Canada
Physical Geography
Landforms Canada’s mountainous eastern and western edges create a central region of fertile plains.
Collisions of tectonic plates thrust up a series of sharp-peaked mountains, like the Pacific Ranges and Rockies.
Wide range of climates, from frozen tundra to humid continental, support a variety of wildlife.
Abundant water and energy resources make up Canada’s great natural resource wealth.
Water Systems Canada’s plentiful freshwater lakes and rivers support the needs of people and industries in both cities and rural areas.
St. Lawrence River one of Canada's most important rivers forms part of the border between the US and Canada Along with Great Lakes – one of the worlds most important shipping routes
The Niagara Falls, also on the border, is a key source of hydroelectric power.
The Canadian Shield Giant core of rock anchoring North America Centered on Hudson Bay and James Bay
Climate, Biomes, and Resources Ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current, play a key role in Canada’s large variation in climates.
Canada has a variety of biomes that support abundant forms of plant and animal life.
Fisheries as well as timber, energy, and minerals are important to Canada's economy.
The Athabasca Tar Sands make Canada a leading petroleum-producing country.
Which climates appear in the US, but are absent in Canada? Why is the St. Lawrence River so important? What exactly is the Canadian Shield?
First Nations – Native American people of Canada
Human Geography of Canada
History and Government Indigenous groups Inuit First Nations French and British colonists Foundation for Canadian cultures
Originally British colony 1931 – Became a dominion – gained independence
Canada - constitutional monarchy Power divided into three branches of government: Legislative Executive Judicial
Population Patterns Ethnicity varies from province to province 25 percent of population identify from mixed origins
About 90 percent of population lives within 100 miles of U.S. border More temperate climate Easy access to commerce
About 81 percent of population live in urban areas: Montreal Vancouver Toronto Ottawa – Capital City
Which climates appear in the US, but are absent in Canada? Why is the St. Lawrence River so important? What exactly is the Canadian Shield?
Who are the First Nations? Which two European countries settled Canada? When did Canada gain its independence? From whom? What type of government does Canada currently have?
Society and Culture Immigration has helped create multicultural society
English and French – Canada’s two official languages.
Today’s average family decreased to three members More women entered the workforce
The arts (theater and music) highly regarded in Canada, Toronto – third-largest production center in English-speaking world
Economic Activities Natural resources essential to Canadian economy Account for more than 58 percent of exports
Advancement of technology and reliable transportation systems has helped spur economic growth across the country
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 1994 Mexico, US, Canada Agree to reduce/eliminate tariffs on goods traded amongst themselves Canada’s main trade partner - - - United States
Faring better than US since 2008 recession Due to more conservative lending in real estate market Greater stability in housing prices Lower unemployment rates Compared to US and Europe
Which climates appear in the US, but are absent in Canada? Why is the St. Lawrence River so important? What exactly is the Canadian Shield?
Who are the First Nations? Which two European countries settled Canada? When did Canada gain its independence? From whom? What type of government does Canada currently have?
Who is Canada’s number 1 trade partner? What is NAFTA? Explain Who is Canada’s number 1 trade partner?
People and Their Environment: Canada
Managing Resources Many natural resources suffered due to: Fishing Logging Mineral/oil and gas extraction
Calls for federal protection and conservation efforts have increased to protect existing resources and to develop renewable ones
Without conservation, rare ecosystems such as the boreal forest could be destroyed.
Human Impact Acid rain contaminates lakes, streams, and rivers. Pollution in the United States can also negatively affect the environment in Canada
Industrial pollution in waterways can harm water supplies and all who depend on them.
Canadian and US governments continue to work together: To improve water quality To encourage resurgence of some fish populations
Addressing the Issues Provinces individually take action to address climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Energy and Green Economy Act Ontario Promotes green energy through conservation and financial incentives
Government exploring alternative energy sources Wind Solar power
Initial reports are positive, Time needed to see which methods of alternative energy will be successful
Which climates appear in the US, but are absent in Canada? Why is the St. Lawrence River so important? What exactly is the Canadian Shield?
Who are the First Nations? Which two European countries settled Canada? When did Canada gain its independence? From whom? What type of government does Canada currently have?
Who is Canada’s number 1 trade partner? What is NAFTA? Explain Who is Canada’s number 1 trade partner?