UN/Canadian Nationalism

Internationalism

A policy where nations work together to solve global problems and act in the collective best interest of all citizens, nations, and states.

Unilateral

When a nation acts on its own without the involvement of other countries.

Bilateral

A cooperative action or agreement between two nations.

Multilateral

Involving multiple countries working together, often in large alliances.

Supranationalism

When countries give up some control to a higher authority or organization that makes decisions on their behalf (e.g., EU).

United Nations (UN)

A global organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and development. It has 193 member states and includes bodies like the General Assembly (1 vote per country) and the Security Council (with 5 permanent members holding veto power- China, Russia, Britain, France US).

G8 (Group of Eight)

A group of eight major industrialized nations that meet to discuss global economic and political issues.

• Canada

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• Japan

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Russia (suspended since 2014 after the annexation of Crimea)

European Union (EU)

A supranational organization of European countries working together economically and politically, with shared laws and policies.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

A military alliance where member countries (North America) agree to defend one another in case of an attack.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

A trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico to reduce trade barriers (now replaced by USMCA).

World Trade Organization (WTO)

A global organization that regulates international trade to ensure smooth and fair trade practices.

Collective Security

The idea that countries work together to respond to threats and maintain global peace and stability (e.g., through the UN).

Global Interconnectedness

The increasing links between countries in areas like economics, environment, communication, and culture.

Ethnic Cleansing

The forced removal or killing of ethnic groups to create a population of a single ethnicity (e.g., Rwanda genocide, FLQ ideology).

Humanitarian

Actions taken to improve human welfare, especially during crises (e.g., providing aid, peacekeeping, stopping genocide).

Economic

Related to money, resources, and trade—such as global trade agreements or economic causes of conflict.

Environmental

Issues affecting nature and the planet, like desertification, global warming, or habitat loss—areas the UN also addresses.

Canadian Nationalism

A belief in promoting and protecting Canada's identity, culture, and unity, often in opposition to separatist movements.

Constitution

The supreme law of Canada that outlines how the country is governed. Trudeau patriated it in 1982 without Quebec’s approval.

Pierre Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister known for promoting bilingualism, multiculturalism, and opposing Quebec separation. Invoked the War Measures Act during the FLQ Crisis.

Sovereignists

People who support Quebec becoming an independent country.

Federalists

People who support Quebec remaining part of Canada and believe in a united federal system.

Referendum

A public vote on a single political question, such as the 1980 and 1995 Quebec sovereignty referendums.

Separation

The act of Quebec becoming an independent country, which sovereignists support and federalists oppose.

Alienation

The feeling of being isolated or excluded, often felt by Quebec in Canadian federal politics, and also by Western provinces.

Distinct Society

The idea that Quebec has unique language, culture, and traditions deserving special recognition in the Constitution.

PQ (Parti Québécois)

A political party in Quebec that advocates for Quebec sovereignty. Formed by René Lévesque in the 1970s.

FLQ (Front de libération du Québec)

A radical group that used violence to promote Quebec independence. Involved in the October/FLQ Crisis of 1970 by kidnapping James Cross and Pierre Laporte who died

BQ (Bloc Québécois)

A federal political party formed from Quebec MPs who left the Progressive Conservatives to support Quebec sovereignty at the national level.

Québécois

A term used to refer to people from Quebec, especially those who identify with the French-speaking culture and nationalist movement.

Regional Disparity

Unequal wealth and development between Canadian regions, caused by differences in natural resources, population, and economic activity. Eastern Canada historically led, while the West and Atlantic supplied resources.

Equalization program

A federal system that redistributes money from wealthier to poorer provinces to ensure equal public services. “Have” provinces like Alberta and BC often resent paying more, while “have-not” provinces like Quebec and the Maritimes receive funds.

First ministers conference

Meetings between the Prime Minister and premiers to address national issues, often highlighting regional tensions over programs like equalization.

Western alienation

The belief in Western Canada (especially Alberta and Saskatchewan) that they’re ignored by the federal government—politically (Eastern dominance), economically (unfair policies like NEP), and socially (underrepresentation in media and culture).

Aboriginal

Original peoples of Canada

First Nations

Indigenous peoples (not Inuit or Métis)

Self-Government

Indigenous control over own affairs

Reconciliation

Healing relationships with Indigenous peoples

Residential Schools

Schools that forced Indigenous assimilation