Canadian Citizenship: Citizenship

Curious Obsession Dept: Still, it s a curious obsession for a government to equate historical commemoration with the celebration of citizenship. It speaks to the determined efforts of the Conservatives to push back on the post-1960s definition of Canadian citizenship as a modern and multicultural entity to one anchored in symbols of the past. And it refocuses the emphasis from broader social history to one driven by military deeds, political leaders and historical dates, according to Globe and Mail. Let s start with 2013. This year marks the 100th anniversary of an important milestone: In 1913, the number of immigrants to Canada peaked at 400,000. It was a high-water mark until the onset on fighting in Europe brought an end to the biggest boom in Canadian immigration, before or since. For millions of Canadians, this is the era that started their family experience in Canada and retirement beckons These are worthy markers to reflect on. And this shift may lift some of the cumbersome baggage of multiculturalism for those of us who don t identify as hyphenated Canadians. But how about we celebrate some dates that have less to do with the British Crown or Great Men, and more with who we are as Canadians? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.