Canadian Studies Essay Cheat Sheet
Canadian identity is not a natural state but a constructed narrative, shaped by national myths like the 'Peaceable Kingdom' and challenged by regional and linguistic tensions.
Core Principles
- National myths are ideological interpretations of the past used for self-identification and to create 'imagined communities'.
- Canada's 'Peaceable Kingdom' ideal is a constructed narrative that can obscure historical violence and conflict.
- Language in Quebec is a focal point for power, inequality, and challenges to English dominance, linked to broader issues of capitalism and colonialism.
- Quebec's 'double status' as a majority within Quebec but a minority in North America fuels anxiety and identity-forging policies, sometimes leading to exclusionary practices.
- Western alienation stems from historical conflicts over resources and federal power, leading to demands for autonomy or separatism.
- Regional identities and interests can conflict with federal priorities, demonstrating that 'Canada' is not experienced uniformly across the country.
Action Steps
- Analyze how national myths (e.g., 'Peaceable Kingdom') are constructed and reinforced by intellectuals and historians.
- Examine language as a tool of power and resistance, particularly in the context of Quebec nationalism.
- Understand Quebec's 'double status' and its impact on identity politics and immigration policies.
- Investigate the historical roots of Western alienation, focusing on resource conflicts and federal-provincial relations.
- Distinguish between separatism (independence) and quasi-separatism (greater autonomy) in regional demands.
- Compare the distinct grievances and demands of Quebec and Western Canada to illustrate contested national identity.
Key Terms
- Myth: An instrument for national self-identification based on an ideological interpretation of the past.
- Invented Traditions: Practices that make ideas seem timeless and natural, often used in nation-building.
- Imagined Communities: The concept that people within borders come to understand themselves as part of a shared community, even without direct interaction.
- Peaceable Kingdom: A constructed national ideal of Canada as a peaceful, moderate, and tolerant country.
- Opération McGill français: A movement in 1960s Montreal advocating for Francophone control and challenging English dominance.
- CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux): An important organization through which Quebecers pursued cultural and economic democracy, linking language activism to labour and political resistance.
- Quebec Charter of Values: A policy reflecting Quebec's effort to construct a distinct identity, often seen as exclusionary towards diversity.
- Double Status: Quebec's position as a majority within its province but a minority within Canada and North America, contributing to anxiety and defensiveness.
- Western Alienation: Resentment in Western Canada stemming from historical conflicts over resources, federal power, and regional interests.
- National Energy Program (NEP): A federal policy in the 1980s aimed at 'Canadianizing' the energy sector, which was seen as harmful to Alberta and increased Western separatism.
- Separatism: The desire for full independence from Canada.
- Quasi-separatism: The desire for substantially greater provincial or regional autonomy while remaining within Canada.
- Quiet Revolution: A period in the 1960s when Quebec modernized its society and economy, seeking greater control over its affairs.
- Sovereignty-Association: A political concept proposed by René Lévesque and the Parti Québécois, advocating for Quebec's political independence while maintaining economic ties with Canada.
- Notwithstanding Clause: Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, allowing federal or provincial governments to override certain Charter rights for a renewable five-year period.
- Equalization: A federal program designed to ensure that all provinces have reasonably comparable levels of public services at comparable tax rates.
Timeline
- 1930: Control of natural resources and public lands transferred to Prairie provinces.
- 1947: Leduc oil strike in Alberta; rapid oil development begins.
- 1960: Quiet Revolution begins in Quebec; Jean Lesage Liberals aim to modernize society and economy.
- 1961–1973: National Oil Policy protects Western Canadian oil for the West, while Eastern Canada imports cheaper foreign oil.
- 1968: René Lévesque leaves Liberals to form the Parti Québécois (PQ).
- 1969: Official Languages Act enacted; FLQ Crisis and War Measures Act declared in October.
- 1973: Global oil crisis; federal government imposes temporary regulations on oil exports and prices.
- 1974–1980: National Price policy negotiates a 'fair price' for oil between Alberta and the federal government.
- 1976: Parti Québécois (PQ) wins Quebec election.
- 1977: Bill 101 (Charter of the French Language) makes French the official language of Quebec.
- 1980: Quebec referendum on sovereignty-association; 'Non' wins.
- 1980–1984: Trudeau years; Quebec dominates public affairs, with limited Western electoral support for Liberals.
- 1980: National Energy Program (NEP) introduced, increasing federal intervention and Western separatism.
- 1981–1982: Constitution patriated; Charter of Rights and Freedoms created; Quebec refuses to sign.
- 1982: Gordon Kesler of the Western Canada Concept wins an Alberta provincial by-election.
- 1987–1990: Meech Lake Accord negotiations fail.
- 1990–1992: Charlottetown Accord negotiations fail.
- 1994: PQ wins Quebec election, led by Jacques Parizeau.
- 1995: Quebec referendum; 'Non' wins by a narrow margin (50.88% to 49.42%).
- 1998: Supreme Court rules that Quebec cannot unilaterally separate, requiring a clear question and majority for negotiations.
- 2000: Clarity Act passed, establishing rules for binding votes on separation.
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