1. Human Geography of Canada
Developing a Vast Wilderness
Three major groups in Canada—the native peoples, the French, and the English—have melded into a diverse and economically strong nation.

2. Human Geography of Canada
Developing a Vast Wilderness
SECTION 1
History and Government of Canada
SECTION 2
Economy and Culture of Canada
SECTION 3
Subregions of Canada

3. History and Government of Canada
Section-1
History and Government of Canada
• French and British settlement greatly influenced Canada’s political development.
Canada’s size and climate affected economic growth and population distribution.

4. History and Government of Canada
Section-1
History and Government of Canada
The First Settlers and Colonial Rivalry
Early Peoples
After Ice Age, migrants cross Arctic land bridge from Asia
− ancestors of Arctic Inuit (Eskimos); North American Indians to south
Vikings found Vinland (Newfoundland) about A.D. 1000; later abandon
Continued…

5. The First Settlers and Colonial Rivalry {continued}
Colonization by France and Britain
French explorers claim much of Canada in 1500–1600s as “New France”
British settlers colonize the Atlantic Coast
Coastal fisheries and inland fur trade important to both countries
Britain wins French and Indian War (1754–1763); French settlers stay

6. Steps Toward Unity 1 Establishing the Dominion of Canada
In 1791 Britain creates two political units called provinces
− Upper Canada (later, Ontario): English-speaking, Protestant
− Lower Canada (Quebec): French-speaking, Roman Catholic
Rupert’s Land a northern area owned by fur-trading company
Immigrants arrive, cities develop: Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto
− railways, canals are built as explorers seek better fur-trading areas
Continued…

7. Steps Toward Unity {continued}
Establishing the Dominion of Canada
Political, ethnic disputes lead to Britain’s 1867 North America Act
− creates Dominion of Canada as a loose confederation (political union)
− Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
− self-governed part of British Empire
Expansion includes:
− Rupert’s Land, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island
− later: Yukon Territory, Alberta, Saskatchewan
− Newfoundland in 1949

8. Continental Expansion and Development
From the Atlantic to the Pacific
In 1885 a transcontinental railroad goes from Montreal to Vancouver
European immigrants arrive and Yukon gold brings fortune hunters
− copper, zinc, silver also found; grow towns, railroads
Urban and Industrial Growth
Farming gives way to urban industrialization, manufacturing
− within 100 miles of U.S. border due to climate, land, transportation
Canada becomes major economic power in 20th century

9. Governing Canada The Parliamentary System
In 1931 Canada becomes independent, British monarch is symbolic head
Parliamentary government:
− parliament—legislature combining legislative and executive functions
− consists of an appointed Senate, elected House of Commons
− prime minister, head of government, is majority party leader
All ten provinces have own legislature and premier (prime minister)
− federal government administers the territories

10. Economy and Culture of Canada
Section-2
Economy and Culture of Canada
• Canada is highly industrialized and urbanized, with one of the world’s most developed economies.
• Canadians are a diverse people.

11. Economy and Culture of Canada
Section-2
Economy and Culture of Canada
An Increasingly Diverse Economy
The Early Fur Trade
Beginning in 1500s Native Americans, now known as the First Nations:
− begin trade with European fishermen along Atlantic coast
French and English trappers and traders expand westward
Voyageurs—French-Canadian boatmen transport pelts to trading posts
Continued…

12. An Increasingly Diverse Economy {continued}
Canada’s Primary Industries
Farming, logging, mining, fishing: 10% of gross domestic product
− Canada is the world’s leading exporter of forest products
Mining: uranium, zinc, gold, and silver are exported
Fishing: domestic consumption is low, so most of catch is exported
Continued…

13. An Increasingly Diverse Economy {continued}2
An Increasingly Diverse Economy {continued}
The Manufacturing Sector
15% of Canadians work in manufacturing, create 1/5 of GDP
− make cars, steel, appliances, equipment (high-tech, mining)
− centered in heartland, from Quebec City, Quebec, to Windsor, Ontario
Continued…

14. An Increasingly Diverse Economy {continued}
Service Industries Drive the Economy
Most Canadians work in service industries, which create 60% of GDP
− finance, utilities, trade, transportation, communication, insurance
− land’s natural beauty makes tourism the fastest growing service
Heavy trade with U.S.: same language, open border (world’s longest)
− 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with U.S., Mexico
− 85% of Canadian exports go to U.S.
− 75% of Canada’s imports come from U.S.

15. A Land of Many Cultures Languages and Religions
Mixing of French and native peoples created métis culture
Bilingual: English is most common, except in French-speaking Quebec
English Protestants and French Catholics dominate, but often clash
− increasing numbers of Muslims, Jews, other groups
Continued…

16. A Land of Many Cultures {continued}
Canada’s Population
Densest in port cities (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver) and farmlands
Environment keeps 80% of people on 10% of land (near U.S. border)
Urbanization: in % of people lived in cities, today it’s 80%
Various ethnic groups cluster in certain areas
− 75% of French Canadians live in Quebec
− many native peoples live on reserves—public land set aside for them
− most Inuits live in the remote Arctic north
− many Canadians of Asian ancestry live on West Coast

17. Life in Canada Today 2 Employment and Education
Relatively high standard of living, well-educated population
Labor force is 55% men, 45% women
− 75% in service industries, 15% in manufacturing
Oldest university, Laval, established in Quebec by French
English universities founded in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick in 1780s
Today, Canada has a 97% literacy rate
Continued…

18. Life in Canada Today {continued}
Sports and Recreation
Popular sports: skating, ice hockey, fishing, skiing, golf, hunting
− Canada has own football league; other pro teams play in U.S. leagues
− native peoples developed lacrosse, European settlers developed hockey
Annual festivals include Quebec Winter Carnival, Calgary Stampede
Continued…

19. Life in Canada Today {continued}2
Life in Canada Today {continued}
The Arts
Earliest literature from oral traditions of First Nations peoples
Later writings from settlers, missionaries, explorers
Early visual arts seen in Inuit carving, West Coast totem poles
Early 1900s painting: unique style of Toronto’s Group of Seven
Shakespeare honored at Ontario’s world-famous Stratford Festival

20. Section-3
Subregions of Canada
• Canada is divided into four subregions: the Atlantic, Core, and Prairie Provinces, and the Pacific Province and the Territories.
• Each subregion possesses unique natural resources, landforms, economic activities, and cultural life.

21. Subregions of Canada The Atlantic Provinces
Section-3
Subregions of Canada
The Atlantic Provinces
Harsh Lands and Small Populations
Eastern Canada’s Atlantic Provinces:
− Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland
Only 8% of Canada’s population, due to rugged terrain, harsh weather
Most people live in coastal cities such as:
− Halifax, Nova Scotia
− St. John, New Brunswick
85% of Nova Scotia is rocky hills, poor soil
90% of New Brunswick is forested
Newfoundland has severe storms
Continued…

22. The Atlantic Provinces {continued}
Economic Activities
New Brunswick’s largest industry: logging (lumber, wood pulp, paper)
Gulf of St. Lawrence, coastal waters supply seafood for export
Nova Scotia: logging, fishing, shipbuilding, trade through Halifax
Newfoundland: fishing, mining, logging, hydro-electric power
− supplies power to Quebec, parts of northeastern U.S.

23. The Core Provinces—Quebec and Ontario3
The Core Provinces—Quebec and Ontario
The Heartland of Canada
Quebec City: French explorer Samuel de Champlain built fort in 1608
60% Canada’s population live in Core Provinces Ontario and Quebec
− Ontario has largest population; Quebec has largest land area
Continued…

24. The Core Provinces—Quebec and Ontario {continued}
Canada’s Political and Economic Center
Ottawa, Ontario is the national capital
Quebec has great political importance in French-Canadian life
Core: 35% of Canada’s crops, 45% of minerals, 70% of manufacturing
Toronto the largest city, finance hub; Montreal second largest city

25. The Prairie Provinces Canada’s Breadbasket
Great Plains Prairie Provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
50% of Canada’s agricultural production, 60% of mineral output
− Alberta has coal, oil deposits; produces 90% of Canada’s natural gas
Continued…

26. The Prairie Provinces {continued}
A Cultural Mix
Manitoba: Scots-Irish, Germans, Scandinavians, Ukrainians, Poles
Saskatchewan’s population includes Asian immigrants, métis
Alberta’s diversity includes Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, Vietnamese

27. The Pacific Province and the Territories3
The Pacific Province and the Territories
British Columbia
British Columbia—westernmost province, mostly in Rocky Mountains
− 1/2 is forests; 1/3 is frozen tundra, snowfields, glaciers
Most people live in southwest; major cities are Victoria, Vancouver
Economy built on logging, mining, hydroelectric power
− Vancouver is Canada’s largest port, has prosperous shipping trade
Continued…

28. The Pacific Province and the Territories {continued}
The three northern territories account for 41% of Canada’s land
Sparsely populated due to rugged land and severe climate
− Yukon has population of 30,000; mostly wilderness
− Northwest Territories has population of 41,000; extends into Arctic
− Nunavut was created from Northwest Territories in 1999; home to Inuit
Territories’ economies include mining, fishing, some logging

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