In a speech delivered at the University of Oxford last week, the British House of Commons leader Jack Straw pointed to Canada as a model for multiculturalism and civic cohesion. Straw suggested that the United Kingdom could learn a great deal from the Canadian experience.

In the international pat on the back, Mr. Straw gave credit to Canada for having a “more developed sense of citizenship”. The long-time British Member of Parliament commended Canada for balancing multiculturalism with a clear sense of a national community of shared values and beliefs. In his speech Mr. Straw spoke of Britain modeling after Canada’s achievement of civic cohesion. The candid comments were part of a discussion amongst academics and community leaders on the future of British citizenship.

Mr. Straw currently holds the position of the Leader of the British House of Commons. He has previously held a number of other prominent posts in the British government, including five years as Foreign Secretary (equivalent to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs) until May of 2006. Prior to that job, Straw served as the British Home Secretary.