CanadaCanada

Government, Parties, Government, Parties, Economics and GeographyEconomics and Geography

Historical Roots

• Natives lived throughout the continent and were “discovered” in the 1500’s.

• From 1689-1763 the French and British colonists fought four wars over land.

• The French and Indian War saw the British defeat the French in 1759 at the Battle of Quebec.

• The French left Canada in 1763 and later sold Louisiana to the U.S. in 1803.

• The British would turn to taxing their colonies to pay for the costly struggle with France…

British Control of Canada

• The U.S. were unsuccessful form driving the British from North America during the revolution.

• In 1867 created the Dominion of Canada giving the Canadians a federal type government and some autonomy.

• In 1931, Canada achieved their total independence.

Creating a Dual Society

• In 1763, there were 70,000 French colonists left in Quebec.

• In 1774, the British assured the French they could maintain their language, laws and culture.

• There was a need to keep a united Canada to remain separate from the United States.

Discontent and Conflict

• The Quebecois felt they were discriminated against by English speaking Canada.

• Starting in the 1960’s the Quebecois began pressing for changes.

• In 1974 Quebec made French the official language and drove many English speaking Canadians away.

• In 1995, a referendum on separation failed by a narrow margin.

Multi-Cultural Society

• Stark contrast to the “melting pot,” that began with the recognition of the dual society.

• Respect and valuing of every culture in Canada from the Inuit to the recent immigrant.

• Waves of immigration in the 60-’s and 70’s form southeast Asia and in the 80-’s and 90’s from east Asia.

Ethnic Composition of Canada

English 40%

French 27%

European 20%

Other 11%

Inuit 2%

Canadian Issues Today

• Issues surrounding the border in light of 9/11 and American security concerns.

• Cultural impact of the United States.• Economic effect of U.S.

– We are 75% of their exports– They are 25% of ours

• We don’t know much about them—they know everything about us.

Canadian Canadian GovernmentGovernment

The Canadian Constitution

• The British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada in 1867, it delivered independence (within the British commonwealth) without revolution.

• In 1982, the Canadian Parliament passed the Constitution Act that includes fourteen acts of the British Parliament, 7 acts of the Canadian Parliament and four U.K. Orders-in-Council.

Constitutional Monarchy

• Separation of State and Government• Authority of the Queen in the Governor

General of Canada, is the head of State.• All Canadian laws begin with, “Her

Majesty, by and with the consent of the Senate and House of Commons, enact as follows…”

• Serve as ceremony and may (rarely) act as a check on parliamentary or political problem or crisis.

Parliamentary System

• Executive and Legislative Branch combined

• Bi-Cameral Parliament• No “Term of Office” like the U.S. • Elections are called to from new

“Governments”• Political parties play a stronger role in

shaping how the government is set up in Parliament.

Elections

• Held at the call of the Prime Minister or when the Parliament approves a “No Confidence” vote.

• The political party who wins a majority of seats will form a government, their leader becomes Prime Minister, and he/she will select a cabinet.

• If there isn’t a majority party, they can form what is called a “minority” government by uniting parties to gain a majority.

• Some call it a “coalition” and often minor parties join to gain minister positions in the cabinet.

The Prime Minister

• Normally a member of the House, the PM is automatically appointed by the Governor General and is recognized as the head of government.

• The PM’s power has increased over time where once he/she was to be more of a team captain now it’s evolved into more of a president.

• The current PM of Canada is Steven Harper a conservative from Calgary Alberta.

Political Parties

• Play a greater role in the actual governing of the country.

• Voters examine issues and often vote according to how they feel about the platform or statement of policies.

• Winning parties can cite the mandate from the electorate to put their programs in effect and pass legislation.

Conservatives

• Current government• Leader is Steven Harper from

Calgary, Alberta• A right-of-center party,

formed by the merger of the PC’s and Alliance to provide opposition to the Liberals.

• Strong in the west and in Ontario

Liberals • Lost power in January 2006 after

many years in power and is still reorganizing.

• Michael Ignatieff was elected leader in 2006 after the party lost the ’06 election. Bob Rae is the interim leader—They will elect a new leader on April 14th.

• Positioned in the center, combining a generally progressive social policy with moderate economics.

• Strongest in Ontario and Quebec where federalism is defended.

New Democratic Party

• Increased seats in 2006 but still a small party.

• Jack Layton from Toronto passed away in 2011, Thomas Mulcair became the new leader.

• A left-of-center party that advocates social democracy and democratic socialism.

• Strong in Ontario and B.C.

Block Quebecois• Represents French

Speaking Canadians• Gilles Duceppe was their

leader, now it is Daniel Paillé

• A left-of-center party that is devoted to the promotion of sovereignty for Quebec.

• All seats are in Quebec.

The Green Party

• New Party, in 2008 they were able to get funding and to participate in the debates not in 2011

• Leader is Elizabeth May

• Only have one seat in Parliment

• Strong in BC and in Ontario—national party

Place provinces and Cities listed in the Organizer

Color the provinces according to region

Trace the route and place the cities from the video

Canadian Geography Canadian Geography and Economicsand Economics

Atlantic Provinces

• Newfoundland, St. John• Prince Edward Island• Nova Scotia, Halifax• New Brunswick• Called the “Maritime” Provinces

because of the history and economy is tied to the sea.

Maritime Economics

• Fishing and seafood industries have suffered because of over fishing.

• Forestry and Agriculture have maintained productivity but face environmental issues.

• Tourism has become a strong factor and the defense industry has helped a poor economy.

• The region is dependent on their resource base and public sector spending.

The Canadian Shield

• Provinces of Ontario and Quebec• Once referred to upper and lower

Canada, they are located along and utilize the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.

• Ontario is home to Toronto and Ottawa and center of English speaking Canada.

• Quebec is where Montreal is and is also the center of French Canada.

Economics of Ontario and Quebec

• Strong agriculture areas in lowlands.• Mineral resources on the “shield”

feeds strong manufacturing/industrial base.

• Manufacturing and trading in urban areas close to the shipping ports.

• Most of the population lives close to the U.S. border in urban areas.

Prairie Provinces

• Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary• Manitoba, Winnipeg• Saskatchewan, Regina and

Saskatoon• Population in cities surrounded

by vast grain farmlands

Western Canada’s Dilemma

• Modern discovery and development of energy resources combined with a healthy agricultural industry provides strong economic base.

• Lack of personal identity and ties to Ontario and Quebec have led to resentments.

• New elections mark a significant shift in power.

British Columbia

• Mountainous and inaccessible territory has 80% of the population live in or around Vancouver.

• Victoria is a noted tourist destination.• Wealthiest province because of

resources, strong industry, agriculture, and it’s port.

• Huge influx of immigration from southeast and east Asia.

The Territories

• Nunavut• NW Territories, Yellowknife• Yukon, Whitehorse• Fewer than 1% of the population live there.• Natives call themselves “Inuit,” or the

people.• Area is rich in minerals, however, they face

the same issues we do with drilling in ANWAR.