History of ethnic diversity in canada
It is clear, upon investigation of Canada’s national history, that it is a nation founded around ethnic diversity, which has learnt to embrace it both naturally and economically. The first people, whom lived on Canadian soil, can be dated back to the Aboriginals (or First Peoples). ‘Canada’s history of settlement and colonisation has resulted in a multicultural society made up of three founding peoples – Aboriginals, French and British’[1]. But, as Dewing mentions, with the influx of Europeans, came an increasingly diverse nation, which was only set to expand. This therefore leads one to question, what was the main attraction of such a barren, beautiful, empty, (to the first European settlers seemingly) resource-less landmass known today as Canada? It seems that the main driving force, of Canada’s exploration and exploitation, was fashion in Europe; especially in Britain. Fashion demanded new, more durable and versatile materials for men’s top hats; the result of which was the exploitation of beaver skin on a massive scale. The price at which beaver skins could be sold, offered entrepreneurs a get rich quick opportunity. This inevitably led to the establishment of the Hudson Bay Company. Beaver skins in Europe consequently, were seen in the way that we regard Oil today. Which forced the development of trading relations between Natives and Europeans, as they traded skills and tools with each other; in some cases natives were employed to maximise the collection of skins. One can therefore see the first stepping stone towards Canadian ethnic diversity, which occurred naturally and, in this case, due to economic realities.
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By ‘1600...Canada’s population was chiefly British (60%) and French (30%)’[2]. It would not be until the 1900’s that Canada saw a huge influx of Europeans, as people attempted to escape from the horrors of the First and, later, the Second World War. This stark divide between British and French can be seen in the historic problems of Quebec and the surrounding French speaking areas, conflicting with British speaking territory. This therefore leads one to question if unity can be ensured, if divides had already developed from the start. The stark divide of majority groups abiding by one or other language (French or English) led to the government’s declaration of Bilingualism throughout Canada. This first took the form of government policy in 1867 with ‘Section 133 of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act) [which] permits the use of either English or French in the debates of Parliament as well as in the proceedings before the federal courts’[3]. This is crucially one of the first steps towards ethnic acceptance in Canada; however one could argue that this was merely declaring a situation that already existed.
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It must not be ignored that on Canada’s border another giant loomed. America. During the war for independence, Canada had been both a source and a base for British troops. It is therefore essential to acknowledge that ‘unlike Americans, Canadians spend a great deal of time discussing their identity’[4]. Most likely in response to the overshadowing American influence. The war of 1812 showed a nation united, against America, with British aid (which did not arrive until later on in the conflict). America declared war in June 1812 on the British Empire and her fledgling nation of Canada. The War, which was on a comparatively small scale (with minimal casualties), would shape the North American continent for 200 years. If America had won the war, Canada would most likely have been split up into American states and be under the rule of the President in D.C. But Canadians, British, French, Europeans and Natives united and fought for the independence and identity of their fledgling nation. This sense of unity among such ethnically diverse people shows that Canada has historically had a strong sense of national identity and consequently unity, which it could be argued presides up to this very day and is only strengthened by the people’s belief in ethnic diversity.
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'This advertisement was produced by the Government of Canada and features four heroes of the War of 1812: Major General Sir Isaac Brock, Lieutenant Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry, Laura Secord and Shawnee leader and War Chief Tecumseh. The advertisement will be presented on our website, in movie theaters, and on television throughout the summer'
- Government of Canada
- Government of Canada
[1] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p1.
[2] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p2
[3] Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage Website, http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/lo-ol/bllng/hist-eng.cfm
[4] Jim Lotz, History of Canada, B.Mitchell; A Bison Book, 1984, p174.
[2] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p2
[3] Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage Website, http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/lo-ol/bllng/hist-eng.cfm
[4] Jim Lotz, History of Canada, B.Mitchell; A Bison Book, 1984, p174.