SST2772-ABED_1: 1.9 Identity of Canada as a Nation

Should nation be the foundation of identity?

Big Ideas:

Understandings of identity, nation, and nationalism continue to evolve.

Various forces of nationalism have shaped and continue to shape Canada.

You now know there are multiple areas that can connect your individual identity to your nation, such as language, ethnicity, culture, religion, geography, relationship to land, spirituality, and politics. You have also learned that one’s identity can be closely tied to the group(s) to which one belongs.

However, how does one’s identity change as their nation (or the group to which they belong) changes and evolves?

At the beginning of Unit 1, you read that Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate in 1965, said the following.

"The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief, or opinion."

A country’s flag is often a symbol of unity for its citizens. It represents a group to which people belong, where people connect their identities. However, as you’ve seen, sometimes these feelings of nationalism can be both positive and negative.

Consider the following questions from your perspective.

Does the maple leaf flag represent all Canadian citizens, no matter who they are or what they believe?
Could a nation's identity be based upon its people and what they believe collectively?
How do you see the Canadian identity? Which of Canada’s concepts of a nation are most important to you? Why?

A Nation’s Identity Changes

Did you know that at one point, Canadians were subjects of Britain? Our identity, at that time, was tied closely to Britain and the decisions Britain's government made. This connection to Britain impacted how we viewed ourselves and our identity as Canadians. Click the tabs below to read two views of Canada by former Prime Ministers. Note how our concept of Canada as a nation has evolved.

Britain First
Strength in Diversity

"A British subject I was born, a British subject I will die."

1891, Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's First Prime Minister

John A. MacDonald stated in 1891 what most English Canadians thought at the time: Canadians are British subjects (people controlled by a king or queen). Many cultures existed in Canada at that time, but the English were the dominant group and regarded themselves as first among many.

"Canadians understand that diversity is our strength. We know that Canada has succeeded—culturally, politically, economically—because of our diversity, not in spite of it."

2015, Justin Trudeau, Canada's Twenty-Third Prime Minister

In 2015, Justin Trudeau stated Canadians are a people of different cultures and characteristics, and that diversity makes Canada a strong nation. This implies that all Canadians, regardless of cultural background, are seen as equal.

What Makes Up the Canadian Identity?

There are many influences and forces that impact a nation’s, and therefore, an individual’s identity. Consider the perspectives of what makes up Canada's identity from each speaker shown below.

"I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."

-John Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada, July 1, 1960

"I speak of a Canada where men and women of Aboriginal ancestry, of French and British heritage, of the diverse cultures of the world, demonstrate the will to share this land in peace, in justice, and with mutual respect. I speak of a Canada which is proud of, and strengthened by its essential bilingual destiny, a Canada whose people believe in sharing and in mutual support, and not in building regional barriers."

-Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, April 17, 1982

Corporal Jessie Blanchette, Canadian Army, June 6, 2008

"As Canadians, we are truly blessed to have the freedoms and opportunities that this country gives us. There is a certain pride that comes with being Canadian because of what we stand for as a people, because of our characteristics of helping those in need, no matter what race, religion or beliefs. I believe it's our duty as Canadians to set the example of peace and understanding in hope that others will follow suit for a better world."

-Corporal Jessie Blanchette poses with the Stanley Cup while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan - May 2007.

Commission chairman Justice Murray Sinclair, June 2, 2015

"We must endeavour instead to become a society that champions human rights, truth and tolerance, NOT by avoiding a dark history but rather by confronting it. A society that respects and protects the cultures of all peoples within it… …a society in which children are proud of their identity, culture and traditions… …not made to feel ashamed of them. "

-Justice Murray Sinclair, speaking at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa.

Considering all the speakers and their perspectives on the Canadian identity, which speaker has the most accurate view of the Canadian identity? What do you believe are the key parts of the Canadian identity?

1.9 Identity of Canada as a Nation