At the risk of eliciting claims of cultural insensitivity, we suggest Canada finally begin aggressively promoting a melting-pot mentality to offer a balance to the shaky foundation of multiculturalism.

The umpteenth example of archaic customs and beliefs having a potential impact on common sense in Canada can be found at 2688 West Mall, a luxury high-rise on the grounds of the University of B.C. in Vancouver.

Eighty per cent of residents are Asian. Many have paid $1 million or more for their units.

When they heard of plans for a hospice to be built next door, dozens of the Asian residents protested, citing as it being a 鈥渃ultural taboo鈥� in China to live close to dying people.

Perhaps protest organizer Janet Fan and her wealthy Asian neighbours have far too much money to bother integrating with Canadians.

Some immigrant communities tend to remain isolated in distinct enclaves, and are not aware that Canadian culture does not allow for ridiculous superstition to trump the care of the terminally ill.

Perhaps because there is such a fear of speaking out against lamentable customs and traditions brought to Canada, we never stop shaking our heads and (silently) disagreeing when yet another custom flies in the face of Canadian common sense, if not the culture.

Fan told The Globe and Mail her concerns are 鈥渁ll about cultural sensitivity.

鈥淲e came here as new immigrants with our own belief system. And, in our beliefs, it is impossible for us to have dying people in our backyard,鈥� she said.

That may be the case in China. But in Canada, our belief system involves caring for the dying in a dignified way, bereft of discrimination.

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