it easier to be overtly racist. Note that what Quebec did is something that no other province in Canada would do. That is its "distinctiveness".
117
Interaction with @Shaun Narine Unlike American colonies, Quebec began as a completely separate and different country. They were overrun and mishandled. I think their differences are completely to be expected. Witness Scotland and Ireland. Include native peoples. There is a difference. One can only agree to coexist, with cooperation. I was so impressed at the University in Laval. The cafeteria manager was Asian, and he spoke English and French in addition to his own language. His staff was similar, but add Spanish. Their interactions with us were open and welcoming, revealed in body language.
11
@Shaun Narine The treatment of Native peoples in Canada is shameful as it is in the US and has been for decades.
3
@Shaun Narine Spot on - the return of the Bloc Quebecois, the separatist party, was by riding on the conservative provincial party, the CAQ, who passed Bill 21, a blatantly racist, anti-immigrant law supposedly to protect secularism and Quebecois "identity". Now that separation is no longer popular, they have substitiuted this and it was the winning ticket and will not easily go away. This rise of right wing populism mirrors what is happening around the world. The fine leader of the progressive NDP party, Jagmeet Singh, did not have a chance here. Quebeckers are in total denial of their racism, it is very scary for the nonwhite minorities here.
4
Some interesting points raised in this essay. I am quite surprised that there is no mention of the ongoing way Canadian politicians and society treat our Indigenous population. Our first citizens make up far too many of the poor and incarcerated as well as lacking in the basics including housing and clean water. Our politicians continue to pay lip-service but no real concrete action. The bulk of Canadian's racism resides in the way we treat these people.
7
If Prof. Thompson is suggesting that Canada isn't a Diversity Paradise, most Canadians would agree. We know that racism exists here just as it does in the United States. However, despite Trudeau's insensitivity about wearing black or brown face in the past, he isn't engaged in race-baiting or stoking anti-immigrant sentiments for political gain as does Donald Trump. It is also worth noting that Maxime Bernier, a proponent of a reduction of immigrant numbers and a former Conservative Party leadership candidate who went on to found his own rightwing party, lost his own seat and failed to win any other seat in Parliament for his party. I would also point out that Quebec's Bill 21 which forbids certain public employees (e.g., teachers, police officers, judges) from wearing religious symbols, such as a hijab, a turban or a yarmulke, is currently being challenged in court and will undoubtedly be reviewed ultimately by the Canadian Supreme Court. Finally, I would respectfully ask Prof. Thompson to point out which political party in the United States is led by Sikh who wears a turban, has a full beard and carries a kirpan, as does Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party which won 24 seats in Parliament including Singh's own seat. Canada is no paradise, but it is struggling to become better.
20
Canada is a huge country, fabulously endowed with natural resources, adjacent to the American market, and on this side of the pond Canada was never invaded by the Germans or Russians.
American tolerance and acceptance of undocumented immigrants
is much higher than that of Canada. While Canada does accept some refugees, it normally restricts immigration to the highly skilled, highly educated, the wealthy, and those with a critical skill useful for Canadian development.
English and/or French speaking immigrants are highly favored.
Spanish and other languages? Not so much. With its fabulous natural resources and geographic position Canada is very sparsely populated compared to the United States because historically the USA has been much more open to immigration. To be clear, overall Canadian immigration policy is a good deal more restrictive than the USA, and Canada has a long tradition of the "two founding races" French and English.
3
@David I really think that you should read up on immigration to Canada and the US as there is a lot that is not factual in what you assert. Canada in fact has much higher rates of legal immigration than does the US on a per capita basis. Even including undocumented migrants in the US, only 14% of people in the US are foreign born. It is 21% in Canada. As for refugees, Canada has accepted more than 50,000 Syrians alone--the equivalent to about 450,000 if it had the population of the US. In contrast, Trump wants to reduce refugee acceptance to almost nothing. As for languages, Canada is officially bilingual and studies done for generations show that national language proficiency is critical to immigrant success.
9
@NormBC As a Canadian-American I am so glad that you corrected some of the misconception reported in this article. I still have family and dear friends in Canada, and although not perfect but which country is perfect, I absolutely love Canada. I would move back in a heartbeat however, I am married to an American.
Lastly, the Canadians have a far better political systems as far as elections are concerned. There is a much, much shorter time devoted to campaigning prior to elections and Canada has strict limits on how much money can be spent and who can and can not contribute to political campaigns.
3
@David
Re. Spanish - in downtown Toronto at least Spanish is heard on every walk on practically every street I take. A joy to hear.
2
Well, now we've heard from the post-modern college instructor minority spokesperson. OK. Canada is not a poster child for interracial relations and multiculturalism, but it is near top of the league along with Denmark in pursuing a tolerant society with opportunities for both expression of identity and securing economic and social success for all groups. Terrific progress has been made on celebrating race, ethnicity and gender. Canada leads on LGBTQ rights and social acceptance. Many social, economic and political leadership roles are occupied by racial minorities, and the proportions continue to grow. Interracial marriage is normal where I live. Apart from the recent to-do in Quebec about religious apparel, Canadians are tolerant of pretty much all forms of expression, except the burka which many think is offensive to women. Sure, lots of important issues remain, notably making better and faster progress on improving the social, housing and economic conditions on indigenous peoples' land reserves. But make no mistake: racial tolerance, gender equity, and multiculturalism are baked into Canada and Canada will eventually fully walk its talk. Setbacks, mistakes and hypocrisy can be expected along the way. However the destination is clear.
22
@Cephalus Just read the outpouring of op-eds since Trudeau narrowly survived: instead of learning a lesson that Canada has some real conservative thought, we're told to steer harder left. Pls do--Trudeau will then join "President" Clinton" (Hillary, that is) in retirement. Sooner the better.
1
Article like this one are really frustrating to assess because they always leave out a key element: what is the standard by which things are to be compared? If it is to be a standard of angelic purity, every country and every leader in every country will be found wanting.
In a comparative sense--comparing Canada with other western rich countries--Canada is doing very, very well integrating cultural and physical diversity. Trudeau's last cabinet had four Sikhs in it, including Minister of Defence. Ten First Nations people just got elected to the new Parliament. 46% of people in Toronto are foreign born, and most of them are in some fashion people of colour; things there are working themselves out quite nicely.
There is of course a lot more to do. The pressing needs of many First Nations people need to be urgently addressed and need to be backed up with a much more clear statement of Canada's obligations to them. Federal support for multiculturalism and multiracialism has flagged and needs to be revived. Discriminatory behaviour has to be sanctioned more strongly by law and by the application of law.
39
This article is a massive oversimplification, that projects US racial tensions on Canada. I’m not even a Tredeau fan, and I acknowledge that he’s the most socially aware PM we’ve ever had.
Sure he wore black face, but he used to be a drama teacher, and when this issue was brought up he apologized and moved on (as did most Canadian voters). It simply doesn’t have the same negative association as it does in the US.
Bill 21 (the recent Quebec law prohibiting religious attire in various situations) is a more complicated issue, but is the result of isolated French-Canadian communities worrying about losing their heritage, not racism.
Even then, all party leaders aside of the Bloc candidate and Andrew Sheer simply said it was a matter that should be decided by the courts (as it will almost certainly be overturned by our Supreme Court) before the federal government intervenes.
With all of the drama of the current US administration it’s easy to see similar patterns in Canadian politics, but the reality is that Canada just confirmed a PM that would have been considered radically socialist even a decade ago and recoiled from a right wing politician who attempted an attack campaign. The exact opposite of what happened in the 2016 US election.
278
Exactly. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
9
@Chris Nice summary.
5
@Chris You are wrong to dismiss Bill 21 as about heritage and not racism, that is the propaganda of the right wing provincial party, the CAQ, who have substituted racism and anti-immigrant sentiments for separatism now that it is no longer popular. The return of the federalist separatist party Bloc Quebecois from the dead was by riding on this reactionary, conservative populism, a winning ticket around the world and Canada is not immune to it.
2
Goodness, I'm so tired of writers who can't see the forest for the trees. There are as of this year over one million First Nation People living in Canada in 634 distinct communities. Many of those communities are in what I would call the barely accessible areas of Canada. In those areas travel is only by canoe or boat during the warmer seasons and by dog sled during the Winters. The food that these citizens eat is what food they can secure themselves, almost exclusively fish. There is a very poor system of delivering food to the First Nations, and it is wildly expensive. More expensive by far than the finest Kosher meat in the United States, and let me tell you Kosher Meat is very expensive. For those with little money who wish to be Kosher the cost is subsidized. Thus far the Canadian government has not adequately subsidized food for the one million First Nation people.
If you are interested in what life is like growing up there, get a book called 'Growing Up North,' by Morris Bradburn.
This is a problem that involves survival, not just religious and racial respect.
Read it or some other similar book and you'll see the really pressing problems in Canada. Oh, yes, that fellow Justin Trudeau, he has been working to address this.
14
The article is very misleading. Canada is far from perfect. The important point is this: the very Trump-like People's Party of Canada led by Maxine Bernier only received 1.6% of the votes and won no seats. Bernier, who had been elected as a Tory, lost his seat.
The NDP and the Greens were victims of first-past-the-post and strategic voting. I would hope that the price of their support for Trudeau's Liberals will be a system of proportional representation.
16
@Ed Weissman
Israel has been without a government for most of the year with proportional representation. And with proportional representation the results of the Canadian election this week and in the future would be an endless series of weak minority governments which, would result in an endless string of elections, likely more than one per year.
In every election there are disgruntled people afterwards who cannot understand how the rest do not see what they see. But I would much rather have Trudeau elected without winning the most votes than have trump in any position of authority.
Perhaps you can work on your own electoral system before disparaging another country's elections?
6
@Warren Courtney
I think you're right. Intuitively I like the idea of proportional representation, but I do think having an effective and accountable government is important and that requires one party firmly in control. This gives the party the power to actually implement its policies. It also means they have to take accountability for their policies' success or failure. The next election is the best check on a government's power and competence.
I'm not sure first-past-post is the best system, but I agree Israel's proportional system gives too many tiny parties too much influence. Our first-past-post system does tend to lead toward more governments where one party is clearly in control and responsible.
2
@Warren Courtney
I am a Canadian and I support Dual Member Proportional which is a made in Canada system by Sean Graham.
Citing Israel is cherry picking. Most countries with proportional representation such as the Nordics, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand and others are governed by stable coalitions and/or agreements on supply and confidence.
5
Dr. Thompson, your essay doesn't erase the fact that Canada is indeed an improvement over the USA in terms of diversity and inclusion. We've visited Montreal twice this year for work and play and the prominence of indigenous culture, the respect for it and treasuring of it was everywhere. Please don't so quickly disparage the fundamental good that is Canada. Every society has room for improvement but your words ring particularly harsh.
44
Numerous columnists did not care how Canada actually worked or what characteristics Justin Trudeau had. It just created this Canada/Trudeau myth of perfection in order to bash Don Trump over the head with it. It was a myth. I am sure that Canada is a very nice country and that Justin Trudeau is a pretty good politician. But they are not perfect. Please just treat Mr. Trudeau as a normal human being and politician, who is probably pretty competent, who has a bunch of good points, and some bad ones. That is pretty much the situation with most human beings. Get rid of the made-up myth and look at the facts.
21
@Gordon Wiggerhaus
Sure fine, all that would be true if it weren't for the fact that the rest of the world seems to be falling apart. So Canada is not perfect but objectively displays a lot more maturity and stability in achieving economic and social progress than the average, and perhaps majority, of its OECD peers at the moment. And Justin Trudeau's role in that success is not to be diminished, regardless of jealousy south of the border or elsewhere.
25
@gordon when normal human beings are caught wearing Blackface multiple times, we consider them racist. What you are asking for is either for us to treat him differently that we would a “ normal” human, or accept his racism as no big deal because of other traits you admire. I suggest you take a look at your own ingrained biases and ask yourself why Blackface isn’t a big deal for you, when it’s history is so dehumanizing and painful for so many...
1
@Gordon Wiggerhaus But Trump isn't a normal person and does not have a bunch of good points. I don't even mean as President--those of us from the New York area who knew of him since the 80's can tell you that.
1
How a candidate wins during an economic downturn on the cusp of a recession is far more interesting.
I think it says more about the antiquated Canadian election structure or maybe a lack of interest in prosperity in general.
1
@Charlie
Canada currently has the lowest unemployment in its history. The Conservative wanted to cut 60 billion dollars from government spending. That spending is 90%+ in Canada employing Canadians who would spend the money in Canada. And a percentage comes back in income tax. The Conservative model would likely push Canada into recession, it would certainly increase unemployment, and stop the current round of wage increases. Canada has a wonderful election system, campaigns last a few months at most, politics does not affect the choice of judicial positions, and we have a wonderful universal health care system which results in cost per person half of the US with better life expectancy. We are doing very well, and there are always some disgruntled individuals after an election.
IMO, the American electoral system is antiquated.
23
@Charlie Antiquated Canadian election structure? Compared to ours? At least to form a government they have to talk with and compromise with other parties where they don't agree on every issue. Compare that to ours , where : we have an electoral college that apportions it's electors not based on one person one vote, an election cycle that last years with each state having different election laws and rules, multiple attempts with many "successes" to deny legitimate voters , and ungodly amounts of money spent to influence outcomes. Canadian system is not perfect by any means but it's better than ours.
13
@Warren Courtney I whole heartedly agree with you and especially your comment that the American electoral system is antiquated.
Also, allowing campaigning for almost two years seems outrages and when SCOTUS defened Citizens United v. Federal Election, which opened the flood gates for industry and companies to make huge contributions to protect their interests, oligarchs won and ordinary Americans lost. Tnat is where the US is today. As a Canadian-American I certainly do not agree with this political system however, I am married to an American, hence can not leave nilly willy.
1
I wore body paint, including my face when I was a stage extra in a Kismet production in a remote city in Northern Canada. It was not a big thing. There were no dark skinned people in my community, I saw and talked with the first black person I met when I was 18. We read Canadian and British literature in school, not Uncle Tom's cabin. I certainly never thought anyone would be insulted, until I started reading American news and 19th century literature in my 40s.
It was not a big issue until recently. In Canada, most people being aware that it is insulting to others would stop immediately. And it was never to my knowledge done to mock or portray black people in a bad way in Canada.
Actions speak much louder than words, and Trudeau's actions and assistance for the people fleeing Syria says he is not prejudiced. And we all make mistakes while young.
Trudeau won because he is interested in the people welfare, the Liberal introduced a child support payment which is credited with lifting 80% of the children living in poverty to a better status. The Conservatives promised to cut government spending significantly, but they would not say where, that to me is exponentially more harmful than a photo.
50
I don't think that Justin Trudeau denies that he has made some mistakes. It is only your POTUS who never makes any mistake.
Justin Trudeau has always been an idealist. On the top of that, being the son of legendary Pierre Elliot Trudeau, dreaming big comes to him naturally. With that combination, it would be unusual not to make mistakes.
It was his idealism that pushed him to go for a 50% male, 50% female, cabinet, while trying as much as possible to make his cabinet representative of the country's major minorities. Those criteria made his choices limited; as one would say, he had "slim picking." As a result, he ended up having novice politicians in charge of key portfolios. That was obviously a big mistake and he paid dearly for that.
The good thing about him is that he is smart. He is smart enough to learn from his mistakes. So, I have no doubt that he will makes the best of the second chance that Canadians have offered him.
37
@Eddie B. Smart? He might be as smart as me, but he isn't "very smart." His surname was the key to his success. His dad Pierre was a brilliant man and politician. Justin is a handsome and truly sweet-minded man. Two very different people. His dad didn't always appear so sweet.
5
@Eddie B. Smart? He might be as smart as me, but he isn't very smart. His surname was the key to his success. His dad Pierre was a brilliant man and politician. Justin is a handsome and truly sweet-minded man. Two very different people. His dad didn't always appear so sweet.
@Eddie B.
Completely agree. His choice of justice minister was a costly mistake, as she was more not only technically incompetent in her role but demonstrably interested in her personal brand than playing her appointed role in government. The fact that Canadians recognised it for the fake scandal it was is a credit to the political maturity of Canadians in the face of what can only be described as american style smear politics. The fact that she chose a BC riding based on her chances of successfully exploiting personal ethnicity is only a reflection on that riding and noone else. It's unlikely she'll ever be trusted to take a role of responsibility in any government ever again, although I hear the pay and benefits as an MP are stellar and the lifetime pension after 6 years service (or is it 4 years?) would be downright illegal in any other business or public service role!
19
There is a reason Canadians are calm and friendly, everyday life for the everyday citizen is far superior in Canada than the US. And yes it has to do with the safety net, including healthcare.
46
Trudea had the most diverse cabinet in the history of Canada.. Canadians were fine with that. The underground railway endedin Canada; it did not begin there.
39
Americans should NOT gloat over this. As an American citizen who recently returned to the USA after 40 years in Canada, I can say with some authority that while the situation in Canada isn't perfect, it is orders of magnitude better than here in most respects. (you can check the readily available "standard of living" sites on the web)
Having watched and experienced American influence slowly creep across the 49th parallel for those 40 years, I suggest we Americans avoid taking any pride in it. Very little was beneficial.
Perhaps misery does love company!
40
@Enrico Verde Yes to that, I have a similar experience.
2
I agree with several comments stating that racism, while of course undesirable, is still part of the human condition and progress toward this presumed "paradise" will be slow and wobbly. That said, the next best approach to handling one's own personal racism would this: Your own personal prejudices should not stop you from displaying kindness and politeness to others. From experience (and I'm not saying my sole experience is the accurate version) Canadians appear to do a far better job than other diverse nations at imbibing this practice.
20
Professor Thompson's views seem to overlook the fact that a national party leader of Sikh extraction was able to garner 16 percent the popular vote this election, securing 24 seats in Parliament. Sure, there's racism in Canada, but the country is a lot more tolerant than the professor cares to realize.
45
@David Miller
And though I could not bring myself to vote for him this election (result could have been a Con getting in in my riding), I am much impressed by Mr. Singh and think he has a bright future in Canadian politics.
9
Perhaps the opposite is true - that is, the fact that there wasn’t a “racial reckoning” after Trudeau’s pictures came out speaks to Canada’s ability to rise above these wedge issues and not force unjust consequences on someone because of something that occurred almost 20 years ago. In the U.S., political correctness has caused more problems than intended and I believe has worked to the Republicans’ advantage.
23
@Dominic If this had been a picture of Tory leader Scheer playing around that way, he would've suffered far more from it than Justin Trudeau did.
Respectfully disagree here...Bernier’s experiment did not get off the ground...even in Quebec.
The author sets up some false binaries in this argument. Racism exists in Canada, as it does in many places..and sadly Quebec’s law is an example of a government pandering to it. And certainly there are racist tendencies in Canada but i for one was comfoted by the PPCs flop in this election. They failed to get traction for a reason - they made Canadians uncomfortable.
In a world where racism and xenophobia are becoming more openly expressed, there is comfort in the fact that the majority kept to the middle. And the next generations are increasingly multicultural in their view so we can hope the trend is moving in the right direction...
28
@CB As long as Conservatives are not able to privatize schooling in Canada and separate children by religion and ethnicity the second and third generation Canadians will themselves be offended by any such insults to their intelligence - and experience.
Quebec's law banning religious symbols in any government institution comes primarily out of resurgent demands by women that they not be threatened ever again by a church treating them as handmaidens, now understood worldwide from the writing of Booker prizewinner,Margaret Atwood. This was their fate for generations in the colonial period known as Survivance.
3
Please hear...English, white , Canadians do not seem to have insight into the story of unresolved conflict among the three predominant groups, First Nations, Metis, French Canadian and White ENGLISH. It is a myth that they are nice....whatever that means. I am Canadian, White, and ignorant.
I attended my first antiracist management training in Norfolk Virginia in 1974 at Norfolk State University, through Norfolk General Hospital. Evolution to openhearted/minded humanity has not been my observation.
May all manner of things be made right.
5
Thank you for this article. I would appreciate reading the up to date numbers on increases in hate crimes in 2019. Unfortunately the article that was linked to details an increase in hate crimes between 2016 and 2017. I look to NY times journalists as being quite accurate,, and would appreciate a correction.
My own recent experience is that a young person in my life has been exposed to the American alt-right propaganda via video gaming culture since about 2017, and has been influenced by it to become more tolerant of racist and sexist attitudes and beliefs under the guise of "free speech".
6
Apparently giving the People's Party a place at the leaders' debate did its job: the party won no seats at all.
Meanwhile, Wilson-Raybould won reelection in Vancouver as an independent after expulsion from the Liberal Party - she is certainly a strong indigenous voice. So many would say that the cup is half-full, not half-empty as this article argues.
28
@Chicago Mathematician
Being no fan or JWR, I still agree with your premise.
I was also unhappy to see the PPC's Bernier given a place at the leader's debate, given that the actually-established Greens had been previously denied, but I take your point that it may have been just that exposure that showed Canadians what Bernier really is.
2
Perhaps you would prefer the kind of overt, vehement, legalized, and violent racism of the right-wing instead?
Politics is a messy business that is far from perfect. If you want to express racial issues as if politics existed in a vacuum, I wish you luck, because it's not going to get you anywhere.
If your point is that Canada is not "ideal", well then, I guess I'd have to say your point is as accurate as it is nonsensical.
You may as well say the Lincoln, "left a lot to be desired when it came to racial issues".
15
A lot of Canadians define themselves by what the American media tell them they are. It will take more than a few reports from south of the border to closer align Canadians' self perceptions with reality but it is nice to see a start. Solutions can arise by first recognizing problems and that hasn't yet happened enough up here.
3
I don’t know if the angry confrontational way we handle race is better than the slow quite, respectful way it’s handled in Canada. Not sure I agree that it’s not being addressed there.
9
@HamiltonAZ I think what the writer is saying is "slow and respectful" is a euphemism for ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away. Either that or hoping people "get over it." Doesn't work.
3
@metsfan
Yes, everyone gets this Canadian's personal take on it, and what we're all saying is it's as valid as anything any uninformed american could say on the subject on race in Canada, which is not surprising because that's the audience she's pandering to.
I wonder, do you feel
A. better informed, or
B. duped
by her perspective?
1
Quebec is an interesting situation. I completely sympathize with the desire of Quebecers to maintain their language and distinctive culture. And I understand how difficult doing so is within a country that is majority English-speaking and where the closest neighbouring country is an English-speaking, formerly British colossus. I also appreciate the fact that Quebec has remained distinctive because it's a wonderful province that adds much to Canada's attractiveness. In fact, I suspect that in some ways Canada's more tolerant culture, and it's ideal of maintaining a diverse and colourful mosaic rather than a blandly homogenized melting pot, is in part the result of its centuries-long project to preserve the two cultures. All that said, the effort to preserve French culture does have the possible downside of making Quebec xenophobic and intolerant of others—and Bill 21 exposes the negative side of maintaining the separateness that's paradoxically necessary to maintain diversity.
I still, however, have hope that Quebec (and Canada overall) will reach the right balance. Bill 21 is a swing of the pendulum too far. Let's hope we can swing back toward a position that allows Quebec's unique culture to persist, but also can allow Quebec to welcome the hijab, the dastar, and the kippah and also not require it to suppress it's own symbol so central to its culture, la croix.
21
Having lived in Canada for 30 years, it seemed much of the far leftism and P.C.is meant to distinguish Canadians from the U.S., and prove superiority, which then allows politicians to feel safe with status quo.
Not much substantive rocking of the boat,especially by the party in power.
Why did the Canadian cross the street?
To get to the middle.
(Good humour north of border below the polite reticence.
Considerable seething too- directed largely at U.S. and long before trump.)
Canada is superior however in health care and gun control, and they do quite a bit of hunting still...FYI NRA.
13
Bill 21: The purpose of this bill is to affirm the laicity of the State and to set out the requirements that follow from it.
To that end, the bill provides that the laicity of the State is based on four principles: the separation of State and religions, the religious neutrality of the State, the equality of all citizens, and freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. Parliamentary, government and judicial institutions are bound to adhere to these principles in pursuing their missions.
8
@Earlgrey
France has the same approach. From my extensive lived experience here in this country it is largely a cover for ingrained intolerance rather than any form of respect.
And it represents one of the few areas which I feel represents a negative point to living in France. Although the social issues at play are not strictly comparable between France and Canada, and that includes Quebec, I do sincerely believe that accomodation as it is practised in Canada is a much healthier and more successful approach to integration of diversity born of immigrantion than strict adherence to dogma. You don't actually have to put up a sign as was done in segregationist times for blacks to sit at the back of the bus, policies that disproportionately affect one population can be construed as discriminatory to that population.
This is an issue for Quebec to find its own cursor on accomodation, and it will. My hunch is the Feds would be well advised to keep their mitts off well off it.
9
It’s hard to agree that those principles require the impositions that the Quebec Government attaches to Bill C21, however. It can reasonably be argued that my freedom of conscience, expectation of church/state separation etc. does not depend on the prohibition of garments and symbols. It can be argued that my reasonable expectation that freedom of expression under the Charter includes freedom to dress or wear religious symbols as I desire. And in fact, this has been tested in the issue of Mounties wearing turbans and kirpans.
That these issues are considered settled by Quebec in fact points to the underlying intolerance that framed C21: no reasonable case can be made that the points of view that would argue that the issues are not settled were included in the debate and framing of the act. And that in itself is a pretty clear and canonic example of established power marginalizing those who use these same symbols and clothing to assert their presence. It’s that assertion that reminds those in the comfortable, complacent majority that theirs is not the only point of view.
Quebec has become an admirably accepting society that embraces diversity, at least in the urban areas. C21 is also a betrayal of that progress, which is what led the Québécois out of the Dark Ages of the Duplessis Era. It has no place in Canada.
5
@dan thing is Dan, it's not up to you to decide what is settled but Quebec's parliament and perhaps Quebec and Canadian courts. Accomodation is political cursor and you don't get to decide that personally.
Furthermore, the Bloc Quebecois only recovered on the explicit platform of not seeking independence.
ROC and anyone else had better get armed with strong arguments before sticking their nose into it, Canada's success is 100% about accomodation, and Canada has spent enough time and treasure to maintain a steady keel to throw it all away for an idealist search for perfection. If he fancies himself the statesman Justin Trudeau would be well advised to keep federal interference to a minimum in this issue that concerns Quebec society and residents of Quebec.
3
This is an interesting discussion. Bill 21 bans religious symbols because the courts would not allow a ban on the Hijab as a stand alone measure. This was the PQ government's real objective. The one comparison that is missed by Professor Thompson is that just as in the US, the most xenophobic areas of the country are the areas with the fewest immigrants. Rural Quebec for example.
I was born and grew up in a Toronto that was one of the whitest cities in the West. That was obviously many decades ago. My hometown is now one of the most racially and culturally diverse major cities in the world. We must at once celebrate this and work daily to reach toward a more tolerant and inclusive society whatever our political outlook. Not paradise but certainly a work in progress, with much still to be done.
29
@A Canadian View The real purpose was to ban use of the niqab (which covers the face) by government employees while on the job; not the hijab, as you have it (which does not necessarily cover the face.)
I consider this an entirely reasonable and legitimate purpose in an avowedly secular polity. Public service providers (or anyone whose job requires them to interact with others, really) cannot possibly do their jobs well with the face covered. A free society respects religious rights, but is under no obligation to extend those rights past the point of general, secular social well-being.
14
@A Canadian View Anyone viewing a schoolyard in a district where immigrants are numerous can only believe that the second and following generations will only be insulted at any attempt by Conservatives to privatize schooling along religious/ethnic lines. Such attempts have failed in Ontario, the birthplace of Jagmeet Singh, the turbaned leader of the New Democratic Party, who raised the prospects of the party in 40 days of campaigning.
4
@A Canadian View " just as in the US, the most xenophobic areas of the country are the areas with the fewest immigrants. " That is true in the UK and many other countries as well. It's fear of the unknown.
OK, it's not paradise but it is encouragingly diverse and open.
For example, the number of Punjabis elected this week fell to 18 from 20 in the previous Parliament. There were four Sikhs in Trudeau's cabinet, more than in the Indian cabinet,
As a disabled person I have had five or six caregivers who crossed into Quebec illegally at Roxham Road in the last two years: kind, competent, employed and paying taxes.
35
While I strongly disagree with bill 21, the Quebec law that bans public servants like doctors and teachers from wearing religious items (it disproportionally affects certain religions and is going to be selectively enforced), these discussions ignore the secular principles that fuel support for the bill. The focus on racism, while part of the problem, ignores the sentiment of people who grew up taught by nuns and priests and who know the dangers of a society dominated by religious fanatics. There was a quiet revolution in Quebec for a reason. Ignoring this takes a complex issue and makes it into a talking point for divisive arguments and not productive discussions.
WS
33
@ES
Well said. The first point to recognise is that 95% of the comments concerning Quebec here and in the ROC (that's Rest of Canada) are made by people who couldn't read a French sign to escape a fire. As such they are stuck in an English language ghetto relying on English language filters to understand the issue.
I don't necessarily support the bill but many or perhaps most couldn't argue factually on the issues at play in Quebec.
14
@Andy. I was born and grew up in Quebec (3rd generation) worked there for 10 years (in Franch) and am almost perfectly bilingual. I left in part because I got tired of being asked ‘D’ou viens tu?’ with the answer of Montreal not being accepted or believed. I quickly realized that there was a glass ceiling professionally because I wasn’t ‘in the club.’ FYI - I am secular. Chez nous’ clearly does not include me.
3
@exQC
Vancouver is nice and all that but I think I'd get bored stiff living there compared to Montreal, so getting ahead takes more than just wanting to. I think you'll find every Canadian city has its in circle if you want to grow into a big role you're going to have to step up. Only 10 years and you're complaining of a glass ceiling? Were you gunning for a CEO role? And "almost perfectly bilingual" ? Sorry, I'm glad you found your place now but maybe you just didn't have what it takes in a competitive market?
1
respectfully, is the author of this item new to Canada? All of her observations have been obvious for years. Has she been to Alberta? Spent any time in Quebec?
There has always been a deep divide between eastern and western Canada - and that divide often presents as overt bigotry agains the "other".
Canadian conservatives are good at fanning those flames - and they frequently light the fires. The recent election campaign was a good example.
28
@Barbara Try just saying you are from Toronto while travelling anywhere else in Canada. The hate for Torontonians in the rest of Canada is made out to be a joke, but in my personal experience (especially in Alberta) it has been quite overt and intense. I know many people who will lie and say they are from some small town outside of Toronto when they travel domestically, just to avoid any backlash.
1
@Barbara
You obviously don't write as a person from a minority background living in Quebec.
Bill 21 is simply an infringement on individual rights and freedoms, couched as a separation of church and state, but really a target against visible minorities.
Bill 21 didn't need to be drafted to prevent Quebecers from returning to 1950's church-domination: French-Quebecers are the least likely to attend church, get married, etc. in all of North America.
This bill is just another reminder about how provincially-minded and insecure this province is. I wish Mordecai Richler was here to write about it - his prose would be a lot more biting than mine could ever be...
Of note though will bet the fact that Cheryl Thompson's writing and views will not be met with instant hatred and slander by the Prime Minister or members of most of the political parties here in Canada. Absolutely, countering racism is an ongoing struggle, one which I believe many Canadians take on with humility and vigour. But I also think that it will not be 'resolved' in a lifetime. We have to work now at the quality of the struggle so that outcomes are best. One only has to live anywhere outside of Canada for any length of time to note how the conversations possible here are not only not taking place in many, many countries in the world, but to have them is dangerous.
24
I am happy to read this article, although I truly hope it has also been published in media throughout Canada. I have family in Québec, and so have spent a great deal of time there over the past 40 years, as have some of my friends living in the U.S. who share my ethnicity and also have family in Québec. We often compare the racism in the U.S. to that in Québec, and all agree that we much prefer the U.S. racism. because you can speak out against and confront it - it does not eat away at you like the racism in Quebec; where it seems as if the unspoken agreement is tacit acceptance of white supremacy, in exchange for a decent quality of life (in terms of material goods, health care, and societal peace). The racism in Québec feels to me like the worse form of gaslighting, where you constantly second-guess your own experiences, because the racism comes with polite smiles and confused expressions, should you ever feel bold enough to call it out. And let's not even get into the cruelty of immigration for many well-educated professionals from developing countries, who are often recruited for immigration specifically due to their professions and education, only to find themselves offered "re-training" for jobs requiring no education whatsoever - exacerbating the brain drain in their home countries while simultaneously creating an over-educated minority underclass!
24
@Rodnil This is an excellent response Rodnil. I have the exact same experience in Quebec. Family and I always feel so anxious about being accepted and approved by the French Canadians. It feels like you are on a constant daily test that you have to pass in order to be accepted by your community.
12
@Rodnil Bear in mind that unwillingness of US and Canadian or any other country's institutions to recognize foreign qualifications is not directed at specific immigrant groups. It is done (on the surface at least to ensure a specific quality of performance) in that profession. While it may be miss-directed (immigrant's training may be more than equal to that of a Canadian citizen), I think if you look into the origin of these laws/regulations you will find that they exist as a result of defense of jobs for Canadians by organizations like teacher's unions and the like. Sure it is a major setback to have to retrain in some discipline that you are already qualified in, it is not directed at a specific immigrant group.
@Rodnil Bear in mind that unwillingness of US and Canadian or any other country's institutions to recognize foreign qualifications is not directed at specific immigrant groups. It is done (on the surface at least to ensure a specific quality of performance) in that profession. While it may be miss-directed (immigrant's training may be more than equal to that of a Canadian citizen), I think if you look into the origin of these laws/regulations you will find that they exist as a result of defense of jobs for Canadians by organizations like teacher's unions and the like. Sure it is a major setback to have to retrain in some discipline that you are already qualified in, it is not directed at a specific immigrant group.
Of course Canada contains racism, both blatant and subtle. The reality is that humans are trying to improve, in fits and starts, what nature has bequeathed to us; imperfection.
As a U.S. citizen who lives fairly close to the border and has visited over decades, Canada offers other perspectives that are very useful. For example; a country which does not have a default military solution for political problems and a simple understanding that single payer health care is a better way to provide service.
Racism, discrimination, crime, sexism etc.? Of course, it is not paradise because paradise does not exist in the human condition.
45
@Mark Furnari To say you know Canada because of living near the border is like seeing Russia from your window. I lived in Canada for decades and still spend much of my time there. I have never understood how they get away with their facade of niceness and being the US, but better.
Of course they do not have a "default military solution", they don't need to because they have the USA as their best friend and neighbor. If you have not experienced - suffered - their health care system it is best not to promote it.
3
@Sad Sack
Health care in Canada is vastly superior than in the US for the majority of people. No one has to sell their house after a heart attack or triple bypass, to pay the bill after insurance. And Canadian life expectancy is longer than the US likely because we have fewer worries about health care or being shot either by crooks or by the police.
I am not sure America is Canada's best friend with trump on a position to cause chaos.
1
@Sad Sack "best not to promote their healthcare system" ..on the other hand, grateful NOT to be bankrupted by it! Elizabeth Warren and others found that medical debt was the major cause of US bankruptcies.
1
If Canada is similar to the US (and based upon my many visits, it is), then the author’s concerns are completely at odds with the daily lives of the Canadian people. Every day Canadians go out into the world—to work, to shop, to exercise or recreate, and they have pleasant, courteous interactions with people who are of different colors and cultures. This is the daily bread of Americans and I bet it is the same for Canadians. 99% of the breathless claims by politicians, media pundits and others who prosper by constantly agitating the citizenry and pushing them back into their tribes are simply not true. Humans are flawed. We don’t always treat our own family members with the love and respect they deserve. So of course they are going to sometimes treat others badly. But that is far more rare than what the instigators of victim politics would have us believe and our daily lives show very little evidence of the things described in this essay.
52
@ehillesum Thank you for your reply. I would have said basically the same thing! This author is being instructive and rather insistent which is off-putting. There is racism in my community (Thunder Bay) which there have been many initiatives to try to address. These initiatives are on-going. I’m sure this type of engagement happens in other communities as well. In terms of blackface/brownface though, I think Canadians let that one go because it happened long ago and sometimes people do dumb things then that we’d never do now.
1
Racism is difficult. Just when I start to think I have a pretty good appreciation of the problem, including institutional white privilege, I come across an article like Dr. Thompson’s, and I realize I don't. And I likely never will.
Like us all, I get caught up in the personal problems of my own life, and those problems do not include direct and indirect racism coming at me and my family in all its ugly and sometimes subtle forms.
Canada can do much more to fight racism. Most important to the battle is listening to those who personally suffer, finding empathy for the constant battle they face, and taking considered action to reduce a problem that is likely to never fully go away.
To do all that, we need the Dr. Thompsons of the world to remind us that racism continues to be a problem. And if the "tone" we hear is sometimes strident, maybe that's because quieter tones have continually failed to attract our attention.
16
I will gladly trade countries with the author. I find Canada and Canadians more intelligent, more welcoming, and,yes, more polite than most of my fellow Americans. Plus they have health care. Something we will never have because selfishness and greed have become our guiding lights.
48
@Patricia —- I agree. I have traveled in Canada many times for genealogy. I have heard more prejudice against theFrench and Indigenous people than black. And if one chooses to wear a costume as a black person, black face is a bit of a clumsy effort, and if meant for mockery, is boorish, but not hateful. In a movie made some years ago, a black actor was made up to be white. I was Interested to see how black people portrayed whites. Canadians are also barraged with American TV, influenced by us constantly. Anti-black racism exists throughout the world. Canadians are, generally, good folks.
1
@Patricia they pay a lot for their health care. Right? You understand their economics and tax structure supporting their version of Health care? Well, you should read about it.....
1
The author isn't wrong, far from it. But she paints with a very broad brush. Toronto, for example, is one of the most racially diverse cities in the world. It is safe and harmonious.
And yet, while we don't have much of the venomous tiki-torch kind of racism we see in the states, we also have a whole lot of racism that gets papered over time and time again.
While it may not be the powerkeg we see on the American news, its real and its toxic. The younger generation of urban white people are largely anti-racist but these attitudes are everywhere once you leave the shelter of the city.
And Quebec? Ethnonationalism is alive and well in Quebec. It a weirdly left-wing version of it, but I guess hat goes to show that the left shouldn't be assumed to be inclusions.
23
@Mike Canadians still struggle with their native people for example. Not impressed by the Canadian example on this subject. Lame
1
@Mike Well said and accurate
I’m baffled by the linking of Quebec laicized secularism with discrimination against Jews and Muslims. Forbidding religious symbols and speech at work is an affront to freedom of religious speech, but it is an affront against all religious speech equally by excluding it from the workplace.
Its root is a desire to remove the influence of the Catholic Church...the largest religion...from workplaces, not to discriminate against minorities. But it does work for minorities...do you want to be the only person at work who isn’t wearing a crucifix like the boss wears?
Restraint on clothing and pendants and symbols in workplaces isn’t the method chosen by Americans to handle religious diversity but it is a way.
14
@Yeah
The Quiet Revolution was over in the 70s. The Catholic church hasn't dominated Quebec for decades.
Bill C-21 is outright xenophobic garbage intent on demonizing a demon that isn't there.
It is clearly unconstitutional in Canada (as Quebec itself recognized by trying to do an end-run around it via the s.33 notwithstanding clause).
So yes, it is 'a way', but a very bad and unjustifiable one indeed.
So one of the lessons here is that nice, idyllic, liberated Canada is still full of racism and needs to undergo Anti-Racist Strategy. Not saying that's wrong, but that's the message.
If Canada isn't the paradise of progressivism that some imagined (and threaten to move to from time to time), what country is? Serious question?
Is there an open democracy on earth that exemplifies Diversity // Inclusion // Equality?
13
This column is from the farthest reaches of left field. I am not saying that racism doesn't exist in Canada, of course it does. Plenty of Canadians display it against our First Nations and plenty of Canadians are anti-anything that isn't white or Christian but (and it is a big but) we get along because the person behind you in the cafeteria line is Chinese, the person ahead of you is from Jamaica, and the server is from India. Civility is our strength.
73
@Stephen Kurtz Right on. We all have differences, and we cushion that with respect for our fellow person’s dignity.
10
We just did a Canada-wide test of Canadians attraction to racist alt-right policies: we had an election. One party, the people’s party of canada, was squarely in alt-right camp. It got 1.6 percent of the popular vote and its leader lost his own reelection bid.
While it’s true there is racism in canada, it’s worth noting that Canada overwhelmingly rejected a platform with elements of racism, UNLIKE many other countries in The west.
73
@Norm Vinson
Like many, I was happy that Maxime Bernier and his alt-right party did not win a single seat in Parliament.
We have more work to do, in making better relationships with Indigenous people and with newcomers, especially refugees. As a participant in Circles for Reconciliation, I see that progress is being made .
8
This piece encapsulates why admirable efforts at anti-racism often fail.
The author says there needs to be an open dialogue with people willing to listen. She means people who disagree with her need to listen ie a one way street.
Canadian voters have said they care less about Trudeau's blackface incident than other things. The author is not willing to listen to that.
In fact, the author sees this is emblematic of what's wrong with the whole country, which must be overhauled until everyone agrees--or at least doesn't openly disagree.
That is a formula for failure.
41
@Talbot
I didn't read the call for open dialogue as a "one-way street" setup. Dialogue means two people talking, not one talking while the other one listens and is expected to say nothing.
Understanding of each other's positions and reasons is important ,first. While we may understand an other's position, we can respectfully "agree to disagree" and work on what common ground there is.
1
There is racism in our country, as there is in every nation. Our darkest chapters are filled with outrageous racist acts perpetrated by government (dispossessing Japanese Canadians and sending them to internment camps; residential schools for Indigenous children, where erasure of culture, dignity, and self resulted in generations of trauma, to mention just two). I have blue-eyed, blond-haired students who wonder why we should be learning about the history of systemic, institutionalized racism because "that was in the past and they should get over it."
Change takes time. Forty years ago my mother worried that my interest (at age 16) in an Asian-Canadian boy would look bad for the family and result in children who suffered from mixed race features; now, my adult son dates a woman whose parents are white and Japanese-Canadian, and no one cares.
Though family initially moulds views and biases, education and experience with diverse people can reshape narrow thinking. My racist students learn to accept the truth and their Indigenous peers, to varying degrees.
The scourge of openmindeness is online "free" speech: hateful views flourish in the absence of the air and sunlight of real conversation. The Internet and social media have allowed, and even encouraged, the expression of ideas that would not spread and infect others in the same virulent way in person.
No anti-racism policy will be effective, and no progress made against alt-right groups, without addressing this.
17
Racism is a problem worldwide. Canada is no exception. And the United States certainly is not. The question is not whether should vilify a prime minister for donning blackface. The question is how can we eliminate racism. The answer is one heart and one mind at a time. Let's hope that Mr. Trudeau will now speak out against racism in Canada and wherever it exists.
6
@OldBoatMan
Agree - and one of the most effective tools toward that answer is the public school system.
Our are fortunately, generally well-funded and respected.
@OldBoatMan Finally, "Racism is a problem worldwide" YES!!! Is there racism in India (ask Muslims, ask lower caste peoples), Is there racism in Ruanda (or shall we call it by another name?). Is there racism in Sweden (hail to the alt-right groups!). How about Syria? The list goes on. Detecting racism has become a profession, treating it has become an industry. Should we stop? No! But we need to recognize it is a universal issue and education should be directed at its ubiquity and understanding of its economic and social origins. Finger-pointing and national comparisons don't do much for me. Every community's historical experience is different and racism can only be understood within a specific context (e.g compare the experience of English Canadians with that of the Quebecois).
Born in Quebec, my family was pushed out in the mass exodus that sparked the rise of Toronto in the 70s, we made it only as far as Ottawa. It was and still remains a big mystery to me the hold on the Liberal Party that Quebecois still exerts on the rest of Canada. Outside of Montreal you find riding after riding that are to this day almost 100% white and French, there are places in Quebec where you must speak French to even be served a sandwich. so no mystery there that they would vote only for the Bloc and Parti Quebecois.
What's shattering to me as a Canadian is that in Toronto where 90% of all of the Liberal Party derives it's power from (none of whom speak French and are more likely to speak natively Mandarin or Punjabi, we even have Punjabi NHL!), you don't find our Prime Minister, no he's in Montreal on election night! Imagine the rest of the west of Canada if even mighty Toronto doesn't get attention, where does that leave them?
Canada is a city state - Toronto; that just happens to have 10% of the global land mass around it but is ruled and administered by Quebecers. Why would Quebec leave that arrangement? Why would Alberta stay? This is the real question.
8
@Michael Ironic that a majority of my friends here in Quebec are convinced that in Canada power lies in Toronto, that major decisions concerning my province are made in Toronto, that our prime minister doesn't care about Quebec's values because Trudeau's hearth is in Toronto. I strongly believe that myself, and I'm a French-Speaking Canadian, a separatist quebecois who just voted for Trudeau in a strategic way because I am convinced that the election of a right wing party would have been catastrophic for Canada. Your take on power in Canada makes me genuinely perplex. Trudeau was in Montreal on election night because his riding is there, it's as simple as that. But make no mistake, that night his hearth was in Toronto.
12
@Michael
As a Canadian, you must know that Trudeau was in Montreal on election night because he won his riding in Papineau, which is in Quebec. It is standard procedure for winning candidates to spend election night in their own ridings. whether it's the prime minister or not. That is, after all, where the real decisions are made.
11
I have traveled to Quebec many times over the years. I remember when you couldn’t get a sandwich unless you ordered in French. But I don’t think it’s like that now. Just got back from a visit and didn’t even try to use my poor French. Everyone smiled. I had a great time.
2
Does any of this come as a surprise? This relic of the British Empire retained al the imported the prejudices of England and held on to so dearly from the 18th century. So much depended on your birth with English on top, then down through the social ranks of the Scots, Irish, and further down to the French, those who were mixed race and indigenous.
Canada has fostered this image of the nice sibling quiet loyal sibling in the English speaking world while it quietly did what every other country has done regarding racism.
6
We do have our own quarrels and problems to resolve but from all the available evidence Canadian policies are directed towards the public good for Canadians.
We're just too busy building a wall to block exports from the toxic US culture wars to care whether anyone thinks how nice we are, south of the border or elsewhere.
15
@Andy The French and First Nations people would have a different spin.
How trite of the author to simplify her arguments by hinging it to the trope that Canadians are "nice" and "polite" and that Canadians don't do enough to combat racism.
There is no question that Canada's history is hinged to racist policies. Almost all colonial or expansionist countries have that in their past.
But the author conveniently ignores a few important facts. Canada, unlike, say, the U.S., has made reconciliation of its first nations an important point in resolving those historic wrongs. We have had inquiries into the shameful actions of churches that ran native residential schools that were designed to "take the Indian out of the Indian". Still, we have a long ways to go when many reserves don't have potable water.
Unilke in the U.S., where the Trump administration takes up a cudgel against immigration, Canada opens its doors to people from other countries. This year, a record 300,000-plus were invited to Canada, enriching our vast multicultural tapestry.
Unlike the U.S., we have formally apologized and made reparations for interning our Canadian citizens of Japanese descent. We have apologized and built monuments recognizing the historic wrong of the Komatgata Maru incident,
Can we do better? Of course. But basing this article on Justin Trudeau's brownface Aladdin character from a school party and saying we're "too nice" ignores the convenient fact that most Canadians care deeply about eradicating racism.
67
@Jeff Lee
Pres Reagan signed legislation in 1988 authorizing compensation / reparations to Japanese-American Internees.
So, I’m not here to defend the US on racism, because it has a horrible track record, but I do think many Canadians commenting here get a lot of facts wrong about the US and have probably never visited, so all they know about the US is from a media that only likes to focus on negative things. The US did give reparations to and apologize to Japanese internment victims. This was decades ago. The US also has a ton of refugees that you can find all over the US - as an example, Columbus, a midwestern city (Midwest isn’t known for being a racial utopia) is chock full of Somalian refugees. And that isn’t rare at all throughout the US. Are there huge swaths of the country that aren’t diverse? Sure - same in Canada, though, no? The US is statistically more diverse than Canada. I think if anyone were to actually visit they would see that diversity runs through most places in the US and regardless of whether we say we are a melting pot or not, we are actually as much if not more of a “mosaic” than the vast majority of places in Canada. This is coming from someone who grew up in a town in the suburbs that was full of immigrants from everywhere who all lived and worked and went to school together, and who definitely kept their immigrant cultures while also adapting to the US. We for sure have the racist, bad, anti-immigrant, must speak English, can’t be Muslim folks, but I don’t think it’s as prevalent as people think. Come visit and you’ll see.
While there certainly is a dirty, emergent alt-right internet underground in Canada, it has been the case that so far when the meatware surfaces and gathers it is usually outnumbered five or ten to one by anti-fascist rallies, often to where the little knot of Shame Boys can't even be seen in the crowd on TV. I'd also point out that Canada's diversity is not all about accommodation of everybody else by Europeans - it has also resulted in serious and disruptive divisions within minority communities themselves. Mr. Singh's personal success in BC is notable where an element of his community was long under scrutiny for ultra-nationalist tendencies, includidng a blown up aircraft and South Vancouver street riots in the early 80s. I recall being surprinsed when the owner of our favorite Indian restaurant on Commercial Drive was arrested for involvement. Any number of immigrant populations from Sri Lanka to Chinese mainland and Hong Kong this minute have been deeply, intolerantly and even violently divided among themselves for the time it takes to multiculturate themselves peacefully. So sunny ways is not entirely a white man's burden to deliver.
27
Down here, people say they want a "national conversation" when they don't know what to do, or *do* know but are too afraid to say it. Thus far, as you've likely noticed, the outcomes of our "national conversations" have been rather suboptimal.
When you prioritize a "national conversation" where everyone gets to speak their truth from the heart, the loudest folks often turn out to be your Faith Goldys and Lauren Southerns, and our Donald J. Trumps, who are only too happy to legitimize their hatreds in the name of honesty and openness.
Perhaps you'll have better luck than we've had. And you certainly can't solve problems you don't acknowledge. But our experience suggests more focused conversations and action.
6
I think Dr. Thompson's home city of Toronto is a relative paradise for many of the immigrants who land there, compared to where many of them come from. Dr. Thompson's experience may be different, and certainly the experience of her parents probably was. The multicultural Toronto of today was a very different place 60 years ago.
Unfortunately, the lecturing tone in this opinion piece is a bit strident and will probably turn people off. I certainly do not think this past election campaign was a high point in Canadian public life and would not take it as representative of how Canadians see themselves or their priorities.
The recent increase in alt-right groups and hate crimes is true but the total amount is still very low compared to other countries. It really needs to be considered in context and may have more to do with increased awareness, the social media sewer and the spillover of American fringe media.
Like most people, Canadians are wrapped up in their own lives, working and busy trying to make ends meet. We try to be responsible citizens and open to the world. But there are blind spots and systematic racism is very much a work in progress.
73
The French-speaking minority in Canada has always been treated with contempt and derision by the rest of Canada, including the forced expulsion of the Acadians to Louisiana (thus creating our Cajuns).
Perhaps out of guilt, the federal government has allowed Quebec to be a monetary sponge on the rest of Canada for decades and the formerly separatist Bloc Quebecois may now hold the key to a Trudeau coalition government.
Canada should permit Quebec to leave the confederation and become independent. Adjacent Francophone areas in Ontario and New Brunswick could join but First Nation regions north of the Eastmain River could stay.
Until Canada fixes the second-class status of French Canadians within its borders, Canada cannot be considered a nation, it’ll just continue to be a place.
@EGD You write: "Canada should permit Quebec to leave the confederation and become independent."
Canada does permit this. Quebec has held two referendums on leaving Canada, but the majority (barely in the second) decided to stay.
51
@EGD
Thanks for the advice, but the US lost the war of 1812. It's just not going to get real estate north of the border by fomenting civil unrest. How about making a higher bid on Greenland?
26
@Andy
1812 was a draw.
The Brits didn’t kill us and we didn’t get Canada.
In any event, in what part of my post did I propose the US ‘get real estate north of the border?’
Answer = nowhere.
Ms Thompson ,to begin if your looking to find racism in all its unabashed glory please step South of the border.
However I am inclined to agree that there is in all probability racism in Canada the same as there is the UK, France or almost any country I can think of. Racism that I hasten to add is on both sides, because one side has more economic clout than the other it still makes it wrong for both.
Furthermore I have never heard Justin Trudeau claim that there is no racism in Canada on the contrary I have only seen him do his upmost to counteract it.
The Black/Brownface episodes in Justin Trudeau's past need to be seen in context,not to excuse them ,or dismiss how deeply offensive they were/are .They are something I am sure Justin Trudeau deeply regrets, and I feel should be put behind him. As Prime Minister he has proven to be a kind person who cares deeply about all Canadians especially Canada's Indigenous people and the LGBTQ community, both of which one could argue had benefited least from our new found enlightenment that all are equal.
It does appear that those who support the Liberal Party in Canada have seen their way to forgive Mr Trudeau for his past juvenile behavior. Or perhaps they recognize that since all of us at sometime may have thought said or done something that could be construed as being racist, again I include both black and white people , Trudeau was and is the best option to guide Canada to being the progressive country we all want .
39
@Britl
I take issue with your comment that "there is racism on both sides."
"Racism" is defined as "prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior."
So, unless you are claiming that blacks and other persons of color believe their race is superior to whites and it is that belief that motivates them to hate and discriminate against whites, then it is not racism.
It may be hatred and it may be discrimination. But it is not racism.
And that's not a distinction without a difference. When hatred and discrimination is based on a belief of racial superiority, it leads to justifications for slavery, apartheid, red-lined housing laws, and racial glass ceilings.
And when the meaning of racism is blurred, it leads to justification for the casual dismissal of real racism.
5
@Kevin Comeau
Logic is math, and if two logical people apply logic to the same sets of givens, then they must come to the same conclusions. conversation.
Let’s break down the two indoctrinated colloquial definitions, evaluate their relationship to the dictionary definition, and analyze them for their cultural usefulness. I’ll denote them “R(1)” and “R(2).”
Colloquial Definition One: Racism is treating someone differently (usually badly) because of their race.
In R(1), racism is determined entirely by the actions of individuals. An act is racist if that act treats someone differently based on their race, and a person is racist if the person commits racist acts. This is important to understand, because it’s an individualist definition, not a collectivist one. If a collection, group, or society is racist under R(1), it’s because the individuals within that collective predominantly do racist things, as defined within R(1). Conversely, if a collective does not do racist things, the collective isn’t racist.
By the R(1) definition, someone could actually believe that there are genetically superior races, but if they don’t act on that belif against individuals or groups of other races, then they aren’t racist. Racism(1) is determined by each individual’s actions, and if everyone just stopped acting mean to each other based on their race, then racism would evaporate,and the world would be a better place.
By R(1), “racism” and “racial prejudice”are nearly interchangeable concepts.
4
In my view and millions of other Canadian voters who know better apologising for a costume party was the mistake, in that only gives oxygen to the holy than thou crowd like Dr Thompson here. But it remains a forgivable mistake.
Canada has enough on its hands battling the dumping of US toxic waste without importing toxic American culture wars in the form of a blackface taboo.
1
Almost two-thirds of Canadians voted for a progressive party - the fact that there are a number of them and that they split the fact does not vitiate that statistic.
So - no.
47
As an American, when I hear about Canada's universal healthcare and affordable higher education, I think that Canada must be a paradise, at least in comparison to the United States.
But then I hear about the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and I understand that Canada isn't as much of a paradise as it is reputed to be. After all, the original sin - colonization and brutalization of the Indigenous peoples - is the same for Canada as it is for the United States.
And when I look at photos of the Alberta Tar Sands, they don't look much different than the mountains that have been removed for coal in Appalachia. Americans and Canadians are much more similar than we are different in our shortsightedness and mistreatment of mother earth.
38
@Judith Nobody said we were perfect. And we are definitely not a paradise. But there is no comparison between the problems in Canada with those in the U.S. especially under your current administration. We are by far a much more progressive society. Doesn't mean we can't improve. At least, we are working on it. Can't say the same for Trump and the Republicans.
123
We cannot allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good, lest we confuse what is good with what is mediocre. I urge Canadians to avoid that kind of folly which, over time, has led to the rise of extremist and divisive politics in the US.
14
@Judith The murdered women of the West were not snatched from their homes. Tragic as this story is, it's not the story of State indifference due to racism. These were sex workers and addicts (20 years ago) from impoverished native reserves who traveled alone on highways with long stretches of remoteness. They were hyper-vulnerable, and their predators knew it, and they were partly victims of their own communities. If we can't do context, we should be careful about generalizing.
1
I have spent a goodly amount of time in Canada and with Canadians, primarily in Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and British Columbia. I just returned from several days in Montreal during which I spent time hanging out with both working class and professional Canadians, all strangers to me before this trip. Of course there are people who are less than charitable on issues of race. Whether native Canadians or immigrants, what I sensed was less overt racism, than some upset at refugees of various races not because of their race, but because they, unlike permanent residents (the Canadian equivalent of green card holders in the US) and would-be immigrants, were not required to work and to prove proficiency in either the English or French language. I think the reason the "brown/black-face 'scandal'" involving Mr. Trudeau did not resonate is because I think most Canadians believe his past actions immature and do not believe he is a racist (e.g., Canadians can and have compared his racially and gender diverse cabinet with the nearly all white male cabined of President Trump). Yes, racial attitudes are complicated, and yes Canada is still a work in progress, but I fear the hectoring tone of this harsh and judgmental column is not likely to advance the well-intentioned cause of its author.
209
Explaining a people's racism in socio economic terms makes it ok. They are not require to work or be productive - that racism is understandable. Thanks for the clarification.
3
@G James
"whether native Canadians or immigrants"
Unless you are actually referring to First Nation people, which seems unlikely, doesn't this just reinforce built-in racism from the start?
2
@G James Refugees are not "required" to work because they are not allowed to do so, until they are either acepted as residents or deported. But in the meantime, they still need to eat.
7
In the US, in Canada, and likely in every western democracy, the more that reformers push the "social justice/diversity" agenda--labelled as such--and talk about it in the "thought police" language used here, the more inclined toward right-wing/white supremacy the majority populations in these countries will be. Call it Newton's Law. Or the natural push toward balance that every organism, every system, is inevitably drawn into. The far-left creates it's doppleganger, the far-right--but it kicks and scratches at the middle.
Beneficial carve-outs of any kind are not the remedy for social and economic inequality. The reason is, mostly, that systems that are in high function ("developed" countries with rule of law, with peaceful transition of power) resist radical reform. Radical reform is how our own country was born, right? Well, mostly we just tweaked the existing British system toward a better center.
We appreciate it when the center holds against any untoward push to the far right; we count on the system to keep us safely inside the margins. But we are deaf and blind when the far-ish left seeks to right yet another wrong it has uncovered; then the language is fearless--and bored with moderation and incremental change.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Social justice warriors always do and always will have a battle to fight. Give them an inch, the feeling is, and they want to scream about how unjust it is that you have a ruler and they don't.
31
@allen The notion that the “far left” created the “far right” in the context of recent American history is completely ludicrous and ahistorical. This nation has been dominated by conservative politicians and policies since 1980 - this dominance has led to the hollowing out of the middle class, the impoverishment of the working class, and the extreme wealth of those on top of American society. It is in the context of Democrats like the Clintons chasing the Republican Party to the right that has led to the rise of the far right in America. In contrast, an actual far left movement would embrace Communism (whether authoritarian or anarchic in character), whereas Sanders, AOC, Warren et alia are at most center-left. Please move beyond the narrow sound bites of the media and learn about the history of the left/right from the French Revolution onwards - and yes, I’m afraid, being a citizen in an advanced democracy *DOES* necessitate the study of history, of letters, of ideas, of mathematics, of the sciences, etc. to avoid simplistic and false representations of reality and participate as an informed citizen.
35
@Allen "Antiracism" embedded with fashionable progressive thinking about identity, race, whiteness, etc, shouldn't be confused with anti-racism which simply asks questions that any liberal democracy should. It's possible to observe that everywhere always reifying race as central to identity isn't helpful relative to an emphasis on constructedness, shared overlapping identities and dignity of all persons while also considering the reality of prejudice between groups, the tendency towards tribal homophily, how dominant groups wittingly and unwittingly discriminate or exclude
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True. And very well put, Allen.
To read the author’s strident tone you would believe that racism is distorting the fabric of society in Canada. To be sure, racism is one of the on-going projects of progressive change in Canada, as is achieving income equality, freedom from harassment, and all other human rights.
I can clearly see the author indeed works at the School of Creative Industries.
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As an American who has close family in Canada and spends several months a year there, I hear many more openly racist statements in casual conversations with (white) Canadians than I do in the US. In my opinion, the collapse of the NDP in this week’s election was largely the result of the party leader’s being a Sikh, and the upsurge of the Bloc Québécois had more to do with hostility to immigrants than with sovereignty/ independence.
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@Paul S. The collapse of the NDP was significantly due to recent changes in electoral funding laws that limit campaign contributions from both business and unions. Much of the NDP's past big funding was from unions so this seriously hobbled their campaign spending. Also, unusually for Cdn politics, in the 2015 election, half of their seats were in Quebec so they were also affected by the rise of the Bloc. Normally, their support is entirely in Western Canada but the charismatic presence of a now deceased leader broke through that, briefly it seems. The Bloc resurgence was thought by many Quebeckers to be a way to block any eastern pipeline through Quebec. The leader was the Environment Minister in Quebec's provincial government and personally signed the cap-and-trade deal with California.
So, this article, in reaching for the angle most comprehensible to Americans, fails to note the big issues like campaign financing laws, problems of regional concentration of parties, the oil and gas issues and jurisdictional issues, the complex and new overlap between the national French-speaking minority and the environmental movement etc etc.
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@Paul S.
How many black people were shot to death by police in Buffalo in 2019? Probably don't know or care, do you?
Believe or not, using the words "woman", "black", "Indian" are neither reprehesible nor insulting. What you're hearing is comments outside the echo chamber of fear and hate that is US culture. Americans like to call Canadians polite but they do believe in the freedom to express opinions and do not adhere to US "cancel culture" that cause you to behave like sheep. So maybe what you're seeing is a little pushback on stifling exports of toxic US values and culture?
https://killedbypolice.net/
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@EE As a Canadian-American I agree with your comment totally and I am thankful that you brought up the issue of campaign finance reform for that is one of the biggest problems in US politics. Ordinary Americans can not compete or keep up with the oligarchs that right now dominate politics in the US, prime example the head of state, namely "big,T" who is corrupt, ignorant and vulgar and occupier of White House.
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As an American now gratefully living in Canada, I do think it's worthwhile to just once in a while take a step back and acknowledge what an open, generous, progressive country my adopted homeland truly is. I understand that Canadian's feel an obligation to constantly critique their nation, and I generally applaud those well-intentioned efforts, but seriously... it's a lovely country, warts and all. I wouldn't take that for granted if I were you.
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@jonesfoto
Yes, while there is plenty of racism in Canada and while the rise of the Rebel Media crowd and the passing of Bill 21 in Quebec both represent a disturbing trend that can't be ignored, this American-Canadian also suggests we keep things in perspective. Canada—at least here around Toronto—is far more tolerant and welcoming of people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse lifestyles than anything I experienced in the US. The author has an important point, but we also need to recognize that racism will probably never disappear completely, and Canada has (and Canadians have) done a far better than average job at limiting and containing it. We need to "stand on guard," and avoid complacency, particularly in these troubling times when xenophobia is rising all around the globe, but let's also take some pride in our accomplishments because, compared with the rest of the world, we really have done a pretty good job at creating the mosaic.
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The way to keep Canada a lovely country is to confront its warts before it grows into a cancer. America has a knack for sweeping difficult race issues under the carpet, and I’m afraid you’re encouraging Canada to do the same.
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@jonesfoto
Just to add another similar voice. I've been lucky enough to work in Canada a good deal - I've spent a total of a couple of years combined in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.
Certainly there are problems, issues, tensions, imperfections. Canada is still part of the real world. But just as certainly there seems to be an emphasis not only on being 'polite' but on being kind, informed and open-hearted as well.
Unlike the U.S. there seems to at least be some serious, sober adult discussion of politics, racism and the wrongs of history. For example, you have at least started to face and deal with the horrors of centuries of abuse of native peoples. Here in the U.S. the subject is usually just shoved aside, or glancingly noted and moved on from.
I don't know that any large industrial nation with millions of folk can ever be purely a paradise. Too many competing interesting, too much money, too much power in the hands of few.
But don't underestimate what a good example your best parts can be for the rest of the industrialized west.
You may not be 'there' but you are farther along than the rest of us.
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it should be pointed out that during the English language debate, Jagmeet Singh was the only person to call out Maxime Bernier on his extreme right-wing views. When Mr Bernier asked Mr Singh why the latter did not believe the former should have a platform for his differening opinions, Mr Singh told him flat out that Bernier did not deserve a platform for his hateful views. This, to me, was one of the greatest moments of the debate, as the absolute worship and unquestioning acceptance of everyone's opinion under the American value of free speech has been incredibly detrimental in allowing xenophobic and science denying voices into our culture as equal and acceptable. the acceptance of the unacceptable is comfortable, and it is uncomfortable to say no, your opinion is not valid, as it is opinion based in fear and Hate. Canadians prize free speech less then Americans, but price politeness and comfort more highly. With xenophobia becoming acceptable in the US, and the rise of white nationalism in both the PPC and Wexit, we must politely say, no, this is not OK, as Mr Singh did on that stage.
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@Jillian
Free speech is the one constitutional right in America which guarantees us the ability to defend * all of our other rights *. Those who are not free to speak and defend their rights have no rights.
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@Diogenes I agree with this in principle. Bernier had a chance to make his argument and he didn’t even pick up one seat. This shows that Canadians are smart enough to hear bad ideas and vote against them.
That said, Canada does not have a complete and sweeping right to free speech. Our constitution uses a “reasonable limits” clause to justify certain limitations.
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@Matt
Many countries use “reasonable limits” to justify limitations. And unfortunately the definition of “reasonable” is widely variable, even amongst charitable westerners acting in good faith. The USSR and North Korea were far left in their creation and “reasonably” censored discussions of liberalization.
Many Americans view speech controls as a slippery slope to limiting a wide range of civil rights. Nowadays, China is at the cutting edge today in terms of creative ways of limiting speech for “reasonable” reasons; like banning Winnie the Pooh because his likeness might make some people feel bad.
I’m sure Trump would LOVE to have the power to set “reasonable” limits on various speech.
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I spent 4 years in Alberta working in the oil patch. Canada is very, very similar to the US - it's just a tenth of the population.
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@Phil
Alberta is called Texas North for a reason, and it isn't just the oil. Many do identify with US culture share values. Those American values aren't necessarily shared elsewhere in Canada, and thank god for that.
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@Andy
And, having spent a fair amount of time in Alberta, I'd also say those "American" values aren't shared universally even in Alberta.
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@Phil
Correction: Albertans working in the oil patch are very similar to their US counterparts. That observation shouldn’t surprise anyone.
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