Celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day within the Defence Team
June 27, 2024 - Defence Stories
Since 2002, the Government of Canada has been celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. It’s a day for everyone to celebrate Canada’s cultural diversity. It’s also a day for everyone in the Defence Team to reflect on our inclusivity and the critical role that we all play. It provides us with the opportunity to celebrate, honour and reflect.
Because true inclusivity is a group effort.
Throughout the year the Defence Team recognizes commemorative days, months, and seasons. Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrates all Canadians and Defence Team members of all diverse cultures and backgrounds. It is the perfect opportunity to pause and acknowledge that diverse perspectives are our strength.
Recent Census results note that people from over 450 ethnic or cultural origins call Canada home. We must continue to strive for the Defence Team to reflect that rich Canadian mosaic of diversity.
Greater diversity and inclusivity enrich our workplace and empower us to support and foster the wide range of expertise needed to address today’s complex challenges.
It also allows Defence Team members to feel welcome, seen, and valued for who they are and for their contribution to our mission of defending Canada and Canadians.
Diversity enhances our operational effectiveness and is an enabler for the long-term success of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence.
Days like today are an important reminder to reflect on the discrimination that many cultural groups continue to experience. Discrimination of any kind is counter to our values and has no place on the Defence Team.
Educating ourselves
Canadian Multiculturalism Day is also a great opportunity to further education about the rich history of multiculturalism in Canada. Everyone can learn more about the many ethno-cultural backgrounds that have shaped and continue to shape our society.
The lived experiences of culturally diverse Defence Team members can teach us a great deal and help foster moments that celebrate the plurality of our multicultural heritage.
Learn
To learn more, there are several resources and organizations available to Defence Team members:
- Canadian Multiculturalism Day is the official website for Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
- Canadian Multiculturalism Act is the Act preserving and enhancing multiculturalism in Canada.
- A History of Multiculturalism in Canada | The Canadian Encyclopedia is an education guide on multiculturalism in Canada.
- Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 is Canada’s newly released strategy that aims to tackle systemic racism.
- Anti-Racism Resource Hub is a website with guides, tip sheets, and resources to help Defence Team members on their journey to accelerate systemic change within the Department.
- Addressing anti-Asian racism outlines how to confront and denounce anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
Connect
- Defence Visible Minorities Advisory Group (only accessible on DWAN) learn more about building, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse DND/CAF civilian and military workforce.