From Leitkultur to Multiculturalism: What Canada and Germany Can Learn from Each Other About Immigration, Integration, and Inclusion

As two countries that have developed relatively open processes for immigration and displayed a willingness to welcome refugees, Canada and Germany have a lot in common. Senator Omidvar calls on the two countries to share best practices on private refugee sponsorship, international credential recognition, integration of immigrant children in school, and the promotion of the trades among refugee youth. Senator Omidvar also explores the concept of a Leitkultur (guiding culture) in Germany, as well as how Canada is struggling to reconcile its multicultural image with its racist past. As the world continues to navigate the pandemic and its impacts on migration, Senator Omidvar emphasizes the need to keep an open flow of information, exchanges, research, ideas, and policy proposals between Canada and Germany.