How are people ‘organized’ around the country and why are they organized that way?

 Canada is a northern country with little land suitable for agriculture.  The result of this is that the area in Canada where significant numbers of people inhabit is small.

 1) Where is most of Canada’s population situated? ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ____________  2) Why do you think is it situated this way? ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ __________________

 At Confederation in 1867, what is now Canada had a population of about 3.4 million people.  Over time the population has increased:  From many people immigrated to Canada from Eastern Europe to the prairies.  Low immigration from due to World War 2.  Between 1951 and 1971, Canada’s birth rate skyrocketed during the ‘Baby Boom’

 It is estimated that Canada’s current population is 33,311,389 people. About 33 million people.  Sounds like a lot right? In California, the current population is just under 37 million people. Their area is about 423,970 square kilometers.  Canada’s area? 9,093,507 SQ square kilometers.

 Our population increases by about 0.3% annually.  However our population is growing slowly. The fertility rate is about 1.5 children per woman. This is too low to maintain current population levels.  Can you think of a way that Canada can maintain population levels?  _________________________________________ _________________________________________ ______

 Canada is considered highly urbanized (people live in cities) and industrial (we create and manufacture things).  Canada also ships internationally.  North America Free Trade Agreement:  Went into affect in  Between Canada, USA and Mexico.  Designed to eliminate barriers of trade and investment between the countries.  Tariffs (tax or duty) were eliminated from imports between the countries.

 In Canada we have divisions between different groups of people.  These divisions show our political strengths, weaknesses and potential.  They also define our identity as a country.

 1) Division between Aboriginal peoples of Canada and other Canadians:  Geographic changes – land claims

 2)Division between francophone people and other Canadians.  Geographic/Political Changes – If Quebec secede (breaks) away from Canada.

 3) Division between central (national) and provincial levels of government.  Having 2 types of government is called Federalism.  Which should have more power?  Does a division of power really work?  For example, many people in the West feel the central government neglects them and spends more time on major provinces such as Ontario.

 4) Our ethnic identity has changed.  Governments have adopted policies based on pluralism (‘togetherness’/’diversity’).  Cultural traditions/Language/Religions of immigrants are recognized and respected.  They are not forced to conform.

 All four of these components could weaken Canada’s human geography.  However, they could also be components of a Canadian identity which is resilient, strong and ever-changing.