Which Canadian Prime Minister developed the country’s multiculturalism policy?

The development of Canada's multiculturalism policy is closely associated with Pierre Trudeau, who served as Prime Minister from 1968 to 1979 and then again from 1980 to 1984. Trudeau championed the concept of multiculturalism as a way to recognize and support the diverse cultural backgrounds of Canadians, arguing that this diversity enriches the nation. In 1971, his government officially adopted multiculturalism as a government policy, making Canada the first country in the world to do so.

This policy was integrated into Canadian law through the Multiculturalism Act of 1988, which aimed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians while promoting equality and non-discrimination. This initiative aligned with Trudeau's broader vision of a "just society" where all cultural identities are valued and respected.

The other leaders mentioned did not prioritize multiculturalism in the same way. John Diefenbaker focused on civil rights and the Bill of Rights, while Wilfrid Laurier and Stephen Harper each had their specific contributions to Canadian politics but did not implement a formal multiculturalism policy like Trudeau's.