...Question: do you think of Canada just as your country, the place where you live, or do you think of Canada as a nation- people who share your values and beliefs? Is being Canadian part of your identity? Write a written response of 1 page double space. The concept of nationhood is a complex one. What makes a country a nation? What is a nation? In this essay, i will attempt to gain an understanding of what a nation is, and why Canada is in fact a nation, not merely because we meet certain criteria, but because we, as Canadians, believe it is so. To define the term “nation” is quite a challenging task. The Student’s Oxford Canadian Dictionary defines a nation as, “a community of people forming a state or inhabiting a territory”. Compared to other resources, this is fairly a simple one. The same dictionary defines a state as “an organized political community under one government” By these definitions, Canada clearly classifies as a nation. Canada is without a doubt, a nation because the country has satisfied the dictionary’s requirement. Still, not all definitions are so clear. One of the most commonly accepted definitions of a nation is one that is ripe with complex and challenging requirements. These definitions often involve a group of people who share a common culture, ethnic origin and language, and they must either possess or be actively seeking an independent government. Even at a quick glance, we can see that Canada does not meet all of these...
Words: 256 - Pages: 2
...Tues Mar 31, 2015 Americanization in Canada Americanization is the influence of the United States on the culture of another country. The influence extends on another countries cuisine, popular culture, technology, political techniques and business practices. Americanization refers to a process of acculturation by populations to American values and cultures. Canada and the United States are allies and trading partners (Gravelle 135). The two countries share a rich history of cooperation with each other. Cooperation between the two nation has been promoted by the fact that the two countries are neighbors. Canada began developing relationships with the United States after the Canadian confederation. The nation began their reliance on the United States for their national defense. Many Canadians believe that the country’s economic, political and military dependence on the United States would not make a difference in their day to day life activities. The Americans have influence more than the Canadian culture. Aspects in relation to media, economic dependence, American propaganda, artists and political pressure from the United States have made Canada too Americanized. The factors that make Canada too Americanized reflect mainly on the social life witnessed among many Canadians. They are viewed as risk hazards because they threaten the traditions and heritage that define the nation as an independent country. The US and Canada have close cultural ties that are advanced by...
Words: 2414 - Pages: 10
...Canada is a nation of opportunity and freedom. People from all around the world immigrate to Canada to start a new life, to get away from war or poverty. But how about those who were here from the very beginning, before anyone else landed in Canada; the ones that are called First Nation people, or Aboriginals? What is the government doing for them? Why are First Nations people suffering the worst in Canada? The first nations have been oppressed by the Canadian society and continue to live under racism resulting in gender/ class oppression. “55.6% of the poor are aboriginals and a lot of them live in reserves around Canada that Canadian government have put them in. Even Though we have signed a treaty to show constitutional and moral basis...
Words: 1000 - Pages: 4
...What is a Nation? A nation is an identity shared by a large number of people based on, but not reducible to things such as ethnicity, language, religion, customs and government. To break it down more you have Ethnic Nations and Civic Nations. Ethnic Nation is where national identity is based on such things as language, ancestry and religion, contrary to Civic Nations where national identity depends primarily on acceptance of the political order. Canada became a nation in 1867 from the fathers of confederation. But what kind of Nation state is Canada, in the beginning of Confederation Canada was a Bi-National state (where two nations co exist within a single state.) The two nations were made up of Anglophones and the Francophones, therefore it had two Ethnic Nations represented, however this did not include our aboriginals. Some people argue that present day Canada is a Multi-National state (where three or more nations share a single state.) This time referring to three Ethnic nations inside of our state, Anglophones, Francophones, and now to include our Aboriginal. However, I do not feel that this represents Canada in its entirety. I believe that modern day Canada is a Preponderant Nation state (Where a single nation is preponderant, but significant minorities exist with the state.) I believe that Canada is first a Civic Nation, our identity depends on acceptance of the political order, however there are many Ethnic Nations inside of our Civic Nation. In order for...
Words: 318 - Pages: 2
...Post Confederation forced Canada to rebuild their nation politically, economically, and socially. Canada was able to grow as a country through expansion and sovereignty, which allowed for nation building perceptions such as redefining and unification. Sovereignty had a large impact on the nation building processes because it gave power to the provinces of Canada. With the passing of the British Parliament Act of 1867, Canada became a Dominion in the British Commonwealth. This act granted the provinces to have power over their areas. Canada also gained sovereignty through the Treaty of Washington; the United States recognized Canada as a separate nation in North America. The United States confirmed and recognized Canada's borders, and Canada was free from the British military. (2)...
Words: 307 - Pages: 2
...Canadian nationalism, and a source of national pride, and identity. The unity, strength, and independence that our nation showed in this fight are the reason why this battle was a key event in Canada’s development as a nation during the World War I. The battle of Vimy ridge was a special time for Canada. Coming together as a nation, all Canadian divisions united for the first time and regained the ridge. After the French and the British had failed, the Canadians strategically planned a way to win. “In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation” – B-General A.E. Ross. Something to take from this statement is that there was now a union, and a sense of nationalism for all Canadian divisions. This was something new, this was the beginning of a journey; it was the start of Canada. After defeating the Germans in the Battle of Vamy Ridge, Canada finally rose up from underneath the shadow of Britain and received credit for its own victory. Although Canada did not become independent and free from the control of the British until 1982, it was recognized as a nation, and as...
Words: 485 - Pages: 2
...The role of the US and Canada in the Great War-----------------------------------------5 World war and its outcome ------------------------------------------------------------------7 Impact of the war on the US –Canadian relations-----------------------------------------8 Modern day relations between US and Canada--------------------------------------------10 American –Canadian economic relations --------------------------------------------------11 Conclusion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 First World War and Canada-US Relations Introduction The First World War or the Great War was a remarkable event in the history of the humanity. It influenced and shaped our modern world to an extent like none else, and the reflections of today’s development traces its route back to the decisions taken during and post-World War I. No one had any idea about the huge armies that would be involved, the amount of ammunition that will be expended, and how many people would die. However, the role of Canada in the war is noteworthy, considering the fact that the nation decided to stand by the Britain’s side during the war with the only aim of opposing aggression. It neither fought for anything for itself, nor did it receive any rewards of the war. In this paper, we will discuss about the role of Canada and US in the Great War, the history of the border regions along the Canada-US boundary during the...
Words: 3402 - Pages: 14
...Canada, a land known for its multiculturalism and friendliness, but also by Stairs for its negative foreign policy. The basis of this argument comes from his observation that Canadians have grown increasingly pompous in their handling of international affairs (1). They have fallen into a state of confusion, where they view their values as superior to those of the rest of the world (1). As a result, their American relations, along with those overseas have been negatively affected (1). This flawed foreign policy stands on the basis of three pillars: security, prosperity, and values and culture (2). While for the most part, these are not bad goals, pillar number three is where the conflict lies (2). This opens the conversation as to whether Canadians truly believe in such values that they are pushing on the international community. Stairs argues that they often do not, and moreover, when they do it is only because they have the money to support them (17). He would lead one to believe that Canada, along with all other nations, are merely self-interested with no regard for the benefit of anyone else. This is not the case. Stairs’ argument stems from the third of the three pillars. This rule governing our actions abroad, was meant to show Canada as an intelligent and cultural nation, but has instead been used to project our values on...
Words: 2250 - Pages: 9
...Is Canada a nation? A nation is a group of people that have similar beliefs, values and common in language. However, it can also refer to people who share a common territory and government. As we know Canada is a nation famous for its tolerance for different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In facts, all the Canadians are treated the same with the same respect, even we are described as a nation of immigrants. Moreover, most of the citizens believe that Canada is a civic nation. However, some of them are certainly think Canada is a country. What makes a country as a nation? Is Canada also a nation? First of all, citizen one believes that Canada is a nation. Although, most of people think that Canada is as a civic nation which as an association of people who identify themselves as belonging to the nation, who have equal and shared political rights, and allegiance to similar political procedures. As she saying, we may not all look the same, share the same cultural traditions, and the linguistic nation is different. However, as Canadians, we are certainly share beliefs and values. We also have freedom of speech, free and fair elections, and freedom of peace assembly. This means, people have a right to say what they want, the right to vote and freedom to join an association. To me, I agree with a person one’s opinion. In facts, we are from many various backgrounds, but we all desired to become Canadians, to make a better life with a democratic, peaceful and tolerant society. This...
Words: 294 - Pages: 2
...Every year on November 11th, there are always people in Canada wearing poppies to show their respect for the veterans who fought in the battlefield and people who were injured or killed in the First and Second World Wars. On November 11th, 2013, McGill University held the memorial ceremony for Remembrance Day. Veterans, McGill students and visitors from everywhere gathered together to celebrate and memorize this day. It was not hard to notice that almost everyone had a poppy on their collars. The red poppies remind people the brutality of war and efforts that Canadians had made to keep the homeland safe and complete. Accordingly every year on Remembrance Day Canadians wear poppies to show that they are not forgetting the history. Therefore, the poppy can be a symbol of Canada as it reminds Canadians the First and Second World Wars which had a deep influence on Canada in such ways that the wars gave Canadians a stronger sense of nation and that they promotes women to fight and gain their political rights, and as it is also characterized as peace that the soldiers risked their life to gain and Canada has always been a peace-keeper in the world stage. (Red Poppy Field, by Irina Sztukowski, 2012) Poppy is a kind of plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and that often blooms in late spring to early summer. (Simon, Chadwick, and Craker, Herbs: An indexed bibliography). Its recognition as a symbol of remembrance of war originated from the poem “In Flanders Fields”...
Words: 2206 - Pages: 9
...coast of Canada, Halibut fishing was even popular in Alaska. After the north pacific Railway was made halibut fishes were able to get shipped farther, this allowed business to increase in fishing. Around 1915 there were many ships bringing in an average of 69 million pounds annually. What is the Halibut Treaty? The Halibut Treaty was treaty made with Canada and America, the treaty concerned fishing rights in the North Pacific Ocean. The Halibut treaty was signed by the Canadian government without British partaking in any signing like they always had. British wanted to sign the treaty too and both Canada and British argued against and for signing the treaty together. Significance This was the first treaty to be negotiated independently without Britain interfering. Before the halibut treaty Canada would always sign treaties alongside with Britain. Signing the Halibut Treaty allowed Canada take a step towards their independence. United Nations The United Nations is an organization which was created / established in 1945. The United Nations is a replacement for the League of Nations. United Nations was created after World War Two, it was made to prevent any world conflicts from happening again. United Nations thrives to help other countries in need and plays a big role in peace-keeping. Canada is one of the founding members of United Nations and plays a big role in peacekeeping along with the 192 other nations. Canada and the United Nations United Nations...
Words: 282 - Pages: 2
...leader through his leadership as Prime Minster and also through serving Canada during wartime. Pearson was the Prime Minster of Canada beginning in April 2nd. 1963, and resigned in 1968. Throughout his role of Prime Minster, Pearson was first hand involved with establishing a sense of Canadian nationalism and internationalism that made Canada stronger and helped distinguish Canada separately from other countries. With Pearson as prime minster Canada at this time was seen as a strong bicultural country. A country that was moving toward as one great nation and other countries were taking notice. Lester Pearson was the son of Annie and Methodist minister, Edwin Pearson. The Pearson’s resided in Aurora Ontario....
Words: 1773 - Pages: 8
...1) What are some of the issues Canadian Aboriginals face in Canada? (Issues may be health, access, education, social class, violence, gender issues, etc.) There are several issues surrounding the first nations people of Canada. For a very long time there has been discrepancies between the Indigenous People and the rest of the inhabitants living in Canada. Although Canada seems to be country that promotes equality, there are still issues regarding the Indigenous People being overlooked. The most prevalent ones we see are those involving the land of the Indigenous People being taken over by mining companies, unequal access to Canada’s health system, high rates of violence towards First Nation’s women, and lower levels of education and income. The most known controversy that is really recent is the Northern Gateway Pipeline controversy. The Project involved building a pipeline that ran through Alberta to British Columbia and would go across roughly 1000 rivers and streams and land that belonged to the 50 First Nation’s groups. There are many residents that live on these territories that depend on these sources of water and land. Canada has a healthcare system for Aboriginals called Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit (NIHB). Since it only applies to the First Nations and Inuit, the Métis and others Indigenous people that are not qualified under the Indian act do not receive the same benefits. It is a complex health system that has resulted in Indigenous...
Words: 762 - Pages: 4
...Government Ministries and Agencies Short Assignment Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada February 24th, 2015 I Responsibilities Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is one of the federal government departments responsible for meeting the Government of Canada's obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Through these responsibilities, AANDC helps to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada role is to support Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to: * improve social well-being and economic prosperity; * develop healthier, more sustainable communities; and * participate more fully in Canada's political, social and economic development – for the benefit of all Canadians. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada funds five social programs. It aims to assist First Nation individuals and communities to become more self-sufficient; protect individuals and families at risk of violence; provide prevention supports that allow individuals and families to better care for their children; and support greater participation in the labour market. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) supports First Nation communities in the implementation of strong, effective and sustainable governments. Research has shown that effective governance is the single...
Words: 1158 - Pages: 5
...DIVERSITY AND NATIONALISM “Diversity is the life-blood of the nation. To trample on the rights of any minority group is to trample on the rights of the nation.” In the source the perspective of the individual states that diversity is the strength of a nation that it is fundamental for a nation to exist. They also quote that when you ignore the minority group which is the group of people such as people of different cultures or countries get disregarded you are disregarding the rights of the whole nation. The point the author of the source is trying to make is that without diversity or a minority group, you basically don’t have a nation. There are many perspectives on whether diversity is good or bad. Robert Putnam states "Diversity, at least in the short run, seems to bring out the turtle in all of us," he writes. He explains further that people in more diverse communities tend to "distrust their neighbors, regardless of the color of their skin, to withdraw even from close friends, to expect the worst from their community and its leaders, to volunteer less, give less to charity and work on community projects less often, to register to vote less, to agitate for social reform more but have less faith that they can actually make a difference, and to huddle unhappily in front of the television." Deidre Blair says otherwise “Where would we be without diversity something that includes not only them, but both you and me. We wouldn’t have variety, or change or ethnic differences ...
Words: 837 - Pages: 4
