Chinese Medicine sans Chinese: The Unequal Impacts of Canada's "Multiculturalism within a Bilingual Framework". (11th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ijaz, Nadine; Boon, Heather
• Is Part Of: Law & policy. Volume 40:Number 4(2018:Oct.)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 397
• Publication Date: 2018-10-11
• Subjects: Public policy (Law) -- Periodicals; 340
• DOI: 10.1111/lapo.12112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-8240

Abstract

Abstract : This work presents a critical analysis of the unequal consequences that may arise in a multiculturalist state when language is conceptually divorced from the human rights protections afforded to ethnicity and national origin. Drawing on the results of twenty‐three qualitative interviews and a review of publicly available documents, our interpretive policy analysis examines the rationale, process, and impacts surrounding the controversial linguistic communication and policy approach taken by a regulatory body governing practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine in Canada's multiethnic province of Ontario within an English–French bilingual policy environment. Our findings suggest a conceptual foundation for more equitable policy making based on principles of demographics and demand in jurisdictions concurrently characterized by state multiculturalism policies, significant ethnocultural pluralism, and a commitment to the principle of substantive equality.