Multiculturalism is not what some people think.

According to CBC News' website, The Muslim Canadian Congress wants the federal government to ban two kinds of garments, the burka and the niqab, worn by some women. (link) Now, I don't have any info on the feds' response to this, but I can imagine it will be basically "no", drawn out to 500 words. I support a ban of face-covering garments insofar as all situations which have likewise banned them. I don't see why or how we would enforce a complete ban in the true sense of the word.

It brings up an interesting (and common) argument about integration and multiculturalism. Canada is well known for being "multicultural" but how many people really stop and think of what that means.

To me, it means I'm not the only one who sees things like I do, but there are plenty of folks who see things differently too. This means I should to find a way to integrate my lifestyle with the co-existent lifestyles that differ from mine. Be me, but only up to the point where other people are able to be themselves too. It boils down to this: You know you can't make everyone happy, but that is your aim, regardless.

Many lifelong Canadians get up in arms whenever established norms are challenged by those who "got off the boat". I often find myself saying, "whoah, there pal, you're free from persecution over here, but this is Canada. You're here now, so act like it." Some think this sounds intolerant and un-Canadian-like. Well, I give you this to chew on then...

"The Government of Canada ... encourages these communities to participate fully in society by enhancing their level of economic, social, and cultural integration." -- Citizenship and Immigration Canada

To me, that's a neighbourly way of stating that being free in Canada does not give you complete freedom. It does not guarantee you will be allowed to do whatever you did before you came here. It does not guarantee that practices accepted abroad for thousands of years will be accepted or even tolerated here or now. Your ways are important to you, but everyone else's ways are important to them, as well -- especially with regard to safety and ethics. So, a common agreement must be sought in all things.

Unsafe or unethical practices, whether in the context of a belief system or not, are generally made unlawful for the greater good of all. If you belong to a religion or sect which requires acts or behaviour that are construed as unsafe or unethical, it is likely that this behaviour will be treated harshly. If not by the law, then by the general Canadian public.

So you're used to wearing a facial mask everywhere? Here in Canada, it makes you appear deceitful, secretive, even dangerous.

Carrying weapons was normal? Not here, bucko. Chill out.

Being born with a penis used to automatically grant you executive privilege? Nope. You'll have to prove you're a leader the hard way now.

Your religion says that everyone else is lesser creature than you? Well, that's too bad. You're in Canada where that thinking just makes you lonely.

These are things that are you'll just have to deal with. On the other hand, in exchange for losing those pieces your "identity" (puh-leez) you get to enjoy smiling faces, free health care, the ability to create and run your own business, join any religion you want (or none at all!!) and be less fearful for your children.

Canada is multicultural, yes, but it has an identity and a culture of its own. We have community standards, customs, rules and regulations. Canada is not something just waiting to be picked up and re-configured by everyone who finds it. The sooner everyone gets that straight the better.