[URBAN NOTE] "Monarchy over multiculturalism, says Leamington mayor"
CBC reports on one southwest Ontario mayor determined to oppose monarchy to multiculturalism. The irony of the photo that CBC used to illustrate the monarchs--William and Kate participating in a First Nations drum ceremony--is likely beyond him.
As the royal tour makes its way through Canada, one southwest Ontario mayor is calling on Canada to scrap its current multicultural policies and focus on ties to the monarchy.
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Paterson stood by his Facebook comments Monday, telling CBC he welcomes new Canadians from around the world. But he expects them to conform to Canadian culture.
"If you're going to come to Canada and swear allegiance to Canada, which includes an allegiance to the monarchy, then be Canadian, that's all I'm saying," Paterson said. "Don't force us to change our ways. Come to Canada and be Canadian."
Paterson said he's not criticizing immigrants, but federal programs promoting multiculturalism. To Paterson, those come at the expense of traditions like the British monarchy.
As the royal tour makes its way through Canada, one southwest Ontario mayor is calling on Canada to scrap its current multicultural policies and focus on ties to the monarchy.
[. . .]
Paterson stood by his Facebook comments Monday, telling CBC he welcomes new Canadians from around the world. But he expects them to conform to Canadian culture.
"If you're going to come to Canada and swear allegiance to Canada, which includes an allegiance to the monarchy, then be Canadian, that's all I'm saying," Paterson said. "Don't force us to change our ways. Come to Canada and be Canadian."
Paterson said he's not criticizing immigrants, but federal programs promoting multiculturalism. To Paterson, those come at the expense of traditions like the British monarchy.