About Canadian Culture

To begin, culture refers to the actions, ideas, objects, and other characteristics shared by individuals of a certain civilization. It describes the similar features of people that allow them to adhere to the community’s distinctive beliefs. Canada is made up of gastronomic, literary, musical, political, and social features influenced by European culture and historic behaviors such as British and French customs. Language, immigration, and closeness to Americans have all resulted in cultural influence in Canada. The country is known for its diversity and intercultural activities. First, the emphasis of immigration by the federal government has contributed to the multicultural practices in the state. A legislative restriction amended in 1960 had favoured American, British, and European immigrants such as Polish, Swedish, Italian, German, Dutch, and Ukrainian which led to the increased cultural diversity with thirty four ethnic groups (Greenberg, 2012)

In addition, Canada is also characterized by the religious diversity which encompasses different types of beliefs, dialects, and customs. 67.3% of the population are Christians where Catholics make 38.7% of the nation. The Protestants include 6.1% of Canadians; Anglicans make 5%, and Baptists-1.9% of the population, while 23.9% of the citizens include atheists, humanists, agnostics, and the other groups. As a result, the other inhabitants are the representatives of Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism (Bloemraad, 2012).

Moreover, the country is also characterised by the usage of different languages. Apart from English and French, people speak Spanish, German, Italian, Punjabi, and Chinese which come as a result of diverse ethnicities and nationalities. In addition, the policy that promotes multiculturalism was adopted in Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which led to the acceptance of different cultures in major cities as Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal.

Furthermore, the immigration and linguistic population have brought the diverse society. Different authors have identified Canadians as ‘The Unfinished Canadians’. Firstly, Canada is connected with English and French Canadians. Recently, immigrants from Caribbean, African, and Asian regions have also contributed to the cultural diversity of the state. More and more non-French and non-British groups of people have settled and have contributed to the multiple cultures available in the country (Paris, 2016).

As a result of the above-mentioned diversity, the government has indulged in the protection of Canadian heritage. Since the mid-20th century, there have been attempts to protect the country’s culture, although difficulties as a result of sharing the language with United States, migration, and trade have hindered this attempt.

In addition, there are various practices and activities which portray the Canadian legacy. To start with, art and literature are divided into French and English masterpieces. (Kellett-Betsos, Hayne, & Meizei, 2012). For instance, writers as Hugh MacLennan and Alistair Macleod have embraced compositions that define the Canadians (Kellett-Betsos, Hayne, & Meizei, 2012).

It is impossible to overestimate the fact the recent official symbols of Canada have been modified to meet the cultural presences. In order to preserve the country’s traditions, the government has changed some national symbols and has instituted new items to support the cultural legacy. For example, the national flag is modified to portray the country’s identity. Additionally, the government has passed regulations which remarkably support the notion of embracing the country’s culture (O’ Connor, 2012).

Besides, Canadian government has implemented the use of tax measures, cultural content by writers and authors, financial incentives, and regulation of foreign investments in order to promote Canadian habits. For instance, the country has national symbols such as the flag, Canadian Horse, Beaver, and Maple, which are the primary objects depicting the national identity of people. The flag is modified to emphasize Canadian traits due to the fact that many symbols refer to the United Kingdom – the historical colonizer of the Canada’s territory.

Notably, in 2011, the government changed some names in Canadian military to emphasize the cultural heritage. For example, land command changed to Canadian Army, Air land - to Royal Canadian Army, and Maritime power to Royal Canadian Army. Also, a piece of Canadian five cent is a national symbol that shows the state has its own culture. Therefore, the national symbols used across the country show that it is culturally independent. Such changes depict that Canada is largely characterized by cultural diversity.

Similarly, the television and radio programs are directed towards promoting the notion of cultural independence. The government of the state supports film industry, sound recording, radio, and television, by encouraging the production, creation, and dissemination of contents that embrace Canadian traditions. For instance, the creation of the Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) was directed to enlighten Canadian events and programs and protect the country from influence of different countries and regions. Content regulations that stated the inclusion of Canadian content in various broadcasts show that it has a culture which strives to be maintained and preserved.

Furthermore, theaters in Canada specialize in the manufacturing of plays that reveal the authentic habits of the people across the country. Notably, the Great Canadian Theatre Company established in 1975 plays a significant role in promoting Canadians. The theater has attracted many tourists who visit the country to learn more about the Canadian culture. Remarkably, the Toronto Theatre District is defined as the Canada’s cultural center and is ranked as the third largest English speaking theater worldwide. Additionally, it portrays the cultural heritage of the native citizens. Theatres such as Saint-Denis and EXcentris promote French language to preserve the Canadian legacy.

Some scholars have also emphasized the cultural diversity in Canada. Firstly, Canadian culture is greatly influenced by Europe, mainly France and Britain (Malcolm, 2016). The first and the Second World War contributed much to the adoption of British customs which led to the conclusion that Canadian nationality reflected both French and British linguistic and cultural identities. According to Constitution Act of 1867, section 133, French and English languages are both national languages (Malcolm, 2016). Additionally, the First Official Language Act of 1969 gave the two dialects a higher priority as official languages. The adoption of foreign languages shows European influence on the Canadian culture (Malcolm, 2016). Moreover, the different dialects portray a melting pot in the country.

The Multiculturalism Act passed in the parliament as a law in 1988 which largely promoted multiculturalism in the country (Paris, 2016). According to it, all the Canadian citizens should be valued and dignified regardless of their language, ethnic origins, or religious affiliations (Todd, 2015). The federal government, therefore, recognizes the diversity of culture among the Canadian citizens, as well as appreciates the various identities across the nation. Up to date, Canada continues to adopt different individuals due to the large groups of people migrating to the country.

Similarly, the state employs talented people who contain both French and British content. In fact, the music is heavily influenced by American traditions and its production is aimed towards meeting the worldwide expectations which has largely contributed to diverse cultural practices that have shaped the country.

Furthermore, Canadian traditions are exceedingly influenced by the immigrants. Canada adopts an open immigration policy which attracts people of diverse cultures to migrate to the country. Immigrants in the country have an excessive freedom to exercise their habits and traditions according to the law. Also the major political parties encourage immigration with the aim of economic integration (Bloemraad, 2012). Notably, earlier studies depict that cultural industries in Canada employ about six hundred thousand people from all over the globe to work as actors, producers, and writers, among the other economic activities. Therefore, the country welcomes the members of diverse nationalities with differences in religion, languages, customs, and beliefs. As a result, the immigrants have been incorporated into the state to form a multicultural state (Bloemraad, 2012). Therefore, it is clear that immigration has led to the adoption of various cultures in Canada which have resulted to cultural diversity and multicultural practices (Greenberg, 2012).

In conclusion, Canada is largely characterized by cultural diversity as seen from the number of immigrants, different languages (mainly French and English), and countries. In addition, the change of national symbols such as the national flag and literature works clearly depicts that the government and writers are working towards the preservation of traditional cultural practices in the state (Kellett-Betsos et al., 2012).

On the same note, theaters specialize in performing the plays which support Canadian culture. Such efforts indicate that Canada is striving towards the preservation of its practices. Currently, radios, and television networks are regulated by the government to air programs that develop Canadian habits. Therefore, it is clear that it is a multicultural country that has been influenced by different cultural practices (Todd, 2015). Also, the government has played a significant role in regulating, promoting, and supporting the Canadian culture through tax incentives, Canadian content requirement as well as instituting rules on foreign investment. Therefore, from the scholarly works, it is evident that Canada has its culture and the government is fully supporting the state to practice its culture to a greater extent. However, music, immigration issues, and multiculturalism demonstrate the absence of the culture.

References

Bloemraad, I. (2012). Multiculturalism has been Canada’s solution, not its problem. Retrieved from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/multiculturalism-has-been-canadas-solution-not-its-problem/article4330460/

Greenberg, A. (2012). French influence in Canada. Retrieved from: https://bonjourparis.com/uncategorised/french-influence-canada/.

Kellett-Betsos, K., Hayne, D. M., & Meizei, K. (2012). Canadian literature. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/art/Canadian-literature

Malcolm, C. (2016). Trudeau says Canada has no ‘core identity.’ Retrieved from: http://www.torontosun.com/2016/09/14/trudeau-says-canada-has-no-core-identity

O’ Connor, J. (2012). Multiculturalism in its controversial glory: Is Canada a ‘Country without a core culture’? Retrieved from http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/multiculturalism-in-its-controversial-glory-is-canada-a-country-without-a-core-culture

Paris, A. (2016). Canadians must never take multiculturalism for granted. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/canadians-must-never-take-multiculturalism-for-granted/article30773630/

Todd, D. (2015). Is Canada a blank slate, with no culture? Retrieved from: http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/is-canada-a-blank-slate-with-no-culture-many-beg-to-differ