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"For here in Canada, I want the marble to remain the marble; the granite to remain the granite; the oak to remain the oak; and out of these elements, I would build a nation great among the nations of the world.".. Sir Wilfred Laurier
Canada is not "a melting pot in which the individuality of each element is destroyed in order to produce a new and totally different element. It is rather a garden into which have been transplanted the hardiest and brightest flowers from many lands, each retaining in its new environment the best of the qualities for which it was loved and prized in its native land." Prime minister, John Diefenbaker

The UBC – Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lectures are signature events hosted by The Laurier Institution in partnership with the University of British Columbia and CBC Radio One. Since 2004, these annual lectures have featured guest speakers who are leading thinkers and visionaries in the field of multiculturalism.

We invite you to learn more about an upcoming lecture. View one of the lecture profiles below or register to receive our free newsletter.

For a digital version of past lectures, please visit our Podcasts

UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture – 2010

Wayson Choy

April 11, 2010

UBC Chan Centre

"Are We There Yet?"

Guest lecturer: Wayson Choy

About the speaker:

Wayson Choy explored his personal view that many of us – whether recent arrivals or long-established citizens – suffer fears that may damage Canada’s quest to become a multicultural nation. As an “in-between citizen” all his life, growing up between values and cultures, he proposes some challenging antidotes – “remedies” – that have both lightened and enlightened his life.

UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture – 2009

The Aboriginal Peoples and New Canadians: "The Missing Conversation"

Guest lecturer: John Ralston Saul

About the speaker:
The award-winning Canadian author and social commentator, John Ralston Saul, delivered the 2009 annual UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture

UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture – 2008

Prof. Will Kymlica "The Three Lives of Multiculturalism"

Guest lecturer : Prof. Will Kymlica

About the speaker:

The Three Lives of Multiculturalism, was delivered by guest speaker Dr. Will Kymlicka, Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen's University, and a visiting professor in the Nationalism Studies program at the Central European University in Budapest.

UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture – 2007

Canadian multiculturalism in ethnic media - "Does it actually exist?"

Guest lecturer : Dr. Karim Karim

About the speaker:

Karim H. Karim is the Director of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University. His book, Islamic Peril: Media and Global Violence has been critically acclaimed and won the inaugural Robinson Book Prize of the Canadian Communication Association.