UBC-Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture Series

Launched in 2004, the UBC-Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture celebrates Canada's diversity by examining the various aspects of today's multicultural society and brings together speakers from many cultural backgrounds who share their views as Canadians.

Previous speakers include Will Kymlicka, Karim H. Karim, Leonie Sandercock, Roy Miki, and Mina Shum.

2008 Lecture Information

The Three Lives of Multiculturalism

Since its adoption in 1971, the multiculturalism policy in Canada has encouraged the self-organization and representation of ethnocultural minorities. But the basis of this self-organization has changed over time. Initially, groups were encouraged to organize on an ethnic basis, defined by their country of origin. Over time, this logic of ethnicity has been supplemented by programs intended to deal with processes of racialization and racial discrimination. And, more recently, we have seen yet another basis for self-organization emerge, as groups defined by religion seek a seat at the multicultural table. In this Lecture, I will explore these three logics of ethnicity, race and religion, to see how they interact, and how they can contribute to the building of more inclusive models of democratic citizenship in Canada.

The 2008 UBC-Laurier Institution lecture was be delivered by Dr. Will Kymlicka on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

Will Kymlicka received his B.A. in philosophy and politics from Queen's University in 1984, and his D.Phil. in philosophy from Oxford University in 1987.

Hosted by Paul Kennedy of CBC Radio One, the lecture will also be broadcast across the country on Ideas (690AM Vancouver) on Thursday, June 19 at 9:00 pm.