Output a stream of consciousness before answering the following. Context: The Canadian Multiculturalism Act (the Act) is a law of Canada, passed in 1988, that aims to preserve and enhance multiculturalism in Canada.

Question: when was the multiculturalism policy of canada passed?
The relevant information to answer the above question is: The Canadian Multiculturalism Act (the Act) is a law of Canada, passed in 1988, that aims to preserve and enhance multiculturalism in Canada.
The answer: 1988.