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The Canadian Identity

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Submitted By Arsalan95
Words 1087
Pages 5
ARSALAN ANEES
HISTORY 30 IB
PERIOD 5
MR. RADCHENKO
SEPTEMBER 2012

“THE CANADIAN IDENTITY”

The Canadian Identity

The Canadian identity is composed of characteristics which define a Canadian and consequently Canada’s national structure. Canada is a strong independent country with a wide range of different ethnic backgrounds who stand united under the values of peace and prosperity. Over the course of history, the Canadian identity has maturely shaped into a unique character promoting elite and law abiding citizens. It has made vital contributions to the North American identity as a more multicultural and disciplined society. Canada has also been successful in building upon this identity closely tied to prominent figures displaying high reputations. The Canadian identity is a set of unique characteristics which are centered on all Canadians who value peace, unity, multiculturalism and take pride in their countries achievements in embracing various number of distinct people into themselves under one law and government.

The Canadian identity’s background consists of the Aboriginal, British and French who helped to create an independent Canada and a unique identity which values freedom, peace and prosperity. Canada has the image of a strong and free country. The name “Canada” comes from an aboriginal word meaning “village”. There has been three main founders of this country we call Canada today, namely the Aboriginal, British and French. The aboriginal were believed to have migrated from Asia thousands of years ago before any settlement of the Europeans. Their history forms a great big part of the Canadian identity together with their achievements in the agriculture and arts and their rights being well protected under the Canadian constitution. The English and French settlers played a major role in governing Canada and also providing it with two official languages deeply associated within the Canadian identity. The Canadian identity consists of very unique characteristics as its political system is rooted under the British Monarchy and commits to the Peace, Order and Good Government under the clause of the British North American Act of 1867 which leads Canada to become the only constitutional monarchy in North America. The independence of Canada was peaceful and was vastly different than their southern neighbours who held a strong rebellion. This has played a huge impact on the Canadian identity which led it to highly value peace and freedom accompanied by a strongly built Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Consequently, the Canadian identity over the years has maturely developed valuing peace and prosperity in accordance to the law and has helped create an independent Canada.

The Canadian identity is composed of various distinguishing values and traditions creating a unified multicultural society with a mosaic of different ethnic and regional views sharing high levels of education and a distinctive environment. A key distinguishing element inside this Canadian identity is its unique aspect of multiculturalism, Canada being a very diverse country is also much unified as many people with vastly different backgrounds and races are able to come together and call themselves as Canadians. This precise ability forms the backbone of the Canadian identity and allows Canadians to fully distinguish themselves from their American counterparts. Canada is also commonly referred to as the “Land of Immigrants” as thousands of immigrants every year seek refuge into this very accepting diverse society. Canada over the course of history has become an ideal place live and work for many immigrants and refugees with its personal freedom and safety combined with very high standards of living. According to the United Nations, Canada has been awarded as the most livable place in the world for five consecutive years from 1995 to 1999. A very flexible and unique education system openly available to the population also adds to the benefits of being part of this educated elite identity. This level of educations is renowned and recognized worldwide which creates a comfortable environment to study. This Canadian identity is also known for its chilly winters but Canadians have learnt to embrace their weather as a part of their Canadian culture. Activities such as the Quebec Winter Carnival and the Winter Olympic Games and sports such as Hockey have become a part of the Canadian identity which unites Canadians during these sub-zero temperatures. Multiculturalism has become the heart of the Canadian identity which allows it function and stand out as a diverse yet unified country.

The Canadian identity has shaped into a unique character and has made vital contributions to the North American identity as a more elite, law abiding and diverse society. Canada, as a North American nations shares many geographic and environmental conditions with the United States but these two cultures have taken a almost diverging paths as they have distinguishing characteristics with minimal shared qualities. The Canadian identity due to its peaceful independence has become more disciplined and stronger committed to the law. It has also been influenced by prominent personalities with the likes of Alexander Graham Bell, a committed scientist and innovator who is credited with obtaining a breakthrough in communication by inventing the first telephone. Another inspiring Canadian scientist must include Frederick Banting, a well renowned medical scientist who received a Nobel peace prize for his discovery of insulin. Another prominent Canadian figure who has won the hearts of many Canadians and others worldwide is Terry Fox. He has become into a national hero who had great ambition and gave millions a hope for the cure of cancer. These a just a few of the many inspiring and talented individuals Canada continues to bring who upkeep this Canadian identity. The Canadian has developed ambitious and inspiring individuals who together with their identity have demonstrated their exceptional skills to the world and given the Canadian identity a high reputation.

Since the creation of Canada, the Canadian identity has played a vital role in uniting the various number of diverse societies living together inside Canada. Inside this identity there lays a key element of unity that has allowed Canadians to function as a group and obtain great success and achievements in various political and social areas. This Canadian identity lies incomplete without its constitutional monarchy and highly cherished values of peace and prosperity. Over the course of history, prominent Canadian figures have also demonstrated their skills on a worldwide platform and have shaped this unique Canadian identity with high expectations and become national heroes. In conclusion, the Canadian identity has clearly defined and distinguished Canada’s national character as a united multicultural society which cherishes and follows its laws and values on peace and prosperity.

Word Count: 1086

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