Canadian multicultural specialist Ruben Nelson delivered a presentation in Cochrane to a crowd of around 35 people at King Solomon Lodge Oct. 14.
His stance is that Canada is in serious need of an updated policy framework to better address how Canada can best function as a multicultural society and that Canada needs to better define and address what is expected of immigrants, refugees and survival migrants moving to Canada from a policy standpoint.
“Canada really hasn't thought about where we want to go with multiculturalism," said Cochrane Ideas member, Andy Marshall, who attended the presentstion.
Nelson, a Canmore resident, was brought in by current events discussion group, Cochrane Ideas, to discuss the changes in Canadian culture, multiculturalism and immigration since the 1971 Multiculturalism Policy that he helped draft – all amounting to a need to revise the policy to work for Canada now.
“I have a long record of offering advice to governments that is rejected,” said Nelson, creating a ripple of laughter in the crowd.
A strategic foresight specialist, Nelson has devoted his life to shaping and creating public policy through all levels of government. He is also the current executive director of Foresight Canada.
In their 17th year of monthly topical discussions, members of Cochrane Ideas try their best to bring monthly speakers to town.
"We offer a forum for people to discuss a range of topics in a non-threatening environment," said Marshall.
Marshall said the group has hosted speakers of a range of topics - from suicide and homelessness to building homes in their world nations.
"We deal with issues and try to take a local angle."
