Citizenship in an Evolving Society

Changing Roles for Women• In 1916, the provinces of AB, MB, and SK became the first

provinces that allowed women the right to vote. • Finally, in 1918, women across Canada gained the right to

vote in federal elections• Nellie McClung, a well-known activist for women's rights, helped make men and women equal under the law and gave women the right to vote• What did this mean for First Nation women?

Affirming Francophone Rights

• Canada became an “official bilingual and bicultural” country at the time of Confederation in 1867.

• However, in the 1960’s Francophones grew dissatisfied with their situation in Canada, as the “official bilingual and bicultural” country did not deliver on its promises.

• From 1963 to 1971, Canada’s Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, investigated and found that Francophones were NOT equal partners as Confederation has promised it would be.

The Official Languages Act, 1969• The Official Languages Act set out to correct these

inequalities. It stated the government must:– Provide services in both English and French– Employ both Anglophones and Francophones

• Later, in 1985, the prime minister of the day, Pierre Trudeau, decided to renew the agreement, again.

• By 1985 the government began to support French Immersion schools.

Reactions to Bilingualism (page 349 – 351)

Anglophone Voices

Reactions to Bilingualism (page 349 – 351)

Francophone Voices

Reactions to Bilingualism (page 349 – 351)

First Nations Voices

Reactions to Bilingualism (page 349 – 351)

Other Voices

Fast-Growing Aboriginal Population in Western Canada

• Within Canada, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta have the fastest growing Aboriginal population

• About half of Aboriginals live on reserves, while the rapid population growth adds more pressure on the already high unemployment rate and limited access to education.

• Because of these pressures, many people leave reserves to seek jobs and education. They risk losing touch with their communities, languages, and culture.

The Creation of Nunavut• An agreement between the Inuit people of the eastern

Arctic and Canada’s government resulted in the creation of Nunavut in 1999.

• Nunavut’s population is mostly Inuit, which enables them to secure traditional Inuit values into its programs and services

Written Response (page 361)

In the past and for many years, Canada’s government pressured Aboriginal peoples in Canada to become citizens by assimilating – by giving up their identity. How does the creation of Nunavut reflect a different idea of citizenship?

Encouraging Immigration• Since becoming a country in 1867, Canada has encouraged

immigration.• In the 1800’s and 1900’s we relied on immigration to settle

the west.• Today, Canada still relies on immigration to maintain is

population, as we have such a low birth rate – Why is this so?

• At times, however, Canada’s immigration policies and treatment of immigrants have displayed racial discrimination.

In 1900 Canadian law said visible minorities could not vote in federal elections

From 1914 – 1918 (WWI), Canada interned (arrested and jailed) any Canadians from European descent. Why?

In 1923, Canadian law stated that no Asian persons could immigrate or work in Canada

From 1939 – 1945 (WWII) Canada interned persons of Japanese and Italian descent. Why?

Discriminatory Acts

Changing Technologies

CBC/Radio-Canada• Canada’s government created the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in

1936 because it wanted Canadians to have Canadian radio programs.• It wanted to use radio to “foster national spirit and interpret national

citizenship” in Canada.• In 1958, CBC/Radio-Canada completed a microwave network linking

Victoria to Halifax – the longest microwave network in the world.• In 1978, CBC/Radio-Canada became the first broadcaster in the world to

use an orbiting satellite for TV service

Changing Technologies• CBC/Radio-Canada funds the development of Canadian radio

and TV programs.• Its programs can be found in English, French and several First

Nations languages and in Inuktitut.• CBC/Radio-Canada has also given Aboriginal producers

support for developing original programming for TV. This support helped launch APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) in 1999.

The Impact of Urbanization• Until the early 1900s in Canada, more people lived in rural

areas than in cities.• Starting in the 1920s, this changed. The shift of people from

rural to urban places is called urbanization.• Urbanization happened partly because of technology.- Trucks (internal combustion engine & refrigeration)- Factories (steel mills, auto plants, paper – mechanization)

Technology on the Farm• New technologies changed methods of food production.- Tractors (no more horses = fewer people farming same land)- Combine = fewer jobs on the farm (replaced threshers)

Essay Preparation: In groups consider each of the following themes:

Anglophone and Francophone TensionConfederation

Exploration and Fur TradeFirst Nations’ Rights

Immigration

How have these ideas shaped Canada from past to present?

How has Anglophone and Francophone tensions shaped Canada as we know it today?

How has Confederation shaped Canada as we know it today?

How has Exploration and the Fur Trade shaped Canada as we know it today?

How has immigration in Canada (from the 1400’s to present day) shape Canada as we know it today?

How has the fight for First Nations’ rights shaped Canada as we know it today?