Artists from all parts of the world today enrich the Canadian cultural scene. A growing number of writers from various ethnocultural origins are acclaimed in Canada and abroad. The Lives of the Saints, filmmaker Mina Shum's Genie award-winning film Double Happiness had an extensive North American theatrical release and Atom Egoyan's films have received worldwide acclaim. All three artists were supported by the Multiculturalism Program in the early days of their careers. Visual artists like Ed Poitras and Stan Douglas, by representing Canada at the prestigious Venice Biennial, are expanding and redefining the perception of the Canadian artist both within and outside Canada.
Multiculturalism is woven into the very fabric of Canadian life.
By recognizing multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity and national heritage, Canadians of all cultural origins have the opportunity to contribute to the common goals of equality, sharing, social justice and economic prosperity.