'In the first place, we should insist that if the…
“'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith Becomes a Canadian and assimilates himself to us, He shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, For it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, Or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet a Canadian, and nothing but a Canadian... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is a Canadian, but something else also, isn't a Canadian at all. We have room for but one flag, the Canadian flag... And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the Canadian people.' Wilfrid Laurier 1907”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Equality demands uniform loyalty; assimilation is seen as prerequisite for full citizenship.
In simple terms: Citizenship tied to cultural conformity.
Key Takeaway
Promote inclusive policies respecting diversity.
Themes
citizenship
equality
assimilation
national identity
loyalty
Mood
formal
persuasive
Type
First place:0
Flag Canadian:0
Canadian Divided:0
Loyalty Canadian:0
Says Canadian:0
Canadian Assimilates:0
When to use this quote
- immigration law
- public policy
- community integration
Key Concepts
political theory
law
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- Is uniform loyalty realistic?
- How can diversity coexist with national unity?
A Different Perspective
Forced assimilation can erase cultural heritage.