DEFINING WHO WE ARE AS A MOVEMENT
During the Canadian Conference held in Edmonton in 2004, a committee was struck to work towards identifying and addressing issues related to diversity in Canada that would more accurately reflect Canadian content.
To aid the Diversity Committee’s understanding of “what we are about” (in Canada), please allow us to note some key differences that spawn this request. Namely:
The United States has one official language.
Canada has two official languages.
The United States has one identifiable culture. America is acknowledged as being a cultural “melting pot”.
Canada celebrates a recognized English and French culture and as such, multi-culturalism within these distinctive cultures is encouraged.
Socially, economically and historically, Canada has developed quite differently that our neighbours to the south (We even spell neighbours differently sic. ).
These factors illustrate that Canada is a diverse nation and as such some issues raised by the American based AFM Diversity Committee may not be necessarily applicable in Canada.
Conversely, and with due respect, some Canadian diversity issues may not even register with our American brothers and sisters.
For example, an anecdotal Canadian diversity issue would be, “do we put French on the front or the back of our corn flakes box”
Such an issue would have no meaning to anyone from the U.S. but present that question to a Canadian and you’ll probably receive a wryly smile or snicker.
When asked to chair the Canadian Diversity Committee, I did so with great appreciation to Wayne Morris (President) and to the Canadian Conference. Yes with great appreciation but also with great intrepidation. Who am I but a local officer full of good intentions and grandioso ideas? Do I even understand what diversity is about? ... Not specifically! I don't know if anyone could accurately define "diversity", in less words than are contained in "War and Peace" and "Gone with the Wind" combined.
I am of the opinion that, diversity is a lifelong study and appreciation of those qualities that define each and every one of us as an "individual".
This website is dedicated for the purpose of sharing the AFM's search for a "harmonious" direction for the future.
John Staley, Local 293 - Hamilton
