Unit 4: In What Ways Has Canada Developed Since 1970?

When the Cold War ended, world superpowers began a brief stage of disarming; Canada eliminated its nuclear arms program, somewhat disappointing other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In 1973, oil cartel OPEC placed an embargo on oil shipments to all countries that supported Israel due to the Arab-Israeli War. This quadrupled oil prices in Canada, and led to higher prices for other goods too. In 1980, the National Energy Program was created to ensure Canada’s future energy supply, control oil prices, and achieve 50% Canadian ownership in the industry by 1990. The NEP gave Canadian oil and gas companies special grants and special terms for northern exploration. Plans were made to build pipelines to bring Western crude oil to the east. This would set the tone for the beginning of massive oil sands projects in Alberta today. In 1992, the big three nations in North America created the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It gave these economies financial advantages for imports and exports and still exists today. After much debate between new Prime Ministers, Jean Chretien made his focus improving social security in Canada. He stated that Canada’s social welfare was a critical part of Canadian life, and it “gives our children their best possible start in life”. Although many Prime Ministers had been in power at this time in history, the economy held its increasing reliance on the United States through imports of goods and products. As the separatist movement grew in Quebec, the October Crisis began. It was the first instance where the War Measures Act was invoked apart from a war. The Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) was in a conflict with the Canadian government over its kidnappings of government officials, and it was a tense time. After Minister of Labour of Quebec Pierre Laporte’s body was found in a car, the separatist movement saw a major halt as people were shocked and disgusted. Prime Minister Trudeau also vowed to make Canada a “just society” through its shared equality of Aboriginals, although tensions between them and the government arose again during the Oka standoff. The increasing emphasis on technology in industry, peace-keeping and free trade has been Canada’s backbone since the 1970’s and has led to everything the government and people stand for now.

Unit 4: How Did Changing Leaderships in Government Change Canada?

              Canadian citizens elected four Prime Ministers after World War II that would all change the way of life forever. Under Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent’s leadership, Canada saw Newfoundland enter the confederation as a province due to its declining economy and non-recovering fishing and lumber industries. He also announced a contract to build a pipeline to carry oil and natural gas from Alberta to Eastern Canada, while giving an $80 million loan to a mainly American-owned company. This created quite a controversy, and eventually John Diefenbaker of the Progressive Conservative Party was elected as the new Prime Minister of Canada. He had a vision for developing Canada’s North and pushed for a more united Canada, separate from Britain and the U.S. In 1960, Diefenbaker passed the Canadian Bill of Rights, which provided certain legal protections such as the freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Soon, Canada needed a new leader, and leader of the Liberal Party Lester Pearson was elected as the new Prime Minister. He introduced the Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Assistance Plan, Medicare and a social safety net, all of which are roots of existing programs today. Prime Minister Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for creating the Peacekeeper, which Canada is still known as to this day. Pierre Trudeau was elected as Prime Minister following Pearson. He brought a new, young, controversial image to Canadian politics. Although he danced and swore on live television, Pierre Trudeau introduced a new Canadian flag to help unite French and English Canadians. He also led the government through its first invocation of the War Measures Act since World War II, in the October Crisis in Quebec. He also created the Canadian Charter of Rights, a constitutional document ensuring equal Canadian rights for all citizens of Canada. These Prime Ministers shaped Canada to what it is today, a great, free independent nation. 

Unit 3: How Did WWII Affect Canada? Pt. 2

  As Europe was becoming a battleground for World War II, the Canadian government was transforming majorly.  Because Canada had not previously produced the machinery that they needed for the war, minister of munitions C.D. Howe lead massive government intervention in Canadian industry during the war. Railway shops began manufacturing tanks, automobile companies began creating army vehicles, and Canada started producing war machines that it never had before. New Crown corporations were also created to contribute to the war effort in Europe. By the end of the war, there were twenty-eight Crown Corporations that produced everything from wood, to synthetic plastic, to uranium for the atomic bomb. To prevent a trade deficit, Prime Minister Mackenzie King and President Teddy Roosevelt signed the Hyde Park Declaration, which guaranteed that the U.S. would purchase products from Canadian industries worth around the same as the products that Canada purchased from the U.S. This marked a major milestone in close economic ties between Canada and the U.S. Large tax increases, forced savings and the sale of victory bonds were all tools that the Canadian government used to control a potentially crippling inflation. By restricting the money that Canadians had in their wallets, the government left them with less money to spend on consumer items (which were limited because production was being mainly used for war machines). These government involvements with Canadian life changed the nature of governments in Canada, and lead to the creation of newer Crown corporations such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). 

Unit 3: How Did WWII Affect Canada? Pt. 1

When Hitler declared war on the allies, Canada voluntarily joined the war as an affirmation of friendly relations with Britain. Canada sent thousands of soldiers, pilots and nurses to support the war effort and secure a victory over Nazi-occupied Europe. The Royal Canadian Air Force led attacks on major German cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. It had a critical role in the Battle of Britain in the skies, and led night bombings over Germany in the darkness. In August, 1942 five thousand Canadian troops were sent to the French port of Dieppe. The purpose of this attack was to test how an all-out Allied invasion would unfold in France. The results were catastrophic and nearly a fifth of the soldiers sent died in battle, but the lessons learned were vital for the future success of the D-Day operation. Canadians had also held important roles in defending Hong Kong from the Japanese, and in the Italian Campaign. There they had they fought with the British to trap Mussolini’s fascist government in the heart of Italy. The most notable Canadian impact of World War II was most likely the Normandy invasion, aka D-Day. D-Day was a strategically massive planned operation where all of the Allies would storm the beaches of France and reclaim Europe. Canada was given the responsibility of conquering one of the five beaches of D-Day; Juno Beach. Canada succeeded and the operation was considered a major success, triggering the turning point of the war. Canada was once again recognized and honoured for its outstanding bravery and success in World War II, earning Canada a seat in the United Nations. Women also experienced an increase in their roles as they flourished in the workforce of Canada. Overall, Canada saw major changes due to the outcome of World War II. 

Unit 2: How did Canada Really gain its Independence?

Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, Canada was slowly decreasing its reliance on the British Empire. In 1922, Turkey was pressuring Britain to withdraw its military from a Turkish town called Chanak. Instead, Britain sent more troops to defend its position, calling on Canada to send troops too. In a surprising response, Mackenzie King and the Canadian cabinet denied the request and did not send military support. This was an enormous step for Canada’s independence, as it had willingly followed Britain in the past without question. Canada also participated in the Balfour Declaration, making nations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada self-governing countries that are freely associated with Britain through the Commonwealth of Nations. In June of 1926, Mackenzie King was involved in a scandal with illegal alcohol importing, and wanted to hold an election before the public found out about the issue. Governor General Lord Byng however, denied his request. King was furious and immediately set restrictions on British influence on the Canadian government. This was extremely significant to Canada’s autonomy and set the path for Canadian society. In 1931 the British parliament passed the Statute of Westminister, which gave Canada and other commonwealth nations complete control over their relations with other countries. These changes that occurred throughout this era in Canada helped shape it as a flourishing nation, independent from Britain. Canada did not go to war for its independence, but it was earned through time and conflict such as the King-Byng affair, and the Chanak crisis. 

Unit 2: What Were the Effects of the 20's and 30's In Canada?

During the 1920’s, Canada was in the middle of an economic boom. The stock market was constantly rising, and companies were being overvalued by millions of dollars. Many women had joined the workforce in subtle yet meaningful jobs, and the men had returned to the workforce. The roaring twenties saw the massive growth in provinces across Canada. Although many industries experienced economic booms during this decade, some such as the cod fisheries in Newfoundland declined, possibly foreshadowing what would come in the 1930’s in Canada.

         

   On October 29, 1929, investors in the stock market decided that the market prices were too inflated. This would come to be known as Black Tuesday. Suddenly, the market began to deflate, leading to a massive stock market crash that would trigger the great depression of the dirty thirties. Average incomes decreased 36-72% in different provinces across Canada. Businesses in Canada lost their confidence and the loss of both domestic and foreign markets for wheat, lumber, pulp, paper, fish and minerals set off a shock wave that affected all other parts of the economy. The stock market crash, while being a huge factor in triggering the great depression, was one of many causes. High importing tariffs, bad working conditions and low wages in the workforce were some of the most important influences of the decade. To improve the economy and quality of life of Canadian citizens, many socialist movements were created such as the Progressive Party, Social Credit, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and even the Communist Party of Canada. These were introduced to create more equality and fairness in Canadian society. These would drastically affect Canadian life to this day. Labour unions are used as leverage to create a voice for workers, and social programs such as OSAP, welfare and Medicare can be traced to this era of Canadian society. 

Unit 1: How Did WWI Affect Canada? Pt 2

As young Canadian men shipped off to Europe to fight in the “Great “War”, job spots needed to be filled back at home. About thirty-thousand Canadian women stepped up and took the roles of their male loved ones, joining the working force of Canada. They worked in machine shops, metal factories, munitions plants, aircraft factories and shipyards across Canada. They also began working in the police forces and the civil service, for banks and insurance companies and on the farms. This was the first major step to women’s equality in Canada. It led to rights such as voting and working, and a greater respect towards women in the nation.

When the men returned home after the war, they found many immigrants and women in their former jobs. If these men did find jobs, horrible working conditions, long hours and bad pay would all contribute to the creation of labour unions in Canada. This would be a massive change in the Canadian workforce and in society in general.

           

        The results of World War I had put Canada on the map. Great battle successes such as Vimy Ridge and Canada’s Hundred Days had led to a global respect for Canada and its sacrifices in the war. Canadian soldiers had earned the name as Storm Troops and Germans feared the worst when they fought against them. By the end of the war, seventy-one Canadians were awarded with the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour in Britain, for their bold acts of bravery and courage in the war. These achievements all led to Canada’s earned seat at the Paris Peace Conference and eventually the U.N. 

Unit 1: How Did WWI Affect Canada? Pt 1

When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4^th, 1914, Canada was automatically at war with Germany. The war itself had been caused by an accumulation of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism between the world’s most powerful empires at the time. It was triggered by the assassination of the archduke of Austria, Francis Ferdinand. The Central Powers, consisting of Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary were at war with the Triple Entente; Britain, France and Russia. No one knew just how horrible the “Great War” would be. As Canada geared up for war, citizens with all different cultures enlisted in the military, but were not treated as equals. While thousands of Black Canadians willingly joined the Canadian army, they were separated and not allowed to go to combat. Their assigned jobs included digging trenches, building bridges and defusing land mines. Many believed that if they were allowed to kill white men in the war, they would do the same when they returned home.

World War I exposed Canada’s shameful racist ideology when the government invoked the War Measures Act, sending nine-thousand “enemy aliens” to internment camps across the country. Their only crime was originating from a country that Canada was at war with. The internees were forced to do hard labour such as clearing forests, draining land and building roads. They were not allowed to leave the camps, and by the end of the war one-hundred and seven people had died in the camps. They would never see a free Canada ever again. When Prime Minister ordered conscription through the Military Service Act, he rekindled the divide between French Canadians and English Canadians. French Canadians saw no need to join the war and fight for an empire that was not their own. This left a bitter feeling towards the Canadian government and led to the separatist movement in Quebec.

What is a Canadian?

During the twentieth century, there were many different types of people living in Canada, some in conflict with each other. There were the French-Canadians from the originally French colony of Quebec, the immigrants from Eastern Europe such as Ukraine and Russia, the Jewish immigrants from Europe who had fled from discriminatory governments. There were the Black Canadians who had escaped slavery, the white Canadians originally from British colonies, and the aboriginals, but what is a Canadian?

In the past, Canadians have not been quiet to share their distaste for immigrants, aboriginals, Jews, French-Canadians and black Canadians. In order to identify what a Canadian really is, it is important to look at the origins of Canada itself. Originally, two main world empires had established their colonies across Canada; the French, and the British. They fought for North American land in an attempt to control the fur trade in what is known as the Seven Years War. Britain eventually won, but enacted the Quebec Act, giving the French a right to live on the land and preserve their culture. This led to three types of Canadians already; the British, the French, and the Aboriginals who had previously lived on the land. As Canada developed it separated more and more from the British monarchy until it became its own independent country. Now Canada prides itself as a culturally diverse nation under the Queen. Because there are so many people living in Canada, the question is being asked, what makes someone a Canadian? Who really is a Canadian? To answer that question, in my opinion a Canadian is anyone with a legal citizenship and a love for syrup. 

Did Government Policy Contribute to Canadian Racism?

Throughout the 1900’s, Canada was not known for the cultural diversity and equality of today. Many Canadians from different countries around the world faced racial segregation and were not considered as equals to the average white Canadian. Jewish Canadians were limited in the jobs they could have and were sometimes only allowed to live in only certain areas of cities. Although Black Canadians were free from slavery in Canada, they were still considered a lower class of people and publicly discriminated against. Women were restricted in what they could or could not do, and were expected to only take care of the family and home while the husband, being the breadwinner, worked and supported the family. Canadians from Asia were all known as Chinese, and were lured to work on the construction of the western section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. They were given the most dangerous jobs, but when they tried to bring in family or friends, a head tax was introduced, charging up to $500 per immigrant from “China”. The aboriginals of Canada during this time period continued losing their land to European settlers and were forced to live in reserves, being racially profiled and segregated.

Canada’s history is not as bright as many think it is. The general public’s opinion of foreign cultures and ways of life were extremely prejudiced and unacceptable to today’s standards. The majority of Canadian people of the 1900’s were raised and taught to be racist to anyone different from themselves. Was this a result of government policy at the time? Absolutely. Any government that introduces a “head tax” on a specific race or culture of immigrants is to blame for the racism that newcomers faced in this dark period of Canadian history.