Multiculturalism at the millennium (Canadian policies)

This article reviews the current state of the Canadian discourse about mult iculturalism and looks at some issues that may soon become salient. The ess ay begins with an overview of the origins of policies on multiculturalism, outlines the general shape of research, writing and public discussion on th e issue, and then looks in greater detail at four topic areas that might be said to constitute recurring and central sites of contestation: Unity and Diversity: the National Perspective; Symbols or Rights: Minority Perspectiv es on Multiculturalism; Multiculturalism and Quebec Politics; Theorizing Ca nadian Pluralism. The essay concludes by raising a series of questions that are likely to have increasing importance: the implications of growing "rac ial" diversity; internal minority relations; the place of Aboriginal people s; the possible impact of Quebec separation.