Is multiculturalism part of Canada's national identity? Have public attitudes toward Canadian multiculturalism changed over time? Consider how immigration and multiculturalism laws have evolved and how debates about immigration and multiculturalism have sparked change. From Tolerance to Understanding By: Sihao (Frank) Liu Canada is a nation best known for its strength in hockey and its love of multiculturalism. There is no doubt that multiculturalism has been and will likely always remain an integral part of Canada's national identity. In a recent survey, Canadians ranked multiculturalism as the second most important element of our identity, just behind the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But after many years of success, we are starting to slow down. Every year, our Canadian Multiculturalism Day takes place without even a Google Doodle. By accepting our progress casually and thinking that there is nothing more to be done, we limit further progress. Although we have already accomplished much, true cultural understanding is a necessary and logical next step. In 1988, Brian Mulroney declared the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. This law sought not only to recognize equal rights for all cultural groups, but also to strongly encourage cultural understanding and unity. Canada's policies after this law have become the global standard in welcoming new immigrants and encouraging cultural diversity. Although we have already succeeded in distinguishing ourselves from the American cultural melting pot, we must still distinguish between achieved cultural tolerance and our end goal of true cultural understanding. Even this tolerance has become worrying with the new laws passed in Quebec, because if we only strive to tolerate a...... middle of paper ......more precisely described as the West and the World. It’s not just about “world” history, as the disparity is even more visible in English class. My studies were primarily limited to British and American works, leaving students without exposure to other great works from around the world. From African works, to Asian works, to Canadian works themselves, having students read writing from diverse cultures, including our own, will undoubtedly increase appreciation and understanding. Canada has done an excellent job in fostering understanding across cultural differences, but there is still much to do. by truly promoting understanding of the cultures themselves. Although full cultural understanding is a much slower process, it will undoubtedly strengthen our national identity. If we understand another culture, then there will not only be tolerance, but also acceptance and integration..