Commentary
How can a multi-ethnic democracy like Canada forge a common identity out of a population with many disparate countries of origin? The Quebec government says that multiculturalism is the wrong model for this tough task, and is blazing a new trail that it calls “integration.” This approach offers a firm but compassionate model for integrating newcomers. English Canada should pay close attention.
Bill 84, titled “An Act respecting national integration,” seeks to establish a common culture which will serve as a “vector for social cohesion” that will allow for “immigrants and persons identifying with cultural minorities to integrate into Québec society.” This common Quebec culture is described as “the crucible that enables all Quebecers to form a united nation.”…