Thursday, 12 November 2009

As most of North American media representatives, politicians, and senior military brass (yes, even them,) publicly trip over each other in their efforts to appear inoffensive to Muslims when commenting on the terrorist-style attack at Fort Hood by “alleged” killer Major Nidal Malik Hasan, it’s refreshing to hear of a political figure who advances a different approach.

Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has just issued a new guide for immigrants wishing to become Canadian citizens. It is available today.

The primary purpose of the new study guide is to lend some substance to the process of assimilating newcomers into this particular land of opportunity. Prospective citizens are now expected to learn more about Canada’s culture and history before gaining citizenship. They are also expected to embrace the responsibilities of citizenship as well as rights.

One particularly significant feature of the guide, “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” is a section on the “Equality of Women and Men”. It states, according to the National Post, “…Canada’s openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, ‘honour killings,’ …or other gender-based violence.” (Emphasis added.) The writer, Barbara Kay approvingly observes this may be a multicultural “watershed”.

I for one expect to see considerable indignation and controversy among the terminally politically correct.

©Copyright 2009 Edward Podritske