In many parts of the world, ethnic and religious differences have led to civil wars and even genocide. Vancouver, on the other hand, is often held up as a model of how people from different backgrounds can get along.

Think Vancouver is an annual partnership of CBC and the Georgia Straight that aims to elevate understanding on issues of concern to residents of Greater Vancouver. In previous Think Vancouver issues, we have examined housing, the waterfront, and the workplace. This year's theme is Living Together, and it explores multiculturalism, racism, and, in general terms, how people of different cultures get along in Greater Vancouver.

In this issue, these stories are highlighted with the “?Th?nk Vancouver” banner at the top of the page. On page 14, you'll see how senior officers in the Canadian Forces are focusing more attention on recruiting visible minorities. There is also a story about the impact that the Chinese head tax had on Vancouver resident Harvey Lee.

On page 41, CBC Radio reporter Theresa Lalonde explores how St. Paul's Hospital deals with patients who don't speak English. There's a look at diversity and real estate on page 43. South Asian cook and author Madhur Jaffrey shares some of her secrets on page 34. And on page 44, we provide a local glimpse at Diwali, the biggest holiday in India.

Throughout next week, CBC Radio One (690 AM) and CBC Television's Canada Now will provide comprehensive coverage in their Think Vancouver: Living Together series. It will address a wide range of topics, including racism, religion, marriage, multiculturalism in the arts, and demographic changes.

Here's just one example. On Tuesday (October 17), newspaper publisher Nick Noorani talks about his family's experience with racism in the school system on CBC Radio One's The Early Edition, which is broadcast from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The same day, Noorani will also appear on Canada Now, which begins at 6 p.m.

Finally, Think Vancouver presents a public forum at SFU's Surrey campus next Thursday (October 19), from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To attend, or learn more about programming and our most-diverse-family-in-the-region contest, visit www.cbc.ca/thinkvancouver/.