Canada's Social/ Cultural/ Historical Profile.
Canada is a bilingual and multicultural country, whose more than 30 million people live in 10 provinces, 2 federal territories, the Northwest Territories (which comprise a third of Canada), and the Yukon Territory in the far north.
Canada is a nation in the midst of an identity crisis between two of its major cultural heritages, English and French, and with a powerful southern neighbour, the United States. Having lost the referenda on separate sovereignty for their province, the French Canadians in Quebec press for more votes until they win majority. .
Canada was established as a political entity in 1867 through the British North American Act. In 1982 has the House of Parliament in the United Kingdom voted to amend it so the Canadian constitution could be brought home.
Throughout Canada, the family is the center of Society, and homes are often passed along from one generation to the other. Nowhere is this more true than in the central province of Quebec, the heart of French Canada. If you have some insights into Latin Europe, you may better understand the French Canadian, which is somewhat individualistic. People tend to be reserved until you get to know them well. The Roman Catholic tradition dominates. The major industries are mining, forestry, hydroelectricity, and agriculture. Canadians are more aware of their rich cultural diversity and natural resources. The country's economic wealth is centered in forests, petroleum, natural gas and iron ore. Sprawling democratic Canada has one of the world's highest standards of living and its people are very industrious.
Operating a bilingual business can be a challenge, but French speaking individuals are an advantage in international commerce. The English spoken in Canada is slightly different from the American version. Proud of their country, sensitive about their relations with the U.S. and comparisons to it, fiercely independent while self-depreciating as a people, Canadians resent being lumped together with the other "Americans".
