This article starts from the theoretical assumption that successful multicultural integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities is critically dependent on providing them with opportunities to engage in public debate and in policymaking. Empowering cultural groups is important in particular to the traditionally vulnerable individuals in these groups, such as women. The argument is applied to Canada, a country whose turn to multicultural policies and an accompanying ethos of appreciating cultural diversity have created new opportunities for immigrant and minority groups to advocate for a pluricultural opening of the health care system. These opportunities can be found in statemonitored forms of community outreach and partial inclusion in the policy process, as well as in grassroots initiatives from immigrant or minority associations or professional networks. Promoting cultural diversity in the Canadian health care sector and empowering minorities in the system are depicted as challenging and, in spite of considerable progress over the last decade, successful primarily with respect to some exemplary practices and initiatives. Examples are drawn from the complex political fight of women with an immigrant or minority background for inclusion, diversity and social justice in the health care system. © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Political advocacy immigrants Women minorities health care Canada

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