A Different Nation: Canada Enters the Twentieth Century 1

Still a British Nation Canada was a British Colony, had its own government, but depended on the British Empire to resolve disputes with other countries. This often meant the British government made decisions that did not have Canada’s best interests in mind. 2

The Alaskan Boundary Dispute Dispute was over part of the Alaskan “pan-handle”. Particular concern was the question of ownership of the Lynn Canal. This Waterway provided access to the Yukon, where gold had been discovered. 1903, the dispute was settled. The British, weary from fighting the Dutch for territory in South Africa during the Boer War, did not want to become involved in another international conflict, determined the Lynn Canal was part of Alaska. 3

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Many Canadians believed Britain sold out Canada to keep peace with the U.S. Despite this, most English-speaking Canadians were proud to be British subjects (imperialists supported the Boer War) 5

French Canadian Nationalists French-speaking Canadians did not share the enthusiasm for the British Empire. Descendants of people of New France saw themselves as Canadiens. (nationalists, believing should be separate from Britain). Henri Bourassa, a French nationalist, resigned from Laurier’s cabinet when Laurier agreed to send troops to fight with the British in the Boer War. 6

Language rights – French Canadians lost right to French Language instruction in Manitoba except under certain circumstances, and Alberta and Saskatchewan declared themselves to be English only. Bourassa felt minority rights of French Canadians were not being protected as it was supposed to be under Confederation. 7

Canada’s Changing Population Need for people in the West to develop land for Canada to prosper. Advertised as “Last Best West” to distinguish from American West. Entry was easy if you were reasonably healthy and had funds to establish yourself. 160 acres for $ Homesteaders had three years to build a house and begin cultivating land. Some were successful, but the harsh conditions and loneliness prompted some to move to urban centres. 8

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Not Everyone is Welcome Some did not welcome the changes to Canada’s ethnic make-up. French Canadians worried they would be outnumbered by new immigrants, and most Canadians were ethnocentric, believing their own race or group was superior. Ukrainians and Poles from Eastern Europe were often ridiculed, as their language and customs were unfamiliar. Many Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian immigrants settled in B.C., and suffered from discrimination and racism. (R.B. Bennett in 1907, “British Columbia must remain a white man’s country.”) 10

Canadians were fine with Asian immigrants doing jobs they did not want to do (hauling coal, packing fish, washing dishes), and their cheap labour was generally accepted. But if they felt Asian immigrants would take their jobs, they denounced them. Chinese Immigration Act – Every Chinese immigrant had to pay a head tax of $50.00 upon arrival. There was a Riot in Vancouver (1907). Later, a virtual ban on East Indian immigration. 11

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Cultural Extinction As the west was settled, Aboriginal People found themselves more displaced. The Indian Act saw the creation of reserves. Main purpose was to free up land and avoid clashes like that in the U.S. Aboriginals were encouraged to take up farming, but attempts were hindered. Soil was unsuitable for crops, and they were given little help in the way of tools and animals for plowing. Government would deny them passes needed to sell their crops. Many experienced hunger. 13

Residential Schools – an attempt to assimilate Aboriginal children. Taken away from families and communities by Indian agents, police, or priests and sent to schools hundreds of kilometers away. Overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions, and lack of medical care caused tuberculosis and other diseases spread quickly as a result. Many were physically and sexually abused. They were punished for practicing their culture, and denied contact from their families. 14

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