1. Chapter 16 - Perspectives on Canadian Identity SS 20-1

2. Three things to look at What are various perspectives on national identity of Canada? Historical Perspectives of Canada as a Nation. How can different perspectives build a national identity?

3. The Government gets involved It is the job of the national government to get out to the people of their country what it means to be a citizen. Think of Canada Day, what is done in Red Deer to show civic pride in Canada’s birthday?

4. At Issue We are a pluralistic society (as we know). This poses problems at times. Think of nationalism, how do we look after all the people of a country when we are not the same? The government will argue that it is its job to protect Canadians and get identity to them.

5. Official Languages Act Remember, not a big fan of dates, but this is one that you should know. This law is why you have French and English on anything you buy in the store. As well, it also said that other heritage languages should be protected.

6. Multicultural Act Added to this in 1988 was this act that, again by federal law, that supported pluralism with a framework of individual rights (Charter of Rights and Freedoms).

7. Short lesson in Canadian History Canada was not always Canada. We were a colony of both Great Britain and France. A couple of battles and wars, the British won (the reason why we are not all speaking French), and we began a journey to a nation.

8. Upper and Lower Canada The Durham Report in 1839, after hanging here in Canada for a while, he recommended Upper and Lower Canada be joined into one colony. responsible government granted. French Canadians be assimilated Municipal institutions be set-up.

9. All was good but... Think of the French and the concept of nationalism? They were a little choked that they were to be assimilated in the act of Union. Two politicians (Robert Baldwin and Louis La Fontaine) worked together to bring about change to the language problem.

10. Confederation (pre and post) It all started in the Maritimes, as separate colonies they wanted to be as powerful as Upper and Lower Canada. However, UC and LC crashed the party and there was a formation of Canada. It was the Fathers of Confederation brought about the Dominion of Canada in 1876.

11. There are problems The Maritimes wanted to be stronger, however it became a nation, which the maritimes didn’t totally want. Think of this, you come together to make a “nation”, and then someone steps in, more powerful and they take over. You would be angry.

12. Different Perspectives As a Canadian, you know that we have different ideas on what makes us Canadian. We are a nation of immigrants, most came of their own free will, but also many were recruited. It is a big country, we needed to fill it, so bring in the immigrants.