Speech to the National Ethnic Press and Media Council

Liberals believe that Canada is much more than the sum of its parts, and that we are stronger not despite our differences, but because of them. We are the party of official multiculturalism, a concept that we enshrined in Canada’s Constitution.

Unfortunately, the Conservatives have chosen again and again to divide communities – by race, religion, language and national origin – for partisan advantage. By indulging in a multiculturalism of political wedges and pandering, we shred the soul of true Canadian multiculturalism – the equal respect and equal citizenship that’s written into our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Family reunification

Family reunification must remain a crucial part of Canada’s immigration policy. After five years of reductions in family class immigration under the Harper government, Liberals will restore balance by increasing family class visas.

Liberals will never pick and choose which groups are entitled to respect and fair treatment. We will work to bring all Canadians together with the same message in every region, in every place of worship and in every language. A Liberal government will focus on facilitating the civic engagement of all Canadians and on building networks between communities to create opportunities for success that will help move Canada forward.