Sociology 433

Original Article on CBC What does the notwithstanding clause do? The notwithstanding clause allows the federal government or a provincial legislature to enact legislation to override several sections of the Charter that deal with fundamental freedoms, legal rights and equality rights. These include freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom from unreasonable search and […]

Ibbitson, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 1. The author argues that there is a “lack of national homogeneity” in Canada and that each region has a separate identity.  Do you agree?  If so, do you think this is a problem? 2. The author writes: “It is the easiest thing to feel Canadian, because it means so […]

Feb. 21st Discussion Questions Canadian Multiculturalism 1. The report claims that the Multiculturalism Act seeks to promote the minority participation in governmental institutions. But we rarely see non-white politicians in Canada. In your opinion what discourages so-called “visible minorities” from running for elections? Or, is it that they attempt to participate but are seldom elected? […]

Culture clubs at UBC: 1) What are the benefits and costs of having culture clubs at UBC? 2)  Are culture clubs perpetuating the notion of cliques within the university? What are the implicit “criteria” that these clubs are requiring for prospective members? 3) How can culture clubs reach their potential? 4) If more people today […]

Canadian attitudes toward immigration are hardening but Canada remains a relative island of tranquillity compared to other increasingly anti-immigrant Western developed countries, according to a poll released Thursday. http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Poll+Canadians+view+immigration+more+positively+than+Europe/4216802/story.html

An interesting report on hyphenated identities: Mahtani, Minelle. Interrogating the Hyphen-Nation: Canadian Multicultural Policy and “Mixed Race” Identities. Toronto, ON, Canada: CERIS – The Ontario Metropolis Centre, 2004. **VPN required**