The thesis traces the evolutionary forces that led to the October 8, 1971 announcement of an official policy of multiculturalism in Canada. The examination of the subsequent implementation of that policy between 1971 and 1988 explores some of the underlying assumptions that have facilitated Canada's unique policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework. As well, the examination of the implementation process provides sufficient evidence to substantiate the argument that, although the concept of multiculturalism ought to be part of the Canadian identity in view of immigration trends, the policy of multiculturalism has been a largely symbolic policy which has remained on the fringe of government agendas.