Human Geography of Canada

Announcements! Pick up Environment Crossword from the back table! Urban Sprawl worksheet due tomorrow (half-daily!) Test review is online! STUDY!!! (tutorials on Thursday PM, Friday AM) Test – Friday

The Indigenous Population Inuit: live in the Canadian Arctic Métis: have indigenous & French-Canadian ancestry First Nation people: “other” indigenous (not Inuit or Métis Make up 700,000 out of 1.25 million who identify as indigenous

A Brief History Named New France in early 1600s; part of this new territory became Quebec Rivalry between France & British ~1670s – Wanted to gain wealth from metals & beaver pelts from Atlantic Coast Eventually: British would drive French away from Hudson Bay territories; would eventually take over New France Quebec Act (1774): – allowed French to keep their language, religion & laws – Extended Canadian territory south to Ohio River  angry American colonists  American war with British

A Brief History 1867: Dominion of Canada established within British Empire – Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick – Created as dominion with close ties to Great Britain – Full independence in 1931, but Britain still allowed to change constitution; ended in 1982 with passage of Constitution Act Immigration boom in late 1800s – Klondike Gold Rush – Fertile soil of Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba (Interior Plains) – Escaped slaves sheltered in Canada in 1860s Immigration pushed First Nations people from lands  apology in 1998, establishment of “healing fund” for reparations 1900s: industrialization, especially after World War II

Canadian Government Constitutional Monarchy w/Parliamentary System Three Important People: Queen Elizabeth: head of state; appoints Governor- General to act in her place Governor-General David Johnson: serves as the Queen’s “go-to” guy in Canada. Will “invite” new PM to create a new government by November 4, 2015 PM-Elect Justin Trudeau: Actual head of government. Will be sworn in November 4, 2015; replaces Stephen Harper.

Modern Cultural Challenges French Culture survives in Quebec – French-speaking Canadians (Quebecois) are minority, want protection for French culture – Many support idea of Quebecois separatism—breaking away from Canada – 1998: Referendum rejects separatism by 1 percent US Role – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has increased trade between Canada, US & Mexico Eliminates tariffs and other trade barriers – U.S. has more trade with Canada  struggle for Canadians to maintain identity with heavy American influence

Population Patterns Nunavut: cultural & economic homeland of Inuit ~25,000 people live in small settlements in the Arctic Increased reliance on government services – Mining – Oil exploration – Pipeline construction – Decline in the demand of fur (hunting) Wealth gap! Very low incomes & high food prices  living in poverty, high suicide rates – Average Inuit salary: C$19,900 ($15,200 USA) – Average non-indigenous salary: C$86,600 (~$65,000) – Gov’t subsidies help with SOME costs, but it only covers food considered to be nutritional. Claim—other food costs are up as a result.

More Pictures of High Food Prices

Society & Culture Two official languages: English & French Christianity = most practiced religion, but many others are practiced (very diverse country!) 99% literacy rate, compulsory education (ages 6-16) Education & health care supported by taxes; paid by government Toronto is a major hub for theater (or theatre )

Prairie Provinces: -Alberta -Saskatchewan -Manitoba