This paper analyses modern Canadian issues taking a stance based off of J.M. Bumsted's writing in "In The Peoples of Canada: A Post-Confederation History."
Abstract The author of this paper argues that the vision of Canada, regarding Confederation, through government policies and initiatives, regional concerns and cultural development, took shape against the backdrop of a vast and sparsely inhabited nation, and set the tone, in many ways, for things to come, even into the 21st century. The paper then notes that the concerns that troubled Macdonald's government continue to pose problems today and the unique challenges of Canada's geography remain. This paper tackles these issues, and attempts to ascertain whether there really is such a thing as the Canadian approach to culture, government and the economy and how it is faring today.
From the Paper "It is important to note that this type of government initiative in support of Canadian industry was brought about by a perceived increase in nationalism, and serves to advance Barlow's suggestion that the 'historic balance in Canada between public and private enterprise...goes to the heart of our identity, our culture, and our very existence.' Indeed, Barlow traces this balance particularly to both the vastness and sparse population of Canada, as well as the proximity of the US and the danger of being 'absorbed into the United States.' It is because of these uniquely Canadian features that it was important that Canadian governments continually 'develop[ed] a mix of public and private enterprise to provide services in areas business alone would not have been able to enter or maintain profitably' and adds that this created a 'distinct economy' which also 'foster[ed] a different way of life in Canada.' It would seem, then, that social and economic policies which are protective of Canadian interests and culture are indeed a historical and distinctive feature--brought about by the specificities of our geography and population."
Tags:Canadaculturenationalismnafta, j.m. bumsted, government
Abstract There are a few stereotypical images that spring to mind when one thinks of Canada's national identity, and hockey is inevitably one of them. Is this sport really a part of Canada's national identity, or has it become an empty corporate shell? This paper discusses the book "Hockey Night in Canada", by Richard Gruneau and David Whitson and the message it conveys about the Canadian cultural and national identity.
Abstract The paper relates that despite the notion of a national identity being threatened by both globalization and the apparent segmentation of Canada into smallish, disparate elements, it is evident that a Canadian culture still exists. The paper examines how ice hockey is typically associated by both Canadians and foreigners with Canada, the nation credited as its birthplace. The paper discusses how Canadians play hockey and enjoy watching it and it is also linked with society in terms of sport, relaxation, literature and fiction.
From the Paper "The concept of a common national interest and Canadian identity in relation to any field is a tricky one in this current environment of thriving globalization. However, one can identity key national themes upon examining observers' perceptions of a national climate, for example the Canadian state. Many other countries identify Canada as being a country that is not only the home of maple syrup and the bearer of the red leafed flag, but the home of ice hockey, one of the globe's most popular and growing sports. This is despite the notion of a national identity being threatened by both globalization and the apparent segmentation of Canada into smallish, disparate elements, as evidence by the distinctiveness of Quebec society."
Tags: common, culture, national, interest, society, symbol
Abstract This paper offers an overview of Canada. It discusses its culture, economy, population and agriculture. The author also explores the impact of NAFTA.
Tags: overview of canada, cultural, economical, population, agriculture, multinational negotiations, Nova Scotia Power Inc, Emera, Toronto Stock Exchange
Abstract One of the most fascinating aspects of the Canadian cultural identity is the degree to which government policy and free enterprise economic principles converge and frequently collide in the field of the mass media. In large measure this is a consequence of Canada's geographic position next door to the world's last remaining superpower and predominant popular culture engine, the United States. This paper explores how the Canadian government, in order to maintain cultural distinctiveness in terms of national identity, has adopted a range of policies that promote the Canadian identity in the mass media and restrict the reach of foreign media and foreign media ownership.
Abstract The paper examines some of the major changes in Canada with regard to its national transportation policies since the late 1960s. As a starting point, the writer uses the National Transportation Act (1967) to mark the beginning of a new era in transportation policy in Canada. This discussion illustrates that the move towards privatization of Canada's transportation network has been part of a broad legislative pattern in Canada intended to reduce operational costs, improve efficiency and insure safety among the transportation networks of the Canadian nation.
From the Paper "Without question, national transportation networks in Canada have been crucial to the development of the nation since at least the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Physically, Canada is the second largest nation in the world, coming in only behind the Russian Federation. Given a nation of that size, with metropolitan regions literally stretched across the width of North America, it is no wonder that national transportation policy should play such a primary role in Canadian national policy. The purpose of this essay is to examine some of the major changes that have occurred in Canada with regard to its national transportation policies since the late 1960s."
Abstract This paper examines current sociopolitical attitudes in Canada about cultural diversity, which are generally conducive for achieving a Canadian society that fully accepts multiculturalism. Unfortunately, progress is not being made at an even pace in all areas of the country. It looks at how, in order to address this, Canada's national education system should take the lead in setting a multicultural example for the entire country.
From the Paper " It is evident that current sociopolitical attitudes in Canada are generally conducive for achieving a Canadian society that fully accepts multiculturalism, but progress is certainly not being made at an even pace in all areas of the country. In order to address this, Canada's national education system should take the lead in setting a multicultural example for the entire country. This can be achieved by cultivating multicultural awareness and acceptance in Canadian classrooms through course content and curricula, while emphasizing that cultural diversity is a beneficial reality that needs to be understood and accepted, not a problem that needs to be resolved. "
Abstract This essay deals with four areas which are causing Canadian National Parks to disappear--extreme government cut-backs, identity crisis, improper management and ecosystem destruction. It also suggests ways in which the government can change its polices to save these parks.
From the Paper "Canadians look at the infamous National Park's landscape and see a vast and beautiful range of Canada at it's best. Unfortunately, what one sees is often deceiving. The truth is that the state of Canada's National Parks is alarming. Entire species are disappearing, vegetation is being destroyed by development and urbanization, and the pristine lakes and rivers are being contaminated by pollution. The Canadian Government has not been fulfilling its managerial role in protecting the essential resources that are comprised in Canada's National Parks. The problems that have generated in the Park's system have often dismissed due to their seemingly insignificant characteristics. Unfortunately, all of the insignificant problems joined together to create a devastating picture of dyfunctionality of the National Parks. There are four pivotal points that have caused the Park's disastrous spiral aimed at oblivion. Extreme cuts to the Parks Canada's budget has forced them to compromise their principles on how the parks should be run, and resorted to doing what they could. Parks Canada has found itself in an extreme identity crisis, as financial pressures are pitting conflicting philosophies against one another. The Canadian Government is the root which many, if not all of the posing threats the National Parks has emerged from. Their improper management and mentality has potentially shattered any chance of Canada's ecosystem to flourish. Until the Canadian Government stops seeing the nation's national Parks yet another way to generate a clever income for their institution, the parks will continue to lose their ecological integrity until they fade from man's sight completely."
Tags:canada, crisis, cutbacks, degredation, forestry, government, identity, management, national, park
Abstract This paper looks at the impact of Hollywood upon Canadian popular culture and in particular Canadian film making. The paper argues that while some good has come out of Hollywood dominating the Canadian market, there are a number of reasons why the Canadian film industry cannot continue to cede more than 98 percent of the domestic market to big budget Hollywood films. The following paper reviews the history of the American cultural penetration into Canada as a result of Hollywood and examines also how Canada situation is not unique.
From the Paper "There is arguably no nation in the world that is more inundated with American culture than Canada - mostly because of its proximity, but also because of the fact that the two nations have always shared a common English or British heritage. The following paper argues that the dominance of Hollywood within Canada has brought some good - employment for individuals within the Canadian film industry, access to world-class technology and to world-class American talent - but it has also brought a great deal of trouble - not least of all, a reduced native interest (or ability) in establishing a uniquely Canadian film industry - and this trouble is something that Canadian leaders will have to continue to grapple with if they wish to carve out a distinctly Canadian popular culture in the twenty-first century. "
Abstract The following assignment discusses the Americanization of Canada through the media. The paper argues that because American media products dominate in Canada, that Canadian culture is being Americanized. The argument looks at culture, symbolize, signs and the role of media.
From the Paper "There has been a great deal of debate on the effects of the media upon culture. Many researchers argue that the media is contributing to a process of cultural homogenization. For example, in "Ecumenical America" Orlando Patterson argues, The modern process of global cultural interaction has repeatedly been subjected to two criticisms. The first is that it threatens the diversity and particularism of the world's cultures, resulting in a deadening homogenization of the human cultural experience. The other is that this growing global uniformity results from the dominance of America's culture --that, in effect, global culture is nothing more than American cultural imperialism (Patterson 103)."
A research study looking at the impact nationalism has had on Europe and, in particular, the way in which nationalism as an ideological concept is perceived and understood.
Abstract This paper explores the assumption that the views and theories about nationalism are to a great extent determined by the dominant theories, philosophies and perceptions of the age. In this sense it is a contention of this paper that modern nationalism needs to be understood within the context of the broader issues of modern and postmodern speculative thought. This paper also attempts to ascertain the way that theorists and thinkers over the years have understood and influenced the concept and ideology of nationalism. The study therefore provides an overview of the salient most cogent theories and perspectives on the changing views of nationalism. Additionally, the paper attempts to refer these theories and counter theories to actual contemporary situations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism and Ideology
CulturalNationalism Romanticism and Nationalism Nationalism as a Social Construction
Hobsbawm and Geller
Summations and Reflections
From the Paper "It is something of a truism to say that ethnic and nationalist movements have become a dominant force in the world in the past century. It is also relatively easy to forecast that the future of Europe will be shaped to a great extent by nationalistic imperatives and philosophies. One only has to look at the recent history of Eastern Europe and the Balkans for general and tentative conformation of these assumptions. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fragmentation of the region have allowed nationalisms and ethnic groups to emerge in many areas. And, according to modern theorists of nationalism, we are also seeing the invention of new "nationalisms" that are being constructed by political and ideological forces - sometimes with devastating consequences."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough definition of NAFTA and proceeds to examine the impact that this agreement has had on the United States. It deals with personal issues such as claims of heightened unemployment as well as national issues such as tax benefits and improved trade.
From the paper:
"On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This treaty drops most tariffs by 50% immediately, and dropped to zero by 2009. It is a unique trading agreement between two developed countries and a developing nation on a single continent. After eight years since NAFTA commenced, there are mixed analysis and opinions on whether this treaty is a success. It was designed to provide a free-flow of goods between countries without imputative measures and tariffs being enforced; it was promoted as a means to improve productivity and create jobs in the three countries; and, it was touted as model for further free-trade blocs to be created in the Americas and in other regional markets. After eights, no other free-trade blocs exists, nor has any other free-trade treaties been pursued and/or implemented by the NAFTA partners; and, with a world in a recession, there are two points of views on whether NAFTA has been more damaging than good during at this time, or if NAFTA has prevented further harm through its free-flow of goods."
Abstract This paper explains that Canada recently signed free trade agreements with the United States and Mexico (NAFTA), Chile, and Israel; because large populations originally from Asian nations now live in Canada, Canada has import and export opportunities with Asian nations, which are not readily available to other countries. The author points out two weaknesses. Canada has become almost too dependent on the United States, and it is extremely difficult to create a balance in its internal regulatory pressures. The paper relates that Canada's liberal import-export mentality has opened its borders to business people and employees; this has proved to be overly tempting for criminals and terrorists attempting to maneuver their way into or out of the United States.
From the Paper "But NAFTA presents far more opportunities than weaknesses. This can be demonstrated by the fact that the Canadian textile industry has flourished though NAFTA and the positive exposure that industry has received has translated into new lateral agreements with Japan, Hong Kong and China, Chile and other nations seeking high quality textile, clothing and shoe imports. Although recent scares with mad cow disease have curbed some cattle exports, overall the cattle industry in Canada is robust and appears to have a solid future exporting to Mexico through NAFTA who in turn would export to nations? they have free trade agreements with like Japan. The opportunities provided by free trade tariff protection will continue to help Canada export food products, textiles, clothing and footwear throughout the world."
Abstract The following paper argues that NAFTA has had a significant impact upon Canada. It further argues that Canada's free trade arrangement with the United States will pull it into the U.S. orbit in ways that will eventually make Canadian independence of any kind impossible. The possibility of a North American Monetary Union and the foundation for structures like a joint customs union are credible now in a way they arguably were not prior to the ratification of NAFTA. The paper claims that Canada allows itself to be bound more and more tightly to the American economy through vehicles such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and political and socio-cultural integration.
From the Paper "Others go further to argue that Canada's free trade arrangement with the United States will pull it into the U.S. orbit in ways that will eventually make Canadian independence of any kind impossible. For example, the possibility of a North American Monetary Union and the foundation for structures like a joint customs union are credible now in a way they arguably were not prior to the ratification of the NAFTA. As well, one should not forget that the events of 9/11 have made some kind of "deeper" North American integration seem desirable to many (Gilbert, 202-203). In the end, as Canada allows itself to be bound more and more tightly to the American economy through vehicles such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, political and socio-cultural integration (already well-advanced in the latter case) will become more pronounced, as well. "
Tags:NAFTA, freshwater, ecosystems, natural, resources, water
Abstract This paper examines how Canadian trade policies are a major influence on the nation's recent successful economic performance. It looks at how one key to Canada's economic success was the fact that it combined forces with the United States and Mexico in the North American Free Trade Agreement. The paper then discusses how, although NAFTA has made Canada overly dependent on a few nations, Canada has established other free trade ties around the world and will continue to be an international trading force to be reckoned with.
From the Paper "Canada does have weaknesses in their armor. One of Canada's greatest concerns is the continued positive surge of the United States economy. Through NAFTA, Canada has become almost too dependent on the United States. In addition, other weaknesses have manifested themselves as it seems to be extremely difficult for the Canadian government to create a balance between some internal regulatory pressure and that complicates external trade relations. For example, the Canadian government is notoriously protective of their agricultural and dairy industries as well as their automotive export import ratios. Other concerns expressed from Canada's various trading partners include restrictive taxation for the foreign film distribution and production industries and attempts to blatantly dump steel on Chile and the Untied States. "
