英语国家概况Canada.doc

CanadaSymbolsFlag “O Canada”The Land and the PeopleGeography Second largest country It is composed of ten provinces and three territories. More lakes and inland water that any other country. Most of the country is uninhabitableo Under water, rocky, marshy, and mountainous Regions Can you locate and describe them?o Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Lowlands, Canadian Shield, Canadian Interior Plains, Western Cordillera, Canadian ArticPopulation 34,762,600 people Native Canadians descended from Mongolians in Asia Demographicso Canadian 32%o English 21%o French 15.8%o Scottish 15.1%o Irish 13.9%o German 10.2%o Italian 4.6%o Chinese 4.3%HistoryImportant People John Cabot (for England) 1497o First to explore N. America since Vikingso Search for the Northwest Passage Jacques Cartier (France) 1534o First to travel inland in North Americao Claimed Canada for France Henry Hudson (England) 1607o Attempted to find the Northwest Passageo Crew mutinied in June, 1611 and sent Hudson adrift with his son and some crew. Samuel de Champlain (France) 1608o The Father of New Franceo Exploration of New Franceo Founding of Quebec Cityo Fur trade was popular at this time, especially for the highly profitable beaverNew France Seven Years War (1756 - 1763)o Conflict with English colonies to the south over trade routes, mostly for fur, especially beaver fur.o The Treaty of Paris ended the war New France ceded to Britain Britain allowed French colonists to retain language and religion.1800s The United States and Canada fought during the War of 1812 By the 1830s, Reformers wanted an American-style government and rebelled Britain implemented a fair Canadian parliament to unite the countryo Canada became a confederation1900s Canada relied more on the US than Britain for imports and exports. World War I and II helped strengthen the economy. In 1931, Canada became an independent country but still part of the Common Wealth of NationsThe Quiet Revolution An intense relationship between English and French Canadians 1974, French became the official language of Quebec Push for Quebecs independence Attempts to eliminate EnglishSocial and Cultural LifeWelfare Protections from the insecurities of modern society.o Pensions, disability protection, unemployment insurance, child benefits, maternity welfare, subsidized housing, and free medical care Pensionso Every Canadian has the right to a pension when they retire. Heath careo Responsibility of the provinceso Public heath care is universalo 90% of costs covered by the governmentEducation Just like its welfare system, education is managed by the 13 legislatures of the provinces and territories. Free schooling from kindergarten to grade 12o Grade 13 in Ontario and grade 11 in Quebec Depending on the province, school is compulsory from age 6 or 7 to 14 or 16. Elementaryo Kindergarten through grades 6 or 7 or 8 Secondary/high school o Up to grades 9 or 10 or 12 Community collegeso Two to three yearso Trade, vocational, and technical courses Universitieso At least three yearso Grant degreesEnvironment Environmental Conservation Authority (ECA)o Established in Alberta, it was the first body responsible for environmental issues Environment Canadao Federal department for environmental protection Attempts to curb acid raino Caused by carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide from vehicles and industry. Cleaning up waterways and lakes Protecting and replanting forestso Lumber industry + forests = “green gold” Extensive national parkso government protected land to preserve wildlife and the environment Multiculturalism Most Canadians are either of French or British origin The French struggle for a separate identity Bilingualism: French and Englisho Most Canadians speak Englisho Official Languages Act (1969) Both languages are official languageso Different provinces treat the issue in different ways Quebec made French their official language Ontario has encouraged bilingual schooling Etc.Cultural Life Foodo Canadian cuisine varies widely depending on the region.o Three earliest styles of food First Nations (Native Canadian cuisine) English (British and American cuisine) French (French cuisine and winter provisions of fur traders)o Famous for their maple syrup Sports o Ice hockey Official winter sporto Street hockey In the summero Curlingo Lacrosse Official summer sporto Canadian footballo Other popular sports: baseball, basketball, American football Holidayso Canada Day July 1st Celebrates Canadas 1867 Confederation and establishment of dominion statuso Labour Day First Monday in September Celebrates economic and social achievements of workerso Victoria Day / Queen