by Eric Goudie

Created on: January 13, 2010   Last Updated: December 22, 2010

Ontario’s cultural landscape is vibrant, open and diverse. Multiculturalism has been the modus operandi throughout the Dominion of Canada since the 1970’s, and the over 13 million people who call Ontario home represent virtually every corner of the globe.

There’s more to Ontario’s culture than Niagara Falls, The Stratford Festival and the quiet majesty of the northern landscape. Only in Ontario could a person wake to the sounds of an American country music radio station, have breakfast in a Thai restaurant, lunch in a Greek one, then buy supper from a Korean grocer, and go home to watch the hockey game with Punjabi-language commentary.

Ontario is even more culturally diverse than the rest of Canada. According to the 2001 census 44% of the population of Toronto alone was comprised of immigrants, and first and second generation Canadians from all ethnic backgrounds can be found throughout the province. 

By and large Ontario’s many diverse cultures live together in relative harmony, both with each other, and with the descendants of the white Europeans (mostly from Great Britain) who colonised central Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries and who still form the largest percentage of the population.

Problems do persist, especially when it comes to the language barrier. Too many native-born Ontarians become quickly frustrated when trying to comprehend the halting English and thick accents of immigrants, and see poor language skills as a sign that newcomers are more interested in retaining their own language and culture than fully integrating into Canadian society. Fortunately these attitudes are changing, slowly but surely.

And while most Ontarians enjoy considerable wealth and security the poverty, crime, substance abuse and sub-standard living conditions of many aboriginal Canadians living on reserves is an ongoing embarrassment.

But despite the challenges Ontario is one of the most open and accepting provinces in one of the most open and accepting countries on Earth.  Men and women enjoy complete equality.  Homosexuality is not a crime. Same-sex marriage is legal. People are free to practice any religion they choose. The press is free of any political interference, all views that do not promote hatred may be heard, and peaceful protest is quite common. Healthcare and education are free and universal.

This is Ontario’s culture. It’s so much more than just the CN Tower, maple syrup, Mike Myers and Avril Lavigne. Tolerance, diversity, and respect – these are the things that make Canada in general and Ontario in particular one of the best places in the world in which to live, work and raise a family, and why it feels so great to call it home.

Learn more about this author, Eric Goudie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.