1. Developing a vast wilderness
Chapter 7
Developing a vast wilderness

2. The first settlers and colonial rivalry 7.1
The story of Canada is of the fierce rivalry between the two European Nations that first colonized it—and their conflict with the First Nations people
During the 16th and 17th centuries, French explorers claimed much of Canada
With the British claims on the Atlantic coast, these countries were drawn into conflict for global empire
The French and Indian War ( ), part of a larger “Seven Years War”, placed the British as the superior power in the region
French settlers remained

3. Steps toward unity
By the end of the 18th century, continuing conflict between English and French settlers led to division into two provinces:
Upper Canada (Ontario): near the Great Lakes and English-speaking
Lower Canada (Quebec): along the St. Lawrence River and French-speaking
Continuing conflict led to reform:
In 1867, the British North American Act crated the Dominion of Canada
This was to be a loose confederation of Ontario, Quebec and two British colonies along the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
The Dominion had self-government, but remained part of the British Empire, with Ottawa as its capital.

5. Continental expansion and development
In 1872, the government began to build a transcontinental railway, completed in 1885
Montreal to Vancouver
Unlike in the US, where settlement preceded the railroads, in Canada the railroad was a catalyst for initial settlement of much of the west
In the 1890s gold was found in the Yukon, bringing many fortune hunters to Canada
Not long after discoveries of copper, zinc and silver deposits prompted the building of new railroads
New immigrants began to populate the west

6. Urban and industrial growth
With the coming of the industrial age, Canada became more urban and industrial
Cities sprang up wherever farming was possible
Later, these became industrial and service centers, drawing more people to them
Most of Canada’s people live within 100 miles of the US border
Better climate, more productive land, and better transportation linking east and west

7. Canada has a Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
The country became fully independent in 1931
The legislative and executive functions are combined in the parliament
The head of the majority party in Parliament is the prime minister
The symbolic head of government is the Queen, represented by the Governor General
Each of the provinces has its own legislature and premier—the federal government administers the territories.

8. An increasingly diverse economy 7.2
Canada possesses many natural resources
They formed the basis for its early economic strength
Uranium, zinc, gold, silver are among their many mineral resources
Vast forests allow Canada to be a leader in the production of newsprint from wood pulp
Although only 5% of Canada’s land is suitable for farming, it is one of the world’s agricultural leading exporters of agricultural products
Canada has been a leading exporter of fish, but recently, overfishing has caused supplies the decline.

9. More Economy Manufacturing employs about 17% of Canada’s labor force
Products: Automobiles, steel, household appliances, electronics, and high-tech and mining equipment
Manufacturing is concentrated in the “Heartland” from Quebec to Windsor (next to Detroit)
70% of Canada’s GDP comes from service industries
The United States is Canada’s leading trading partner

10. A land of many cultures Like the USA, Canada is nation of immigrants
Early blend of French and native peoples gave birth to another culture, the metis people of mixed French and native heritage
The current cultural richness has come from all parts of the world
Canada has two official languages: English and French
Most English Canadians are Anglican; most French Canadians are Catholic
Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution
Most Canadians live within 100 miles of the US border
Canada’s population is just over 30 million
80% live in cities,75% of French Canadians live in Quebec, many native peoples are found on reserves, the Inuit live in the north, many Canadians of Asian ancestry live on the west coast

11. Life in Canada today Most Canadians enjoy a high standard of living
Canada leads the world in college attendance
Like Americans, Canadians value their leisure time
Hunting, fishing, skiing, skating, ice hockey and golf are all popular
They enjoy their professional sports teams
Hockey is a major sport
Canadian Football League
Blue Jays, Raptors
Lacrosse is a sport developed by native culture
Arts: Inuit carvings and Totem Poles were early art forms
Canada currently enjoys a vibrant arts sector

12. The Atlantic Provinces 7.3
Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland
Most people live in coastal areas and depend upon the sea for their living

13. The Core Provinces-Quebec and Ontario
Referred to as Canada’s heartland
3 of 5 Canadians live in these two provinces
Most settlement is along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes
These provinces are the center of Canada’s political and economic life
Toronto and Montreal are Canada’s two largest cities

14. The Prairie Provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
Canada’s Breadbasket
Also rich in Mineral resources

15. The Pacific Province and the Territories
Most of British Columbia’s population live in the Southwest, near Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada’s largest port
It’s capital, Victoria, is on Vancouver Island
The rest is mountainous, forested, or too cold
Yukon is largely unspoiled wilderness
The Northwest Territory lies to the east
Nunavut was carved out of the Northwest Territory in 1999
Home to the Inuit