The author (Mohammed A. Qadeer) notes two defining principles of multiculturalism: (1) the right for one to practice or preserve heritage and (2) equality of rights under law for all individuals and communities. This forms part the urban planning process (most notably when dealing with ethnic communities, neighbourhoods and enclaves). It is a duty of the planner to strike a balance between the social segregation and the integration of these people when making planning decisions.
The chapter draws examples of pluralistic planning from Canada; which has long been a multicultural society and officially legislated its embracement when it revised its immigration law (as well as its Charter of Rights and Freedoms) in 1968. It essentially helped balance competing interests by separating public policy issues from different interest groups' agendas.
Qadeer's example's within Canada could easily be applied to many countries that are part of what's referred to as a 'melting pot' (where cultures blend together). Australia is such a place and carries many of the benefits of a multicultural society; such as Sydney's urban enclaves, Chinatown on George Street and Little Italy in Leichart. It becomes a point of variety and interest in an enjoyable urban environment and, I beleive, it carries the residual benefit of cultural awareness and acceptance.
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