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Nakhaie, M.R. (2006). Contemporary realities and future visions: Enhancing multiculturalism in Canada. Canadian Ethnic Studies, 38, 1, 149-158.

• Keywords: Immigrant experiences, multiculturalism, civic/political participation, labour, immigration policy.
• Timeline: 1990s-2000s.
• Summary: In summarizing the paper, Nakhaie states: “This article discusses how we can enhance the future of multiculturalism in Canada. I discuss present ethno-racial inequalities in Canada before outlining reasons for the limited success of multiculturalism. Several suggestions are then made regarding what should be done if the policy is to accomplish its goal” (p. 149). Later, Nakhaie observes: “In other words, despite a well-intended policy, there remain significant inequities among ethno-racial groups, most of which are experienced by the minorities. The extent of these inequities is such that some have called Canada a racist society … Such inequities also tend to be responsible for minorities’ lower civic and, even more so, political participation” (p. 152). Reflecting on multiculturalism as a policy, Nakhaie notes: “The future of multiculturalism is unclear. It depends on the operation of capitalism as well as Canada’s attitudes and beliefs toward ethno-racial minorities and immigrants. Economic prosperity and crisis are often correlated with support for and rejection of, multicultural policies, whether it be inclusive immigration policies or the successful integration of minorities in the Canadian economic and civic arenas” (p. 154).