6.4.1 Visions of Nation - 2

Should individuals and groups in Canada embrace a national identity?


Big Idea:

  • Various perspectives of future visions of Canada


Visions of Canada as a Nation


© Wikimedia Commons
Many Canadians are unsure about our national identity; Canada's national identity seems seems very difficult to grasp.

From its earliest days, Canada has been known as a nation composed of many ethnic backgrounds. On July 1, 1867, politician Thomas D’Arcy McGee (left), one of the Fathers of Confederation, expressed this sentiment when he said, "So long as we respect in Canada the rights of minorities, told either by tongue or creed [beliefs or religion], we are safe. For so long it will be possible to be united." As Canada has continued to welcome more immigrants, the country has continued to change in terms of its composition and diversity.


Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read "What are Some Visions of Canada?" on page 361 (if you need help taking notes, click here). This page will further your understanding of the various perspectives of future visions of Canada.
Continue to take notes using the 6.4.1 Notebook Organizer (Word , PDF, Google Doc). When you are done, return here to continue.


For many Canadians, the concept of Canadian identity is based on civic nationalism. Others have the opinion that Canada has no real national identity. They argue Canada’s relatively small population is scattered over a large and geographically diverse country, which prevents citizens from becoming unified with a single identity. Still others say the dominating influence of the United States negatively impacts Canadian identity.


"Living next to you [the United States] is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt."

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, 1969 Speech to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Photographer: Robert Cooper © Library and Archives Canada
Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA 212560

Several perspectives of Canada as a nation are possible. The challenge for Canadians is to decide what perspective(s) best capture its essence. Obviously, this view will depend on numerous factors including where one lives in the country, how long one has lived in Canada, and other values that are important to the person such as religion, politics, etc. Explore the following diagram and the associated readings to understand the various visions of Canada.


According to a number of surveys, an average of between 65% to 75% of Canadians responded with pride and support in regard to Canada's multicultural and pluralistic nature. Many Canadians see these characteristics as making Canada unique and the envy of other nations. At the same time, some Canadians feel the country may be doing too much to help members of visible minority groups adjust to life in Canada. Nevertheless, although there are concerns about multiculturalism and pluralism, many Canadians feel that these policies have led to a new form of nationalism in Canada. The new nationalism enables people to be who they are while still belonging to a larger group.


Go to your textbook,Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 362 and 363.
Continue to take notes using the 6.4.1 Notebook Organizer about what you have read. When you are done, return here to continue.


Given the complexity of Canada’s composition, some Canadians view the country as a confederation (partnership) of many nations. This is certainly not a new idea as a Confederation of First Nations (with their own social organizations, food resources, homes, modes of transportation, clothing, and spiritual beliefs) existed in North America long before the arrival of Europeans. However, due to settlement and government policies, there are conflicting perspectives when Aboriginal people when it comes to the protection and support of traditional and treaty rights in Canada. Aboriginal peoples continue to face numerous challenges, including hundreds of specific land claims that have not been settled. Meanwhile in Quebec, debate over self-determination and sovereignty for the province continues. And, voices in support of Western separation can still be heard in some of the western provinces.


© Thinkstock

© Thinkstock


Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 364 to 368.
Continue to take notes using the 6.4.1 Notebook Organizer about what you have read. When you are done, return here to continue.



Canadians share many similarities with Americans, including culture and language. As a result, some people have suggested Canada and the United States should join. Although this idea is not popular on either side of the border, some people think it could happen in the future. However, with recent political changes on both sides of the border, the question as to whether there could be more between the two countries in the areas of foreign policy, defence, and security remains unanswered.

© Thinkstock


The Peace Arch on the Canada/United States Border
© Thinkstock




Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 368 and 369.
Continue to take notes using the 6.4.1 Notebook Organizer about what you have read. When you are done, return here to continue.



As the world becomes more globalized, Canadians are heating up the debate on the effects of globalization on their national identity. Some believe that a sense of national identity will become even more important in the future. Others suggest that it is time to embrace a model of global citizenship instead. As Canada continues to evolve as a country, from its diverse linguistic, cultural, religious, and ethnic roots, Canadians are questioning whether they can continue to respect diversity and support national unity. At the same time, Canada as a nation must consider its role in world affairs in the future.


Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 370 and 371.
Continue to take notes using the 6.4.1 Notebook Organizer about what you have read. When you are done, return here to continue.



Reflect


Given the complexity involved in defining a vision of Canada, read the following quotation from author Debora O’Neil. What is O'Neil's future vision of Canada? Do you agree with her vision of Canada and the Canadian identity?

"I think every Canadian should have a map of Canada in his or her house. It should be displayed in a place where one can sit and contemplate the wonderful vastness of this land. As Canadians we are continuously groping for an identity and a sense of love for our nation. We grapple with the concept, find it somewhat distasteful and leave it for another day. We find American flag waving, hand over heart while belting out "Oh, say, can you see"... too much and avoid doing the same. We admire their national spirit, but Canadians are, in contrast, understated. To understand the identity that exists in our hearts think of our sweepingly majestic home, its quiet, serene beauty. A beauty recognizable to us all. We are proud of this nation and of who we are. We just don’t say it. It’s like the map. It just sits there on the wall displaying the lines of our coasts, the bulk of our waterways, and the breadth of our northern territories. Surveying all of this leaves me in awe. It brings a tear to my eye...O Canada..."
- Debora O’Neil, Canadian author