This paper analyses the transformations in Canadian multiculturalism policy since 1971 and the governmental discourse whichunderlies it. An attempt is made to understand to what extent these transformations meet the dual requirement of the recognitionof individual members of minority ethnocultural communities and the maintenance of social cohesion. Justice in a multiculturalsociety requires changes in shared common public culture, changes which can not, however, undermine the existenceof common values without questioning equal citizenship. Justice can not be conceived of only in abstract and universal terms;citizens must share a common public culture, and, consequently, limits must be placed on tolerance and cultural diversity. Ifnot, and as illustrated by the Canadian case, multiculturalism risks making national unity more problematical.