INTERNATIONAL STUDIES – CANADA

Culture
The culture of Canada embodies the artistic, culinary, literary, humour, musical, political and
social elements that are representative of Canada and Canadians. Throughout Canada's history,
its culture has been influenced by European cultureand traditions, especially British and French,
and by its own indigenous cultures.[1] Over time, elements of the cultures of Canada's immigrant
populations have become incorporated to form a Canadian cultural mosaic.[1][2] The population
has also been influenced by American culture because of a shared language, proximity,
television and migration between the two countries.[3][4]
Canada is often characterized as being "very progressive, diverse, and multicultural".
[5]
 Canada's federal government has often been described as the instigator of multicultural
ideology because of its public emphasis on the social importance of immigration.[6] Canada's
culture draws from its broad range of constituent nationalities, and policies that promote a just
society are constitutionally protected.[7] Canadian Government policies—such as publicly funded
health care; higher and more progressive taxation; outlawing capital punishment; strong efforts to
eliminate poverty; an emphasis on cultural diversity; strict gun control; the legalization of same-
sex marriage and cannabis —are social indicators of the country'spolitical and cultural values.
[8]
 Canadians identify with the country's institutions of health care, military peacekeeping,
the National park system and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.[9][10]
The Canadian government has influenced culture with programs, laws and institutions. It has
created crown corporations to promote Canadian culture through media, such as the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), and promotes
many events which it considers to promote Canadian traditions. It has also tried to protect
Canadian culture by setting legal minimums on Canadian content in many media using bodies
like the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).[11]
Religion
Religion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups and beliefs.[3]
Christianity is the largest religion in Canada, with Roman Catholics having the most adherents. Christians,
representing 67.3% of the population in 2011, are followed by people having no religion with 23.9%[1] of
the total population. Other faiths include Muslims(3.2%), Hindus (1.5%), Sikhs (1.4%), Buddhists (1.1%),
and Jews (1.0%).[4] Rates of religious adherence are steadily decreasing.[5][6]The preamble to the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms refers to God. The monarch carries the title of "Defender of the Faith".
However, Canada has no official religion, and support for religious pluralism and freedom of religion is an
important part of Canada's political culture.[7][8]
Before the European colonization, Aboriginal religions were largely animistic or shamanistic, including an
intense tribal reverence for spirits and nature.[9] The French colonization beginning in the 17th century
established a Roman Catholic francophone population in New France, especially Acadia (later Lower
Canada, now Nova Scotia and Quebec). British colonization brought waves of Anglicansand
other Protestants to Upper Canada, now Ontario. The Russian Empire spread Orthodox Christianity in a
small extent to the tribes in the far north and western coasts, particularly hyperborean nomadics like
the Inuit; Orthodoxy would arrive to the mainland with immigrants from the Soviet Union, Eastern
Bloc, Greece and elsewhere during the 20th century.
With Christianity in decline after having once been central and integral to Canadian culture and daily life,
[10]
 Canada has become a post-Christian, secular state[11][12][13] despite the majority of Canadians claiming an
affiliation with Christianity.[14] The majority of Canadians consider religion to be unimportant in their daily
lives,[15] but still believe in God.[16] The practice of religion is now generally considered a private matter
throughout society and the state.[17]

Population
Canada ranks 38 comprising about 0.5% of the world's total population,[1] with over 37
millionCanadians as of 2018.[2] Despite having the 2nd largest landmass, the vast majority of the
country is sparsely inhabited, with most of its population south of the 55th parallel north. Though
Canada's population density is low, many regions in the south such as Southern Ontario, have
population densities higher than several European countries. Canada's largest population
centres are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa with those six being
the only ones with more than one million people. The large size of Canada's north which is
not arable, and thus cannot support large human populations, significantly lowers the carrying
capacity. Therefore, the population density of the habitable land in Canada can be modest to
high depending on the region.
The historical growth of Canada's population is complex and has been influenced in many
different ways, such as indigenous populations, expansion of territory, and human migration.
Being a new world country, Canada has been predisposed to be a very open society with
regards to immigration, which has been the most important factor in its historical population
growth.[3] The 2016 Canadian census counted a total population of 35,151,728, an increase of
around 5.0 percent over the 2011 figure.[4][5] Between 1990 and 2008, the population increased by
5.6 million, equivalent to 20.4 percent overall growth.[6]

Landmark

Canada shares its Great Lakes with the United States, with the international border running
through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Superior. Together the lakes have a surface area of
289,000 square miles and are vital to the province of Ontario; three out of every four Ontario
residents get their drinking water from the lakes. The lakes are highly biodiverse and support at
least 150 species of fish and 50 distinct plant communities.

The most famous feature is one of the most well-known natural landmarks in North America.
Niagara Falls stands on the Niagara River and all the water passing from Lake Erie into Lake
Ontario – up to 202,000 cubic feet per second at times of peak flow – crashes over the massive
waterfall. Many local companies offer boat rides and guided walks that take visitors close to the
crashing water. Canada has three distinct mountain ranges, one in the west, one on the
northeastern coastline and a third in the east. The western range, the Rockies, is Canada’s best-
known mountain range and includes the country’s highest point, 19,550-foot-high Mount Logan.
The range has some stunning landscape – Frommer’s describes it as “some of the finest
mountain scenery on earth.” UNESCO designates the four Canadian Rocky mountain parks –
Jasper, Banff, Yoho and Kootenay – a World Heritage Site. If visiting in the summer visitors
might catch a glimpse of mountain goats, sheep and marmots alongside 280 species of bird. In
winter, try winter sports or a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town of Banff.

 provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are collectively known as Canada’s prairie
provinces due to the dominant environmental conditions. The three states share a grassland
ecosystem and a dry climate due to the effect of the mountains to the west. But the prairie can
get very cold; the average January temperature in Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, is a
chilly 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The prairies are part of North America’s Great Plains and the area
is important for Canada’s food security, with around 95 percent of the land converted into
farmland.Northern Canada fragments into islands, some of them very large indeed. Baffin Island,
in the federal territory of Nunavut, has an area of 117,000 square miles. The vast majority of the
northern islands lie north of the Arctic Circle and experience very cold temperatures in the winter
– Nunavut’s capital city Iqaluit experiences an average of minus 15.8 F in January and only 45.8
F in July at the height of summer, so warm clothes are a must all year-round. Test the icy cold
temperatures, the northern islands offer some spectacular natural attractions, such as the
opportunity to watch icebergs breaking off the ice shelf. At Quttinirpaaq, Canada's most northerly
national park, the adventurous can see glaciers dating back 125,000 years and experience the
midnight sun during the brief arctic summer.
Sports

Most requested
 Athlete Assistance Program
 Sport Support Program
 Hosting Program
 National Sport Organizations
 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Centres and Institutes
 Sport Funding and Accountability Framework

Services and information

Sport in Canada
Discover how our sport system helps Canadians from all segments of society to get
involved in sport activities at all levels and in all forms of participation.

Role of Sport Canada

Learn more about the role of Sport Canada, and the programs and initiatives
available to all Canadians, from high-performance athletes to those who play sports
as part of their active lifestyle.
Funding
Learn about the funding programs that support high-performance athletes and
Canadian organizations hosting sport events.

Sport participation
Be active and healthy for life with recreational sport and physical activity. Play, train
and compete in sport from childhood through adulthood.

Developing our athletes

Learn about how Canada is developing its high performance athletes, its
commitment to ethical conduct in sport, and the funding available to help athletes
and teams achieve world-class results.

Ethics in sport
Find out what is being done to ensure that Canadian athletes compete on a safe and
fair playing field, including the elimination of doping, harassment and violence.

Concussions in sport
Learn how the Canadian federal government is working with provinces and territories
to help prevent and manage concussions.

Sport organizations
Discover the organizations that play a role in supporting amateur sport or in
promoting active and healthy living for Canadians.

Sport events
Keep up with exciting sport events and cheer on our athletes as they compete
against the world’s best competition at home and abroad.

Sport policies, acts and regulations

Find the different polices, acts and regulations for sport in Canada which enhance
the opportunities for Canadians to participate and excel in sport
Food
1. Poutine

First stop in Canada: Poutine ? ?@shannondidwhat

Few Canadian dishes are as world-renowned as the glorious creation known as

poutine. Crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds and rich gravy all combine to create the
meal of dreams, and this French Canadian food is so popular that it can now be
found all around the world. The classic version is great on its own, but toppings like
pulled pork, bacon and smoked meat really knock it out of the park – and at an
average price of £3.50, it won’t break the bank either.

2. Bannock
 You can’t beat bannock and bacon cooked over the fire ?@torebergengen

Delicious and versatile, bannock is a simple bread that was once a key staple in the
diets of Canada’s Aboriginal people. Modern takes on bannock include baked
versions (which are heavy/dense) and fried versions (which are crispy and fluffy on
the inside). In recent years, bannock has seen a surge in popularity, with new twists
and variations popping up in bakeries and cafes nationwide – you have to try it!

3. Butter tarts
 Baked some delicious Canadian butter tarts ?@karyne.villeneuve

Butter tarts are so simple, but oh so good. They’re made by taking flaky pastry shells
and filling them with a butter, sugar and egg filling. This is traditional Canadian food
at its best, and you’ll be craving these long after you’ve left the country.
4. Nova Scotian Lobster Rolls

Can’t resist these lobster rolls ? ? Neil Conway

Canada is a massive country, with spectacular seafood from coast to coast. Not-to-
be-missed experiences include Atlantic and Pacific salmon, smoked salmon, arctic
char, and of course, East Coast lobsters. Nova Scotian lobster rolls are a Canadian
favourite.
5. Montreal-style Bagels

The best bagels in Canada from St. Viateur! ?@newna__o0o

Montreal’s bagels are the unsung heroes of great Canadian food. Sweeter, denser
and thinner than their NYC counterparts, Montreal bagels are baked in wood fire
ovens and are often covered in poppy or sesame seeds. The two heavyweights in
the Montreal bagel game are St. Viateur and Fairmount Bagel, both of which (we can
confirm) are amazing.
6. Saskatoon berry pie

Mmm Saskatoon berry pie with ice cream ??? ?@prairieberries.sk

The Saskatoon berry is often described as having a sweet and almondy flavour,
which makes it an ideal candidate for the perfect pie. Truly, a slice of this will change
your life. It’s no wonder the city of Saskatoon was actually named after it, rather than
the other way around.

7. Montreal-style Smoked Meat

 Schwartz’s smoked meat sandwich with some tasty sides is ?? ?@eatingwithchu

Similar to pastrami, Montreal’s smoked meat is the heavenly result of beef brisket
salted and cured for a week with a range of spices, before being smoked and
steamed to perfection. It’s usually served in a rye bread sandwich smeared with
tangy yellow mustard, but you’ll also see it as a topping for poutine. The smoked
meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s Deli have earned worldwide recognition, with
some die-hards considering it to be one of the best restaurants in Canada.

The only way to know is to try it for yourself!

8. Peameal Bacon

Berry pie and juicy peameal bacon ?@cool.notcool

This special Canadian twist on bacon is made from lean boneless pork loin, which is
trimmed, wet-cured and then rolled in cornmeal, giving it its distinctive yellow crust.
It’s juicier than American-style bacon, but also leaner and, some might say, more
delicious.
9. Beavertails

A Nutella and banana Beavertail – a must have in Canada ?@shalssh

Imagine a slab of delicious, deep-fried dough, covered in a variety of toppings like

Nutella, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter and more. While it’s not exactly a traditional
Canadian food, beavertails are gooey, crispy and a taste of true perfection. No visit
to Canada is complete without one!
10. Split Pea Soup

Classic Canadian comfort food – split pea soup ?Carol

Ah, comfort food at its finest. With Québécois origins, split pea soup is traditionally
composed of peas, pork and herbs blended together for pure, creamy deliciousness.
A bowl of this will get you through the tough Canadian winters!
11. Tire d’érable sur la neige

Maple Taffy ? Canada’s original delicious treat ?? ?@kbeedeng

It truly does not get more Canadian than tire d’érable (or maple taffy). This sugary
sweet candy is prepared by pouring boiling maple syrup over snow, where the cold
causes it to immediately harden. You’re then meant to roll it up with a popsicle stick
and enjoy immediately. The result is a rich maple flavour, with a soft, gooey texture –
the dessert of dreams!
12. Ketchup Chips

Ketchup chips: a staple of Canadian care packages ?Mark Hillary

Craving a snack? There are plenty of chip flavours that can only be found in Canada!
Many Canadians are die-hard devotees to the Ruffles all-dressed chip, which offers
a bit of everything – from tomato and onion to salt, vinegar, sour cream and BBQ.
Ketchup chips and dill pickle chips are also mega popular flavours native to the
Canadian junk food scene.

Unsurprisingly, there are speciality flavours like poutine and, of course, the
inexplicably addictive Hickory Sticks – thin strips of potato with a mild BBQ flavour.
13. Nanaimo Bars

These Nanaimo bars look heavenly ?Craig Dugas

Named after the British Columbian city of Nanaimo, these three layered slices of
heaven require no baking and are comprised of a crumb base layer, custard and a
thin layer of chocolate on top, which gives the bar a perfect crunch.
14. Pouding chômeur

Cheap and tasty goodness ?Jo del Corro

Literally translated to “the unemployment pudding”, this French Canadian dessert

was created during the Great Depression, which makes it one of the more traditional
Canadian foods on the list. It’s proof that less is more, with a few basic ingredients
combined to make a delicious, comforting dessert still loved by Canadians all over
the country. Made up of cake batter topped with hot syrup, the end result is a
deliciously sweet treat that cures all woes.
15. Caesar Cocktail

The amazing Checkmate Caesar at the Score on Davie! ?@newjenesis

The Caesar is Canada’s national cocktail. Made of vodka, clamato juice, Tabasco
and Worcestershire sauce, the Canadian take on the Bloody Mary makes the
absolute best brunch companion. Recently, restaurants and bars have stepped up
their garnish game to include more than the traditional celery salt rim and celery stalk
to include the likes of an entire roast chicken, burgers, hot dogs, sliders, onion rings
and more (aka the Checkmate Caesar at the Score on Davie in Vancouver).
16. Tourtière

A delicious tourtière and house made chai ?@2foodphatgals

If it’s hearty fare you’re after, look no further than the French Canadian tourtière, a
savoury meat pie commonly eaten during the holidays (but is popular year round).
Recipes vary regionally and by family, but pork, veal, beef and game are popular
choices of meat to fill the pie.
17. Game Meat

Moose taco salad – don’t knock it til you’ve tried it ?@rwcurt

Depending on where you are in the country, game meat may feature heavily. Though
not as common in big cities, the likes of venison, caribou and moose are often used
as the main meat in certain meals. There are even moose tacos!

So tell me, what’s your favourite Canadian food? Are there any classic Canadian
dishes we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Music/Dance
MUSIC AND DANCE
PERFORMING ARTS
Ottawa’s National Arts Centre and the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto both
present great lineups of music, dance, theatre and shows. Visit a downtown bar or club for
the indie music scene. Westben Concerts at the Barn is a unique experience; the magnificent
400-seat timber-frame barn opens onto lush meadows and rolling hills. The Toronto Alliance for
the Performing Arts will keep you up to date on what’s playing on Toronto’s stages; download
their TOnight mobile app for on-the-go performing arts tickets, reviews and searches.

BALLET DANCE
Toronto is a hub for Canadian classical and contemporary dance from the National Ballet of
Canada to the Toronto Dance Theatre. The Ballet Series at the National Arts Centre presents
three ballet productions in Southam Hall, each featuring the NAC Orchestra.

OPERA
Take in a grand aria at the Canadian Opera Company and see what’s on stage this season
at Opera Atelier, specializing in baroque opera.

ORCHESTRAS
Enjoy the wide-ranging repertoire of Toronto's Symphony Orchestra. Hamilton's classical music
scene is thriving with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra offering up another season of great
concerts, as is the Ontario Philharmonic in Oshawa, with a solid season of beautiful music,
highlighted with great special events