Chapter 16 Visions of National Identity (pg 366-387) Key Terms: Cosmopolitan Asymmetrical Federalism

To What Extent Should I Embrace a National Identity? Look at the mural on page 366. If you were creating a mural showing your vision of Canada’s past and future, what images would you include? What title might you give it?

Pluralism A pluralistic society reflects an inclusive (including many) approach that is characterized by respect for diversity. It assumes that diversity is beneficial and that cultural, religious, spiritual, ideological, gender, linguistic, environmental and philosophical groups should enjoy autonomy.

Cosmopolitan Background People whose identities evolve through borrowing, adopting and adapting values from many cultures and experiences often believe in civic nationalism as a way of upholding pluralistic and cosmopolitan values.

Pluralism in Britain Read page 370 and look at the chart titled, “British Residents Who Were Born Abroad”. What are some of the concerns that British citizens have with immigration in their country? Some British people believe that their immigration system does not work because immigration is changing traditional British life. These fears became more pronounced after the 2005 London Subway Bombings

Visions of Canada At Confederation (when was this) there was a narrow vision of a pluralistic Canada. McGee (father of Confederation) captured this best when he said “as long as we respect diversity we are safe” When and Who was Canada’s first francophone Prime Minister? (pg 371) His vision of Canada was as a cathedral - he wanted to build a nation great among the nations of the world. Today Canada is often described as a civic nation with a national identity based on shared values and beliefs expressed in law.

A Pluralistic Country Look at Figure 16-7 – what does the graph say about Canadian marriage? Although there are concerns over the success of multiculturalism and pluralism in Canada, it has created a new sense of nationalism where your ethnic ties are no longer a concern in decision making such as marriage.

Diversity in Alberta 2006 Census: Alberta’s population grew by 10.6% (Canada’s growth was 5.4%) between 2001 and 2006. 9.3% of immigrants settled in Alberta. 227,000 immigrated to Alberta 138,600 emigrated from Alberta = Population increase of 88,000. Some believe that this will help to strengthen Alberta’s communities. Other believe that it may create divisions between ethnic groups.

Read Making a Difference (page 373) What television show did Zarqa Nawaz create? What was her experience growing-up in Canada as a Muslim? Does pluralism help or hinder Canadian Communities?

A Nation of Many Nations: Some view Canada as a country made up of many nations who agreed, based on their collective interests, to organize themselves into a multinational alliance. The Quebecois Nation In recent years, the plan to hold another sovereignty referendum has lost support. The Parti Quebecois has now shifted it’s focus to citizenship in Quebec, culture, immigration, communications and employment.

A Nation of Many Nations Aboriginal Nations Today 1996 – The report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People stated that Aboriginal governments are one of the three orders of government – federal, provincial/territorial and Aboriginal. Aboriginal peoples nationhood is confirmed by Canada’s Constitution but aboriginal leaders agree that they wish to remain nations within Canada. There are many challenges still remaining including more than 800 land claims.

A Nation of Many Nations A Divided Canada Many nations have divided into more than one country - I.e. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Quebec’s threat of separation would divide Canada. Talk of Western Discontent and separation.

North American Integration Canadians and Americans Have much in common such as: Language Democracy Dress Media Sports Many suggest that because of our commonalities and shared goals that we should merge. Our relationship was damaged because of September 11 as the US decided to guard the Canada/USA border better. Need 3 readers for the taking turns on page 379.

Canada and Globalization As the effects of Globalization are further felt in Canada, many believe that our Nationalism/National Identity is going to become more important. Others feel that we have outgrown the idea of national identity and are moving more towards Global Citizenship. Canada’s respect and evolution of our multiculturalism has allowed us to better embrace globalization. There are still problems with multiculturalism in the trust of new visible minorities and the opportunities for new Canadians to find adequate jobs.

Canada in the World Canada is often described as a middle power. We often take pride in our reputation in multiculturalism, peacekeeping and foreign aid. Many Canadians believe that Canada exerts some control over international affairs. What do you think - does Canada play a role in international affairs? Does our diversity allow Canada a unique position to make a difference in the world?

What is your Vision? How is your vision of Canada’s National Identity based on - who we are or who we are not? The “I am Canadian” marketing Campaign showed that Canadians are intensely patriotic - even if we claim we are not. Regardless of our differences, we are all united in our diversity, the problems that we all face and the challenges that are overcome.

Final Slide So what is your view - Should we embrace nationalism?