June 27 - Multicultural Day in Canada

June 27 is recognized as Multicultural Day in Canada. But that is not all.  In 2011, we will be celebrating forty years of multiculturalism in Canada. Alot has happened in forty years.

On June 27, Multicultural Day, I will be sharing some insights with Ontario government employees at the Ministry of Economic Trade and Development (EDT) regarding the essence of the 1971 Multicultural Policy; why, as a nation, we needed to move from biculturalism to multiculturalism; the significant milestones to show for the relative success of multiculturalism, and what we can expect in the next forty years.

July 1st is around the corner. On that festive day of celebrations, most of us will raise a glass to this fabulous country of ours, and most of us will also raise a glass to how multiculturalism defines us a nation. Right on.

International Women's Day in Sweden

In May 2010, the Canadian Embassy in Sweden opened its new premises in the heart of Stockholm, where it will continue to conduct business as usual, and showcase Canadian talent from all corners of our country.

On International Women's Day, March 8, 2011, the photo exhibit Legacies opened at the Embassy, and provided a backdrop for a seminar on the Canadian integration model, which was attended by the Swedish Minister of Integration. If anyone in that room read the insights found in Legacies, then they will have a clear idea of what integration means for new citizens in their adopted homeland.

Given that the exhibit is also in French, it will stay on in Stockholm and participate in La Francophonie events organized by the Canadian Embassy.

March 8, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.