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An Act for the Preservation and Enhancement of Multiculturalism in Canada, passed in 1988.
Canadian Multiculturalism Act Enacted
July 21, 1988, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act was enacted, formalizing multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity. This landmark legislation was highly significant for Chinese Canadians and other ethnic minority groups. It legally affirmed the value of all citizens regardless of origin, language, or religion, aiming to preserve and enhance Canada's multicultural heritage. For Chinese Canadians, who had endured decades of discriminatory legislation like the Head Tax and Exclusion Act, this Act represented a formal commitment by the government to combat discrimination, promote equitable participation, and recognize their contributions to Canadian society. It provided a legal framework for multicultural policies, fostering a more inclusive environment.