Image courtesy: www.telegraph.co.uk
“Let us overthrow the totems, break the taboos. Or better, let us consider them cancelled. Coldly, let us be intelligent.” – Pierre Trudeau
Living by his father’s principles and inculcating the values in his belief system have clearly made Justin Trudeau one of the most loved Prime Ministers of the world. His constant endeavors to make Canada an inclusive country by breaking stereotypes and encouraging innovation have offered extensive lessons to many countries. So what is it about Trudeau’s work that has roped in the undiffused attention of millions? And what is it that we as a country can partake?
Here’s an efficacious list of Canadian practices that we can imbibe in our country:
Disability inclusiveness – A legal aspect
Article 24.2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities asks that all parties who signed the convention demonstrate the following with respect to education:
- Persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability, and that children with disabilities are not excluded from free and compulsory primary education, or from secondary education, on the basis of disability.
- Persons with disabilities can access an inclusive quality and free primary and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the community in which they live.
- Reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements is provided.
- Persons with disabilities receive the support required within the general education system, to facilitate their effective education.
Legal references: Eminent cases- Moore Vs British Columbia and Eaton Vs Brant County Board of Education.
(Source: Disability and Inclusion in Canadian Education Policy, Procedure, and Practice- Helena Towle)
2. Inclusive policies for refugees
Refugees from Syria and other countries are welcomed into the workplace with open arms. An example from the Diversity Employers for 2016 depicts how employers are leaders in creating an inclusive environment where individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds are recognized and valued for who they are at work, hereby setting an example not only for Canadian business but also organizations around the world.For instance, Rogers Communications Inc. partners with the Career Bridge internship program to provide employment opportunities to internationally educated professionals; Accenture Inc. maintains a global Persons with Disabilities Champions program, which is focused on workplace accommodations; and BC Hydro encourages managers to hire skilled newcomers at junior-level positions, providing a defined career advancement plan, including timelines for performance and development reviews.
(Source : Diane Jermyn, The Globe and Mail)
3. An inclusive and ethnically diverse Cabinet
Justin Trudeau’s statement about his cabinet – “present to Canada a cabinet that looks like Canada.” is self-explanatory. It is not only balanced gender wise but also has a mix of ethnicity which represent the country as a whole. Among its 30 ministers are two aboriginal politicians, two persons with disabilities, and three Sikhs. The cabinet is smaller than its 39-member predecessor and younger overall than past Canadian governments.
4. LGBT Rights for individuals
On July 20, 2005, Canada became the first country outside Europe and the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide after the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act. Same-sex adoption has also been legal in all provinces and territories under varying rules. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public and private accommodations is banned nationwide whilst discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression vary by province and territory. Transgender people are allowed to change their legal gender in all provinces and territories under varying rules.
The Canadian democracy is bringing the need of inclusiveness to light with a fresh take on equal representation and causes for the common good of its citizens.
The term ‘La vie en rose’ might soon be a Canadian reality. Way to go Mr. Trudeau!
