Abstract
Canada's policies on Gay and Lesbian rights are direct examples of canada's cultural policies, which fit in under the greater heading of multiculturalism. The paper discusses the history of multiculturalism policy, the history of gay and lesbian rights in Canada, and concludes by stating what Canada's policies say about the role of the state in Canada.

From the Paper
"Multicultural policy issues concerning French-English relations and Aboriginal policy have continued to make the political agenda since the introduction of multicultural policy in Canada. There have been issues of Quebec separatism and Aboriginal groups continue to launch land claims and fight for self-government. However, for the purposes of this paper, a more recent and current multiculturalism policy will be discussed. Sexual orientation policy, and more specifically, same-sex marriage policy, is a topic on the current Government's political agenda (Brooks, 1998). The issue is a matter of whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legally recognized marriages, and more broadly, what the government's role in marriage should be. The topic has been brought to the political agenda through a number of methods, including pressure from interested lobby groups, international policies of western European countries, and most importantly, rulings of the Canadian judiciary. Recent court rulings have essentially forced the Federal government to examine the issue of same-sex marriage. In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in M.v.H. that the Ontario Family Law Act's definition of spouse was in violation of s.15 of the Charter by not including same-sex partners. The Court changed the definition of spouse in the Ontario FLA to include same-sex partners and urged governments across the nation to update all legislation concerning the definition of "spouse" in order to avoid litigation and similar rulings (Sanders, 1994). As a result of the Supreme Court's ruling, the Government introduced Bill C-23, the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Bill that changed the definition of spouse to include same-sex common law partners. In July of 2002, the Ontario Superior court ruled in "the Banns" case that the restriction of marriage to heterosexual couples was in violation of the Charter and declared 2 same-sex marriages performed at Toronto's MCC to be legal. The Ontario government passed on appealing the decision stating that marriage fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and therefore, only the federal government could decide who can marry. The Federal Government requested a delay in submitting an appeal on the case in order to examine the issue further. In November of 2002, the Justice Minister submitted a discussion paper on the issue of Marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex unions, in which he outlined four possible solutions that the government could take on the issue."

Tags:analysis, gay, lesbian, pluralism, policy, public, radical, rights, statism

Abstract
This paper develops the argument that Canada's current immigration laws do not work and closing its borders to migrants would not evoke a positive response for the national interest of Canada. The writer argues that the international image of Canada in the global village of civilized and humanitarian nations depends upon its accessibility to foreigners.

From the Paper
"Does it follow then that Canada must admit anyone or everyone who calls at our doorsteps for entrance irrespective of our own national interest priorities. Again, the enlightened approach to the issue would be to admit those that are deemed to be able to serve our national interest, as the current Canadian federal immigration regulation would have implied. Or to grant entrance to victims of political oppression in their homeland by brutal authoritarian regimes or permit foreign migrants to stay here on human rights and compassionate grounds, such is the strategic orientation of our federal refugee programme."

Tags:illegal, immigrants, law, national, workers

Abstract
This paper analyzes and compares two very prominent and informative essays regarding the Metis in Western Canada which are included in the work, "From Ruperts Land to Canada". The first essay discussed is John E. Foster's "Wintering, the Outsider Adult Male and the Ethnogenesis of the Western Plains Metis" which explores the emergence of the culturally distinct Metis through a process of relationship building and trade relations. The second essay discussed is Gerhard J. Ens' "Metis Ethnicity, Personal Identity and the Development of Capitalism in the Western Interior: The Case of Johnny Grant" which focuses on the successes and failures of the Metis in economic terms, as well as how the economic situation of the Metis was a determining factor in how they viewed their true identity (European or Indian).

From the Paper
"The essay written by John E. Foster explored the emergence of the Metis as a distinct cultural group. Gerhard J. Ens took Foster's findings and explored the question of Metis identity in the economic realm. The development of a unique Metis identity was a long and complex process that took several generations to solidify. Foster sees the establishment of the Metis group as not European and not Indian in character, but something entirely different. Ens accepts Fosters theory about the emergence of the Metis people as a new culture, but states that the Metis people only embraced their unique identity in times of economic success. When the going got tough economically, the Metis were quick to downplay the uniqueness and distinctiveness of their Metis status and adopt the identy of one of the fathering cultures (Euro or Indian). When economics is not a determining factor, the Metis like Johnny Grant, recognized their special Metis identity and helped to continue the tradition of country marriage and other crucial relationships that allowed the Metis to emerge."

Tags:ethnogenesis, commis, l?homme, libre

Abstract
The essay focuses on governmental representation of women in British Columbia. The central question is "What accounts for the dramatic increase of women in the legislature and, further, has that increase any short-term implications for the broader representation of women's interests?" The paper uses articles and texts by experts on the subject such as Linda Erickson (her article, "Parties, Ideology, and Feminist Action: Women and Political Representation in British Columbia Politics") and Jill Vickers' book, "Reinventing Political Science: a Feminist Approach".

From the Paper
"Erickson identifies a "rapidly developing society, a changing population base, and an economy driven by "industries and their exports" (108) as the driving forces behind the increased participation of women in the public sphere. BC's population increased and changed and due to migration, it became "ethnically and racially diverse" (Erikson 108). Erickson states that those changes have led to a less traditional BC community. She then specifies reasons leading to the raised presence of women in provincial politics; equal proportion of women to men, dominance of the service sector, urbanization, low birth rate, more women in higher education and higher incomes, (Erikson 108)."

Tags:Women's, Caucus, Ministry, of, Women's, Equality

Abstract
This essay examines the continued existence of female genital mutilation and the arguments presented in favor of discontinuing the practice and for enforcing legislation against it.

From the Paper
"There are two things that female genital mutilation (FGM) is not. It is neither an African problem, nor is it a third world problem. This infringement of women's rights has occurred all over the world, including here in Canada. Female genital mutilation is therefore a global problem, which can no longer be ignored, postponed, or buried in the international community's agenda. Secondly, it is not a debate on morality. Instead the debate should be posed as a question of a woman's individual right to be free of circumcision versus the tribal groups' right to maintain its tribal identity through the practice of female circumcision, without state interference. Debating the morality of another culture is an unfair judgment due to the difficulty of shedding ones western values and taking on another. Analyzing cultural values of people through different cultural filters creates misinterpretations and inaccurate assumptions that take away from the seriousness of the issue. With two million girls between the age of eight days and young adulthood at risk of having to endure this practice in primarily unsanitary conditions with no anesthetic, or antibiotics, this topic could not be more severe (Dorkenoo 294). These practicing cultures have the potential to change this tradition, as the Chinese chose to do with their custom of foot-binding (Mackie). Not only does this practice go against all international conventions put into place to protect women and children, but also there is no enforcement by the respective states. Also proponents of FGM point to arguments such as religion and tradition to support the continuation of this custom, it is obvious that those defenses are no longer sufficient to combat global human rights grievances."

Tags:eastern, human, perspective, religion, rights, tradition, western, women

Abstract
This paper examines how Aboriginal art in Canada is often a subversive response to the colonial representations of Canada's First Peoples that produced, promoted and cemented stereotypes. It discusses how this "othering" of Aboriginal peoples in Canada was a tool of nationalism just as much as postcolonial responses to 19th century representations were a tool of reclamation. It also looks at how Thomas King and other Aboriginal visual artists have used postcolonial responses in humorous Aboriginal art to take slices of history and place them in new and unexpected contexts to create new frontiers. The paper also shows how humour in Aboriginal visual art and literature often finds its base in the colonial past and its relationship to the postmodern present.

From the Paper
"The "ethnographic photograph" is a theme that appears more than once in King's One Good Story, That One. In the title story, three anthropologists arrive, camera and tape recorders in hand, requesting stories. The narrator could be a tribal Elder; when Napiao arrives he gives the narrator tobacco, a traditional offering to Elders for their time and knowledge (SAHO 16). Evidently, the anthropologists are already familiar with the local customs; when the narrator "says to Napiao, Ka-sin-ta, in our language, and he laugh" (4), the anthropologists laugh also, although the purpose of the joke in this case, is to exclude the white anthropologists from the discourse. When Napiao finally urges the narrator to tell "old stories ... maybe how the world was put together" (5) the narrator starts with "Once upon a time. Those stories start like that, pretty much, those ones, start on time" (5). In terms of "writing back" to colonial discourse, this short introduction by the narrator is extremely problematic."

Tags:First, Peoples, Indigenous

Abstract
This paper analyzes the William Robinson murder case, and argues that Tom, the Indian convicted of murdering William Robinson, was innocent and that Griffiths, a local white settler was responsible for all three African-Canadian murders on the island. All the factual information from the trial is tied together with the idea that Salt Spring Island was a racist community, that encouraged only white prosperity and settlement.

From the Paper
"For the settlers of nineteenth century Canada, discrimination and racial conflict played a large role in the judicial system. In a case on Salt Spring Island, off the coast of British Columbia, a black man, William Robinson, was murdered and an Indian man, Tom, was convicted with very little supporting evidence. The racial politics of the era caused the settlers to form opinions that were not supported with facts, but that would enhance their lives on the settlement. Convicting a prominent white settler of the murders he committed, that happened to benefit the entire community, was not a high priority for the settlers. They viewed the Natives as a threat to the stability of their colony, and convicting them of crimes was far easier than petitioning for their removal (which they had attempted with no success). By convicting an Indian they sent a strong message to the Native communities surrounding them, and rid themselves of what was commonly viewed as a parasite of society. At that time many Indians were executed for crimes against the settlers, and later some were found to be innocent of the crimes they were charged with . The number of Natives convicted of crimes led the settlers to assume William Robinson's murderer was Indian."

Tags:british, canada, canadian, columbia, history, vancouver, african, indian, innocent, guilty

Abstract
The paper looks at racism in the book "Stones" by William Bell and presents the Canadian treatment of slaves from Haiti during the 1800's. It also gives a present perspective on the problem by analyzing this years NBA's MVP and the controversy it sparked by choosing Steve Nash.

From the Paper
"Reverse discrimination is also part of this much larger issue. This type of discrimination is very contemporaneous and it is usually toward black people, although other discriminated people could "benefit" from it like Jews or Japanese and even immigrants. In the book we learn that Hannah was suspected of witchcraft, but when Garnet and Raphaella met her, they assumed from the beginning she was not guilty and that she was made a "martyr". However, if we analyze the book more in detail, we find that Hannah and her husband, Jubal, did not give up their fait and thus they were not buried in the Methodist Church graveyard."

Tags:ontario, steve, nash, haiti

Abstract
This paper observes the changing role of women in society, specifically in Canada, as a result of World War I. It explains that women's roles as military nurses in The Great War were quite contradictory to conventional women's roles. The paper details the way that this specific duty in the war helped open doors to other advances for women in Canadian society, in particular, and the world, in general.

From the Paper
"As military nurses in The Great War, Canadian women took on many tasks and roles, some familiar, some new; however, all of these tasks and roles would be carried out in a distinctively non - traditional setting. These passages from the diaries of Ella Mae Bongard and Clare Gass, two Canadian nurses whom served overseas in The Great War, serve the purpose of bringing forth the general role of the nurses in World War one. Nurses were generally responsible for hundreds of patients each day, each one a totally unique case. Nurses were responsible for keeping the soldier's spirits up, repairing the soldier physically, repairing enemy prisoners of war, and essentially, watching young men die, among other various lesser tasks. As is obvious, the nurses were faced with the grim, grotesque realities of war and the realization that their countrymen were being killed and wounded in epic proportions. Upon undertaking such a multitude of tasks one would assume that these nurses were quite competent, strong individuals, broken free of all societal gender barriers but historians tend to disagree over the issue of whether or not gender stereotypes were effectively challenged or actually solidified during the war. According to Linda Quiney, women nurses cared not about breaking gender stereotypes but rather "they came to serve the men and they were proud of their service,"3 in reference to the attitudes of young women nurses in The Great War. This comment would seem to suggest that the nurses themselves viewed their experiences in the war as simply a way to support the male population, the same way it has traditionally been. The soldiers who were brought into the hospitals and nursing stations during the war were quite often very sick, mortally wounded, demoralized, and even quite lonely as one might expect. According to Mann, the nurses "displayed a female version of esprit-de-corps. Friendship, humorous escapades - whether in work or play the nurses combined seriousness of purpose with sheer delight."4 In saying this, Mann intends to stress the fact that the nurses not only served to repair the ailing soldiers physically, but mentally as well. Also according to Mann, soldiers still viewed the nurses overseas as "the protected"5 and in return for physical protection the army expects quick repairs of all its soldiers.6 From this perspective, one would be led to believe that women were, indeed, supporting the traditional stereotypes of a gender distinct society in which women carried out "maternal" tasks such as healing and nourishing and the men took upon the duties of providing for and defending his family. In Mann's intro to Clare Gass' diary she specifically states several duties that Gass is responsible for in the hospital: making beds, stocking the kitchen, changing bandages/gauzes, entertaining patients, etc. In short, the nurses were responsible for sustaining the spirit of the men "with a smile, a pat, a cig., treat, or chat." "

Tags:canadian, change, female, rights, role, social, war, woman, workd

Abstract
Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of "The Mosaic." No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their cultural heritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot," which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada's philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbors. The following discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyzes the impact of the structures on each country's society.

From the Paper
"Canada is world renown for being one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. Over the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with 16% of the 30 million citizens being first-generation immigrants. The Government of Canada is committed to a policy of diversity designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians, while striving to achieve equality in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of Canada. In 1991, the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship conducted a survey, which revealed high levels of Canadian values and identity. Six out of ten interviewees portrayed a "deep emotional attachment to Canada" and 95% believe they can be proud of being a citizen and of their ancestry simultaneously. As a nation, Canada is continually becoming more diverse in its practices, which requires residents to expand their knowledge and appreciate other cultures."

Tags:americans, ancestry, canadian, citizen, country, culture, democratic, diversification, ethics, foreign, globalization, government, heritage, identity, canada