1. Canada

2. Population Patterns The People – Immigrants came to Canada for political, religious and economical issues. Educational opportunities and refuge from war are a few other reasons. Many loyalists fled to Canada to remain loyal to the British government following the American Revolution. – Some immigrants were able to keep their culture and way of life. The mix of ethnic origins varies from province to province. More than 1/3 of Canadians identify themselves as being of mixed ethnic origins.

3. Density and Distribution Much of Canada is inhospitable to human settlement due to the rugged terrain and bitter cold. 90 percent of the population lives along the U.S.- Canada border. The average population density is approximately 8 people per square mile. Recently, most migration has been west to the Prairie Provinces. Urban Areas Most of Canada’s population lives in urban areas. Most of Canada’s industry and trade is handled in its four major cities. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton

4. Population Patterns History and Government Early Inhabitants and Settlers – Approximately 200,000 natives living in the area when the Europeans arrived. – John Cabot and Jacques Cartier helped establish European claims to Canada. Natives picked sides during conflicts between the British and French, and came under their rule. – Rivalry over land began in 1670 between Great Britain and France. The two nation’s interests clash over issues along the Atlantic Coast. The British were able to gain control of the Hudson Bay area, Quebec and New France. However, the French were still able to settle the area, and keep their language, religion and laws.

5. History and Government A United Government – Fears of being taken over by the United States forced Great Britain and France to work together. In 1867 four colonies united as provinces of the Dominion of Canada. This was a new country under the British empire. Over the next 100 years, five more colonies became provinces. – Canada began as a dominion, but eventually gained its full independence in 1931. Great Britain still held the right to make change to the Canadian Constitution.

6. In 1982 the link to England was finally severed, and a constitutional monarchy is now in place. The British monarch serves as the head of state, but appoints a governor- general to act in its place. Prime minister is the true head of the government. The national legislature includes the Senate and the House of Commons. The Supreme court is Canada’s highest court, and it consists of nine judges. Expansion and Diversity With the encouragement from the British government, one million British citizens immigrated to Canada between 1815 and 1855. Fueled a sense of French nationalism that grew and continued to surface throughout Canadian history.

7. – Immigration from other parts of the world began in the late 1800’s. Sheltered enslaved people who escaped from the U.S., and refused to recognize laws that punished runaways. – Expansion came at a cost as Native Americans were forced from their lands. In 1998, the Canadian government apologized and made reparations. Modern Challenges – The FTA and the NAFTA have eliminated tariffs and any other trade barriers between Canada and the United States. – The relationship between the two countries has led to economic prosperity, but has also led to some disadvantages for the Canadian culture. Canadians struggle to maintain a separate identity from the United States. Some French- speaking Canadians want to protect their culture.

8. Culture Language and Religion – English and French are Canada’s two official languages. English is the most common language, but in the province of Quebec, French is the dominant Language. – Christianity makes up the largest religious group in Canada. Education and Health Care – Has a network of public and private schools. Children are required to attend school from age 6 to 16. Each province is responsible for its own public education

9. Canada’s government helps pay for its citizens health care. Believe that everyone should have access to high quality medical treatment. Federal government sets standards, but each province is responsible for finance and management. Due to the increase in life expectancy, the cost for delivering health care has increased. The Arts Has been influenced mainly by British, French, American and native cultures. Since the 1950s, the Canadian government has put an emphasis on locally produced culture products. Group of Seven was a group of painters that showed the rugged landscape of northern Canada.

10. – French explorers, missionaries and settlers wrote the earliest Canadian literature. – Toronto is highly regarded in the areas of theater and music. Ranks behind only London and New York City as a production center. Family Life – Canada is one the wealthiest countries in world, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. – Married- couple families account for 70 percent of all households in Canada. 60 percent of these households have children. – Family size has diminished to a new low mark. – Canada also has an aging population. 1 in 6 Canadians is 65 or older, however, in 1970 only 1 in 10 were 65 or older. – Canada has among the worlds highest average life expectancy at 80 years.