1. Canada’s History

2. What impact did Europeans have on Canada?
The British and the French established settlements across North America
In time, Canada was ruled by Great Britain.
Quebec – many French speakers
1763 – Great Britain got control of Canada as a result of the French and Indian War
70% of Canadians speak English as a first language
20% speak French – although 81% of people in Quebec speak French as a 1st language (FRANCOPHONE)

3. Religion… French settlers were Roman Catholic
Today, about 80% of people in Quebec are Catholic
44% of all Canadians are Catholic
British settlers were non-Catholic Christians.
Other religions are practiced as well…Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism (all brought from other nations)

4. How did Canada become an independent nation?
PEACEFULLY!!!
By the mid-1860’s, people in Canada wanted to be united
They asked the British Parliament to create a constitution allowing for increased self-government
Some Canadians worried that the US would invade

5. Independence cont…
The British North American Act of 1867 – put together provinces of N.B., N.S., Ontario, & Quebec. They became known as the Dominion of Canada.
Could have own parliament and prime minister
NOT allowed to make treaties with other nations
REQUIRED to be apart of British military
Monarch of Great Britain would be the same for Canada

6. Independence cont…
Many Canadians served under the British in WWI & WWII
In 1931 – British Parliament granted independence to Canada
1982 – all links were broken between Canada and Great Britain
Exception – the two nations still share the same monarch

7. What about Quebec?
Most Canadians want to keep the French speaking citizens as part of Canada
However, some people in Quebec want to be independent. (SEPARATISTS)
They believe that Quebec cannot keep its French language and culture in a country where most people have English as a first language.
The people have voted on this issue and both results were to keep Quebec part of Canada

8. Quebec cont…
The gov’t of Canada has passed several laws to help Quebec’s citizens preserve their language and culture.
Canada is officially bilingual
Quebec had been labeled a “distinct society”
In Quebec, French is the only official language. English may be used anywhere but only after French.
Some are happy, some are not…what will happen?

9. Government of Canada
CONSTITUTIONAL
MONARCHY – the monarch of the UK is head of state and a symbol
PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY – citizens elect members of Parliament who then choose a Prime Minister.
Constitution – limits the power of the monarch
FEDERAL – power is divided between the central gov’t as well as the provinces.
Each province has their own parliament and their own leader called a premier.
Rights of the people:
VOTE – 18 & older
Many political parties
Travel and Trade
Excellent Courts