Canada's National Policy and Its Historical Impact

National Policy

Introduced in 1879 to unify Canada economically.

Tariffs

Taxes on imports to protect domestic industries.

Protectionism

Economic policy to shield local businesses from foreign competition.

Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)

Symbol of unity and economic expansion in Canada.

Pacific Scandal

Corruption scandal involving CPR construction contracts.

Immigration Policies

Encouraged settlement in the West for economic growth.

Numbered Treaties

Agreements for land cessions by Indigenous peoples.

Indian Act of 1876

Legislation defining Indian status and governance controls.

Residential Schools

Institutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous children.

Louis Riel

Leader symbolizing Indigenous resistance against oppressive policies.

Demographic Shifts

Changes in population distribution affecting Indigenous communities.

Economic Integration

Foundation for a connected economy, creating regional disparities.

Political Debate

Disputes over federal versus provincial powers in governance.

Homestead Act

Incentive for settlers to claim land in Canada.

Cultural Revitalization

Efforts by Indigenous groups to restore cultural practices.

Intergenerational Trauma

Psychological impact of historical abuse on future generations.

Assimilation Practices

Policies aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures and identities.

Agricultural Heartlands

Transformed prairies due to large-scale immigration.

Economic Independence

Goal of the National Policy to reduce foreign reliance.

Market Inefficiencies

Debates arising from protective tariffs affecting consumers.

Corruption Scandals

Issues undermining trust in government and infrastructure projects.

Cultural Identity Loss

Consequences of residential schools on Indigenous languages.

Preference for Certain Groups

Policies favored white Europeans, excluding Asians.

Socioeconomic Impact

Immigrants contributed to agriculture and urban infrastructure.

Homestead Act (1872)

Provided land to settlers for agricultural development.

Environmental Hardships

Harsh climates and marginal farming land challenged settlers.

Social Challenges

Ethnic discrimination and cultural isolation affected immigrants.

Urbanization

Cities expanded as immigrants sought job opportunities.

Labor Movements

Unions formed to demand better wages and conditions.

Industrial Economy Transition

Shift from agrarian to industrial production post-Confederation.

Regional Variations

Industrialization was strongest in Ontario and Quebec.

Industrial Expansion Sectors

Key sectors included textiles, food processing, and timber.

Drivers of Industrialization

Natural resources, technology, and capital investments fueled growth.

Role of Railways

Railways linked resource areas to markets, boosting economy.

Economic Challenges

Public debt and political scandals undermined trust.

Banking and Finance

Financial sector expansion led to economic cycles of boom and bust.

Emergence of a New Elite

Wealth concentrated among industrialists and financiers.

Working Conditions

Long hours and unsafe environments led to unrest.

Political Transformation

Early 20th century saw significant political changes.

Progressive Party

Advocated for economic reforms and decentralization of power.

Women's Suffrage Movement

Led by activists like Nellie McClung for voting rights.

Milestones in Suffrage

Manitoba granted women the vote in 1916.

Winnipeg General Strike (1919)

Highlighted worker discontent and led to labor reforms.

Social Welfare Ideas

Calls for public health and education reforms emerged.

State Intervention

Government involvement in economic and social policies.

Free Market Principles

Economic system emphasizing minimal government interference.

World War I

Global conflict from 1914 to 1918 affecting Canada.

Vimy Ridge

Defining battle symbolizing Canada's emergence internationally.

Conscription Crisis

1917 conflict over mandatory military service in Canada.

War Economy

Shift from agriculture to industrial production during wars.

Post-War Adjustments

Challenges faced by returning soldiers reintegrating into society.

The Great Depression

Economic downturn causing widespread unemployment and poverty.

Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF)

Political party advocating for socialized economic policies.

Dieppe Raid

Key military operation highlighting Canada's role in WWII.

D-Day

Major Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Internment Policies

Wartime actions against Japanese Canadians raising civil rights issues.

National Identity

Sense of belonging and unity among Canadians post-war.

Economic Boom

Post-war growth leading to social transformation in Canada.

Suburban Expansion

Growth of residential areas outside urban centers.

Welfare State

Government programs providing social security and support.

Medicare

Publicly funded health care system introduced in Canada.

Multicultural Framework

Policies promoting diversity and inclusion in Canadian identity.

Baby Boom

Significant increase in birth rates post-World War II.

Indigenous Rights

Recognition and advocacy for Indigenous treaty and land claims.

Quiet Revolution

1960s transformation in Quebec reducing church influence.

Quebec Nationalism

Movement advocating for Quebec's distinct identity and sovereignty.