Visions of Canada Theme 4 – SS 20-1

Contents: Early Visions of Canada Immigration leads to pluralism Aboriginal Concerns

Early Visions of Canada Historically, Canada evolved from a desire for independence, freedom and self- determination Originally – Canada was a set of colonies controlled by Britain Responsible government – an idea that a Canadian Government should be responsible to the people of Canada first, and Britain second – proposed by Louis LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin in the 1840’s

LaFontaine (French) and Baldwin (British) had to put aside their own cultural differences to develop this idea – provided the foundation for the Anglophone-Francophone model of cooperation that would later create the country of Canada Responsible Gov’t achieved in 1848

Confederation 1867 Canada became a country of 4 provinces under the leadership of our first Prime Minister John A. Macdonald Reasons for confederation – join together for defence (fear of an American invasion) and to share in each other’s wealth British North America (BNA) Act of 1867 – Canada’s first constitution – divided governing power between the Federal (national) government and Provincial (regional) governments

Sir John A Macdonald

Canada expands! Opportunities created – more territory for Canada as more provinces/territories are added both west and east – more wealth, resources, etc. – a united nation from sea to sea! Challenges created – French in Quebec felt threatened by a larger British population and immigrants from other parts of the world – gave rise to Quebec nationalism and separatism – a threat to a united Canada!

A nation of nations When British citizens did not show an interest to settle Western Canada in the early 1900’s, people from the Ukraine, Germany, Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe came over Later, immigrants from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Central and South America would come to Canada This diversity of cultures, languages and religions paved the way for Canada to adopt its policy of multiculturalism in the early 1970’s – a policy still in place today!

Aboriginal Concerns Adding territory in the west for Canada meant opening it up for new settlers – land would be taken from Aboriginals for this Aboriginals moved to reserves – this would later result in land claims disputes with the Federal government Creation of “the Indian Act” – gave the gov’t full control over natives and prevented them from being full Canadian citizens – restricted to the reserves

The Struggle for Manitoba Manitoba was created from lands purchased from the Hudson Bay Company Most of this land was inhabited by Metis people – people of mixed native and French descent These people were never asked if they wanted to join Canada – their land was simply sold to Canada Result – rebellions lead by Louis Riel – fought against Canadian forces Riel was eventually caught, tried and executed by the Canadian government The French saw him as a hero who stood up against the English

Louis Riel and his trial

Asserting Aboriginal Rights Natives today say that want to determine their own lives after being marginalized by Canadian governments throughout the years Recognition of their unique place in Canada written into Canada’s modern Constitution of 1982 has empowered them to seek: More autonomy (independence and self gov’t) Resolutions to their land claims and treaties – many groups want control of their traditional lands back

Quebec Nationalism Fears of the loss of French culture and language resulted in the “Quiet Revolution” in Quebec in the 1960’s – a non-violent awakening of French Nationalism Quebecers became active promoters and defenders of their language and culture Rise of separatism as a political movement occurred – lead to the election of separatist provincial gov’t in Quebec Creation of French language laws (Bill 101, Bill 178) to ensure that French remain the dominant language in Quebec