Developing a vast wilderness History and Government of Canada

Province – Political Units Dominion of Canada – Loose confederation of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick that was created by the British North American Act of 1867 Confederation – Political Union Parliamentary Government – system in which legislative and executive functions are combined in legislation Parliament – Central federal government Prime Minister – Head of Government 1. In what ways is the expansion and development of Canada similar to that of the US? Both expanded westward, had immigration from a variety of countries and had transcontinental railroads to encourage development 2. What 2 main factors defined the differences among Canadians by the end of the 18th century? Religion and ancestry 3. What Canadian province or territory was once called Upper Canada? Ontario 4. What Canadian province or territory was once called Lower Canada? Quebec 5. Why were the French and the British interested in colonizing the area of NA that became the US and Canada Both were interested in the coastal fisheries and inland fur trade 6. Explain how the French and Indian War changed the history of Canada? Which European power won control of Canada? British took over New France and the country began to have 2 distinct cultures

What factor was essential in the development of Western Canada? Transportation routes – roads and railroads Between what 2 cities did the first transcontinental railroad in Canada extend? Montreal and Vancouver Where did nearly all growth in Canada’s industry and urban areas take place. Why? Within 10 miles of US border, warmer climate and fertile soil. Close proximity to transportation routes How is Canada’s federal government different from the federal government of the US? Canada does not have a president Senate is appointed rather than elected Canada’s political units are called PROVINCES and TERRITORIES Each of Canada’s 10 provinces has its OWN Prime Minister and own legislature The federal government administers the 3 territories

Settlement of Canada First settlers were migrating hunters from Asia (like in the US) Native Americans settled in diverse groups across the interior. Inuit (or Eskimos) made homes along coastal waters – they were hunters and gatherers.

The Vikings Around 1000 Viking “adventurers” were the first Europeans to reach North America – while there is evidence of settlements – they left no permanent settlements. Vikings are from the area around Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They were pagans worshipping warlike gods. Lief Ericsson, son of Erik the Red, probably sailed to the NewFoundland area. They were raiders known by several names including: North men Norsemen Danes

Settlement in Canada 1497 – exploring for the English, John Cabot landed in Newfoundland and claimed the region for England European exploration and colonization followed.

New france – 16th and 17th century 1535 Jacques Cartier established French claim along the St. Lawrence River 1608 Samuel de Champlain set up settlements in Quebec. The French had 3 goals in setting up these settlements: 1. Search for a northwest passage to India and China (they never found) 2. Develop the fur trade 3. Convert Native Americans to Roman Catholicism In 1663 New France became a royal colony

Colonization by france and britain By the mid 1700s Great Britain and France were struggling for power in Europe and control of colonial lands in many parts of the world. French and Indian War – 1754 – 1763 – The North American dispute was whether the upper Ohio River valley was a part of the British empire or part of the French Empire; the bigger question was which national culture would dominate the heart of North America. British settlers were the majority in the coveted area, but French exploration, trade, and Indian alliances predominated. They fought several wars – the struggle ended in 1763 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris – France lost Canada to Britain.

The quebec Act of 1774 Passed by the British Parliament Gave French Canadians complete religious freedom (Roman Catholic) Ultimately the right to keep their language and religion Reason why today, French is dominant language in Quebec Quebec is the only province with a predominately French speaking people and the official language is French 1840 – Act of Union – passed by British parliament abolished the legislatures of Lower Canada and Upper Canada and established a new political entity called the Province of Canada to replace them. Province of Canada – British colony in North America from 1841 to 1867

Steps toward unity 1763 – British defeat the French in the French and Indian War 1791 – British create Upper and Lower Canada 1837 – Revolts break out in Upper and Lower Canda 1840 – Act of Union – passed by British parliament abolished the legislatures of Lower Canada and Upper Canada and established a new political entity called the Province of Canada to replace them. Province of Canada – British colony in North America from 1841 to 1867 Union of former provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada Ceased to exist after July 1, 1867, when it was re-divided into the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. 1867 – Canadian provinces unit as the Dominion of Canada

Dominion of Canada Canadians had control over local affairs while foreign and military decisions were made by the British. The Dominion was to be a loose confederation, or political union, of Ontario (Upper Canada), Quebec (Lower Canada), and two British colonies on the Atlantic Coast – Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Dominion had self-government but remained part of the British Empire. Ottawa, in Ontario became the capital. Dominion grew rapidly – gained control of Rupert’s Land in 1869 (which had been owned by a British fur-trading company By 1871 Canada stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as Manitoba, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island were added.

Canada in 1867 – When Dominion of canada was passed.

Canada in 1871 – now stretches from Atlantic to pacific Canada in 1871 – now stretches from Atlantic to pacific. Manitoba, british columbia, and prince edward island are added. Newfoundland remained outside the Union until the mid-20th century

Canada today

Steps toward unity 1931 Canada became completely independent. Still today Canada’s symbolic ruler is the British monarch Canada is an active member in the British Commonwealth of Nations – a group of countries, mostly former colonies of Great Britain, that now have equality and protection of the British crown – they work together to promote better trade, health and education in their countries.

What factor was essential in the development of western canada?

Urban and Industrial growth Canadians lived in rural areas and engaged in farming As population grew and natural resources were developed, Canada became more urban and industrialized Eventually, growth takes place within 100 miles of US border. Here, these areas became manufacturing and service industry centers The climate was warmer, land was more productive, and transportation linking east and west was more widely available.

Population distribution

Political patterns 2. Federal System 1. Parliamentary Democracy – consisting of two branches (House of Commons and a Senate) 2. Federal System 10 provinces like states however the provinces have more power than the states in the United States. Each has its own legislature and Prime Minister 3 territories administered directly by the federal government Capital City: Ottawa

Canada’ s primary industries Farming, logging, mining, and fishing are important Canadian industries – account for more than 10% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) Canada’s biggest export trade is in forest products. (No other country exports more wood pulp and paper products than Canada). Three ocean coastlines (Atlantic, Pacific, and Artic) give Canadians access to fish supplies 15% of Canadians earn their living from manufacturing (automobiles, steel, household appliances, electronics

Service industries drive the economy 60% of the GDP comes from service industries Those industries employ more Canadians than all other industries combined. They include (finance, utilities, trade, transportation, tourism, communications, insurance, and real estate) Tourism industry is fastest growing service industry! Historically, Canada’s economy has always relied on trade. US is Canada’s chief trading partner. This is because: US AND CANADA SHAPE THE LONGEST OPEN BORDER IN THE WORLD AND THE SAME LANGUAGE.

North american free trade agreement (NAFTA) 1994, US, Canada, and Mexico Pact made trade easy 85% of Canada’s export went to the US 75% of Canada’s imports came from the US

Dual Official Language French Explorers French language Trading Religion English Settlers English language Government Religon Metis Culture Blends influence of French and native peoples Dual Official Language French & English Inuit & First Nations Peoples

Canada’s population Officially bilingual English-speaking majority – French-speaking minority (Quebec – French is majority) English – Protestants French – Roman Catholics Settlement patterns influenced by harsh environment and access to transportation routes. Canada’s port cities – Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver make up the country’s most densely settled areas. 80% of Canadians live on just 10% of the land – region along 100 mile wide strip of land just north of the US border!!!

Life in Canada today Canada’s service industry employs 75% of the work force Oldest university is Laval – established in Quebec during the period of French settlement 1st English speaking universities were founded in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the 1780s 97% literacy rate! Skating, hockey, fishing, skiing, golf and hunting are popular Canadian love of sport goes back to its native peoples, they developed Lacrosse!

Subregions of canada

Atlantic provinces Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories Eastern Canada is the location of the 4 Atlantic Provinces (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland)

Atlantic Provinces 8% of Canada’s population Small population due to provinces’ rugged terrain and severe weather 85% of land in Nova Scotia cannot be farmed because of rocky hills and poor soil In New Brunswick, forest cover 90% of the land Newfoundland – fierce storms that roar up the Atlantic seaboard Economic Activities New Brunswick – logging Gulf of St. Lawrence – seafood Nova Scotia – logging and fishing (one of the largest fish-processing plants in NA Halifax – shipbuilding

Core Provinces – quebec and ontario

Core provinces – quebec and ontario Canada’s heartland 3 out of 5 Canadians live here Ontario is largest province in terms of population Quebec is largest province in terms of land area Settlement found along Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River Large # of Canada’s English-speaking majority live in Ontario Large # of Canada’s French-speaking majority live in Quebec Ottawa, Ontario – capital of the federal government Toronto, most populous city and banking & financial hub Power Canada’s economy Account for more than 35% of agricultural production 45% mineral output 70% manufacturing

The prairie provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

The prairie provinces Part of North American Great Plains 50% of Canada’s agricultural production 60% of mineral output

Pacific province and territories British Columbia and 3 territories (Yukon, Northwest, and Nunavut) Nearly all of British Columbia lies within the Rocky Mountains ¾ of British Columbia is 3,000 feet or more above sea level. Densely forested 1/3 is frozen tundra, snowfields, and glaciers Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and has a prosperous shipping trade

Canada’s territories Make up 41% of country’s land mass Yukon Territory – pop. 30,000 Northwest Territory – pop. 41,000 Nunavut (carved out of the eastern half of the Northwest Territories in 1999) Home to many of Canada’s Inuit Nunavut is a large, cold, undeveloped and sparsely settled. Nunavut means “Our land” in the Inuit language 30,000 people live in a square area of 820,000 square miles