Mandate and Priorities - Identity

Identity is one of the three pillars that represent the Department’s core activities.

Identity strategic outcome: Canadians share, express and appreciate their Canadian identity.

The Canadian Heritage Portfolio includes policies and programs that encourage Canadians to enhance their understanding of their country, its basic shared values and its symbols, and to come together and celebrate their contributions to Canadian society, and to express, appreciate and share in their Canadian identity.

These policies and programs promote our country's official languages, Aboriginal people, community engagement and youth participation, Canadian studies, human rights, and national ceremonies and symbols.

We promote a strong Canadian identity through active and engaged citizenship, and recognize that Canada is made stronger by its French- and English-language communities, Aboriginal communities, and the broader pluralistic communities.

Program activities

Three categories of activities fall under this strategic outcome.

1. Promotion of and attachment to Canada – Promote Canadian identity through building trust, pride and a sense of national purpose in Canadians.
2. Engagement and community participation – Ensure that Canadians are engaged and have the opportunity to participate in the civil, social and cultural aspects of life in Canada and their communities.
3. Official languages – Promote among Canadians a better understanding and appreciation of the benefits of linguistic duality. Encourage the development of our country’s French and English-speaking minorities and facilitate their full participation in all aspects of Canadian life.