1. The Quest for Canadian Unity

2. Chapter Inquiry Questions;
What is National Identity?
How does the nature of Canada affect national unity?
How has the changing face of Canada affected national unity?

3. Exploring Canadian Unity
Is perfect unity possible with so many loyalties and national identities?

4. What is National Unity?
The notion of unity is closely tied to people’s sense of identity.
This means sharing basic beliefs and values, such as respect for diversity.
During Pierre trudeau’s speech to Ukrainian Canadian Congress he had this to say “There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an ‘all Canadian’ boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.”
Canada is often referred to as a civic nation
Promoting national unity often involves trying to achieve consensus.

5. Forces Affecting National Unity
Both internal and external factors play a part in influencing a citizens concern with national unity.
Many Canadians felt a strong sense of unity during the World wars.
We use remembrance day as a symbol of national unity.

6. Challenges and Opportunities related to Canadian Unity

7. Fragile Unity
Some Canadians believe that the idea of national unity is wishful thinking.
In 2006 a poll found that 1 in every 3 Canadians believed that Quebec will be separated by 2020.
Another poll in 2006 found that ⅓ of Albertans should think about forming their own country.

8. Western Alienation
Some people believe that not everyone benefited equally from federal programs.
This feeling shares a sense of alienation
In 1982, the battle for National Energy Program was at its peak.
Alberta argued over who should control oil development and revenues.
Some westerners desired more of a voice in federal decisions. Others wanted western provinces to form their own independent country.

9. How does the nature of canada affect national unity?

10. Canadian National Unity
Being such a large and diverse country Canadians have very different perspectives on certain issues
For example an issue for someone in coastal B.C might not be for someone in rural Alberta
Within Canada there are many contending loyalties that individuals and groups sometimes struggle to find common ground

11. The Federal System and National Unity
John A. MacDonald and other canadians wanted to avoid civil war from breaking out in canada like it had in the U.S
As a result they agreed that the provincial and city governments would share some power but the federal government would have most of the key decision making power
A constitution in 1982 also gave provinces new rights and powers

12. Equality and Fairness in a Federal System
When citizens are treated more fairly and equally they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging to their nation
To ensure that the all Canadian citizens have equal access to public services (health care). The government uses equalization payments.
Ironically, some prosperous provinces say they contribute too much while less prosperous provinces say they do not receive enough.

13. Quebec Sovereignty and National Unity

14. Quebec Sovereignty and National Unity
One of the greatest Canadian national unity challenges would be the “Quebec issue”.
Some francophones aspire for greater self-determination.
Canada on the other hand is trying to convince Quebec that it is part of a country.
Most Francophones were shut out of positions.
Francophone minorities did not have the same opportunities as anglophone minorities in Quebec.
Francophones could not get jobs in federal government.

15. Official Bilingualism
One of the most important outcomes of B and B commission was the Official Languages Act.
Affirm French and English as official languages of Canada
Preserve and develop official language communities in Canada
Guarantee that federal services are available in both official languages
Ensure that anglophones and Francophones have equal opportunities to participate in parliament and federal institutions such as the courts and federal civil service

16. Aboriginal Self-determination And National Unity

17. Aboriginal National Unity
Aboriginals believe that having self-determination is a right that exists because they occupied the land and self-governed themselves for many years before colonization
Finding a balance between the needs of the people of canada and the aboriginals can create an interesting opportunity and challenge
When negotiating agreements the canadian government says federal, provincial and territorial laws must work in harmony with Aboriginal ones

18. A Changing Canada’s Effect On National Unity
With advancement to technologies, countries start to change. Some believe this change will bring stronger unity while others believe otherwise.
Trends:
Immigration
Urbanization
Aboriginal Peoples

19. Economic Globalization
The world economies have become very globalized and trade agreements have become very common
Nations attempt to provide their people with trade agreements that benefit trade and economic stability but it can also create challenges
Some of these challenges include a nation's ability to make decisions that are in the best interest for its citizens