Chapter 8, Section 3 Canada Today

Review

• Who are Canada’s major cultural groups? • Why is it difficult for Canada to establish a true

national identity?

Challenges for Canada Today• Natural Resources– Canada must balance opportunities offered by its

natural resources with the need to preserve the environment. • Ex. Aboveground pipeline, Forestry, Fishing

Challenges for Canada Today Continued…• Urbanization– In 1990, only 1/3rd of Canada’s people lived in urban

areas. – Today, 77% of the nation’s population live in cities. – Problems?• Providing housing and services.• Controlling pollution.• Preventing overcrowding.

Links with the United States• Canada-United States border is the longest (over

5000 mi. long) undefended border in the world. There is no fence.

• Travelers between the two countries pay customs. – Fees charged by one country’s government on goods

people bring in from the other country.

Links with the US Continued..• Cultural Links– Border neighbors share radio and television programs

from stations in both countries. – Professional Baseball, Hockey and Basketball leagues

include teams from both nations.

Links with the US Continued…• Economic Links– Canada buys 25% of all US exports.– US buys 85% of Canadian exports. – 1988, the Free Trade Act (FTA) ended export barriers

and called for the elimination of tariffs by 1999 between the US and Canada.• Mixed reactions.

– Canadians could buy cheaper goods across the border.– Many factories closed shop causing unemployment after relocating

south of the border.

Links with the US Continued…• In 1993, Canada and the United States

extended the FTA to include Mexico. • The new pact was called The North American

Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), designed to establish a free trade zone across all of North America.

Links with the US Continued…• An Uneven Relationship– Canada struggles to prevent its identity from being

overshadowed by the US.– Canadians are generally aware of what’s happening in

the United States, while Americans tend to give little thought to their northern neighbors.

Links with the World• The United States is considered a Super Power,

Canada plays a role of a middle power in the global community. – Middle Powers join together to achieve common

goals. – Due to its location, size and multicultural population,

Canada is suited to working with other nations.