A Newcomer’s Introduction To Canada

A Newcomer’s Introduction To Canada

Learning objective: After reading this information sheet you must be able to identify and understand the values and culture of Canadians.

A Newcomer’s Introduction To Canada

History

Canada is a land of many cultures and many people. Aboriginal peoples have occupied the territory now called Canada for several thousands of years. It has been said that Canada is a “nation of immigrants.”

There are three main groups of Aboriginal people in Canada:

1. First Nations
2. Inuit
3. Metis

“Canada” may have come from the word “kanata”, which means a settlement.

July 1, 1867 – Canada became a country

• This event is known as “confederation”
• Before 1867 the FRENCH arrived first then the BRITISH. Each brought their own language, system of government, laws and culture.
• After a long war between the British and the French, all of Canada came under the British rule – known as “British North America.”

Mid to late 19^th century and early 20^th century

• immigrant arrived from Europe
• some worked in factories, mines, and lumber fields
• Asian immigrants from China and India settled mainly in the western provinces during this time.
• After both world wars, thousands of Europeans came to Canada as immigrant and refugees and helped build Canada’s post – war economy.
• Over the last 50 years people from all over the globe have sought a better life or have sought refuge in Canada.
• Canada still needs the skills, talents and enthusiasm of newcomers to build our country.
• Today Canada is home to immigrants from more than 240 countries.
• Most newcomers decide to become citizens of Canada, after they are settled and have met the requirements of Canadian citizenship.

Geography

Canada – is located at the northern part of America.

world’s second largest country next to Russian federation

Land mass – 9,970,610 km²

Capital – Ottawa (Ontario)

Consist of 10 provinces and 3 territories:

Provinces and their capital:

1. Alberta – Edmonton
2. British Columbia - Victoria
3. Prince Edward Island - Charlottetown
4. Manitoba - Winnipeg
5. New Brunswick – Fredericton
6. Nova Scotia – Halifax
7. Ontario – Toronto
8. Nunavut – Iqaluit
9. Quebec – Quebec City
10. Saskatchewan – Regina

Territories:

1. New Foundland – John
2. Northwest Territories – Yellow Knife
3. Yukon Territories – White Horse

Canada is divided into 5 main regions:

1. Atlantic region

• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Labrador.
• Activities such as fishing, farming, forestry, tourism and mining are important to the Atlantic economy.

2. Central Canada – consist of provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This is the most populated region of the country. Together Ontario and Quebec produce more than three-quarters of all Canadian manufactured goods.
3. Prairies – Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Much of the land is flat and fertile, excellent for farming and rich in energy resources.
4. West Coast – British Columbia – famous for its mountain ranges and forests.

• Natural resources such as lumber and fish are important to the economy.
• Fruit farming is also a major industry and tourism.

5. North – Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, they make up over 1/3 of Canadas land mass.

• resources include oil, natural gas, gold, lead and zinc

Distances: Measured in kilometers : 7,000 km from east to west.

• you will need 7 days to drive from Halifax to nova Scotia to Vancouver to British Columbia.
• By airplane, the same trip would take about 7 hours.

Population – about 31 million people

Ottawa (capital of Ontario) – nearly 1 million

Toronto – 4.4 million

Montreal, Quebec – 3.4 million

Vancouver – 1.9 million

Economy : Canada has diversified economy

• Natural resources industries, such as forestry, mining, oil and gas extractions, farming
• World leader in the fields of communications, biotechnology, aerospace technology and pharmaceuticals.

Standard of Living

• Rank 6 in the world, measured according to GDP/ capita, behind by USA, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany and Japan.

Currency:

Canadian Dollar – basic unit of money

Most common paper bills are:

1. $5
2. $10
3. $20

But $50 and $100 bills are also used

Canadian coins:

1. penny (1 cent)
2. nickel (5 cents)
3. dime (10 cents)
4. quarter (25 cents)
5. loonie ($1)
6. toonie ($2)

National Emblem:  Maple Leaf

Climates: Summer, winter, spring and falls or autumn

Tallest peak – Mt. Logan (Yukon)

Government :

• Federal form of government
• It has 3 levels of government

1. Federal – responsible for:

• defense
• foreign policy and foreign relation
• banking
• postal service
• criminal law
• immigration
• citizenship

2. Provincial Government

• education
• municipal institution

They also share responsibility with federal government for:

• health service
• farming
• social assistance
• transportation
• the environment

3. Municipal Government – responsible for local matters:

• police and fire protection
• water services
• recreation
• local public transportation

Language : 2 official languages

1. English
2. French