Read and Respond: History of Canada
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences on your own sheet of paper.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE FRENCH AND THE ENGLISH ON THE LANGUAGE ANDRELIGION
OF CANADA
The Europeans who settled Canada came mainly from Great Britain and France. The English and the
French explored and established settlements across North America. They brought their languages and
religions with them. Conquered Indian tribes were pushed aside, destroyed, or isolated. In time, Canada came
to be ruled by Great Britain. There were many French-speakers, however, in the province of Quebec. Religion
was different in Quebec, too. Most of Canada was non-Catholic Christian. The French-speaking people of
Quebec were mostly Roman Catholic.
Great Britain got control of Canada in 1763 as a result of the French and Indian War. The British rule
of Canada lasted into the twentieth century. During those years, settlers moved across the continent. The
English-speakers of Canada stretched from coast to coast. Today, nearly 70 percent of Canadians speak
English as their first language. English is one of the official languages of government and business in the
country.
The effects of French settlement remain, however. Although only 20 percent of the population speaks
French as its first language, 81 percent of the people in Quebec have French as their first language. Only
about 8 percent of Quebec’s citizens speak English as a first language. French is the official language of
business and government in Quebec. Advertising can be in both French and English. However, the English
portion must come after the French part, and the English words must be of smaller size. Because of the
distinct society of French-speakers in the country, French is an official language of Canada. All government
documents are written in French and English.
Religion in Canada is a result of its history too. The French settlers were Roman Catholic. English
settlers tended to be non-Catholic Christians. Today, about 80 percent of people in Quebec are Catholic. In
Canada as a whole, the number is about 44 percent. Although other religions are practiced, the main religions
are those that were brought from the mother countries.
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Which two European countries settled Canada during the Age of Exploration?
What two things did Europeans bring with them to Canada?
How did the British take control over all of Canada?
Which part of Canada is still mostly French culture today?
What religion did the French and the British bring to Canada?
HOW CANADA BECAME AN INDEPENDENT NATION
Great Britain colonized lands around the world. In North America, the thirteen colonies declared their
independence and fought a war with Great Britain to secure it. They created the United States of America.
Other colonies fought for their freedom, too. Some colonies were able to get their independence through
peaceful means. Canada was one of those countries.
Canada became part of Great Britain in 1763. This was a result of Great Britain’s defeat of France in
the French and Indian War. The country expanded, and pioneers and settlers found ways to use the resources
of the country. By the mid-1860s, people in Canada wanted to be united. They asked the British Parliament to
create a constitution allowing for increased self-government. Some Canadians worried that the United States
might invade parts of Canada to gain new lands.
The British North America Act of 1867 put together the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Ontario, and Quebec, and the new constitution titled the country the Dominion of Canada. The country was
allowed to have its own parliament and prime minister, It was not allowed to make treaties with other
countries, and it had to be a part of the military of the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
The monarch, king or queen, would be the same for Canada and Great Britain.
This system worked well for many years. However, many Canadian soldiers were used by the United
Kingdom in World War I. The loss of life was very high. Canadians decided they wanted more control in
foreign affairs. After the war was over, Canadians began to work toward independence. In 1931, the British
Parliament granted independence to Canada. It was 1982 before the final links were broken between the
British Parliament and the Canadian government. The two countries still share the same monarch.
6. How did Canada gain its independence?
7. What was the British North America Act?
8. What role does the British monarch play in Canada today?
QUEBEC’S INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
Quebec is an important part of Canada. A large part of Canadian industry is centered in Quebec. Many
electronics and computer industries are based in the province. The people of Quebec and the rest of Canada
share a history of cooperation and success. Most Canadians want to keep the French- speaking citizens as a
part of Canada.
Some people in Quebec want Quebec to be independent. These people are called separatists. They
believe that Quebec cannot keep its French language and culture in a country where most people have English
as a first language. The people have voted on the issue. Both times, they decided to remain a part of Canada.
The government of Canada has passed several laws to help Quebec’s citizens preserve their language
and culture. First, they made Canada officially bilingual. That means that both the English and the French
languages are used for government and business. Canadian law guarantees the right to preserve one’s cultural
heritage. Quebec has also been officially labeled a “distinct society” in Canada.
In Quebec, French is the only official language. English may be used in advertising, but it must be
placed after the French words, and it must be in a smaller size. Some in Quebec are happy with these changes.
Others are not satisfied. They still believe that Quebec should be independent.
9. Why is the province of Quebec important to Canada?
10. What are the people called who want Quebec to be independent?
11. What has the government of Canada done to help people of Quebec feel like they are part of
Canada? Be Specific!
12. Why is Canada considered to be a bi-lingual country?