Consider the following observations on Canada and Canadians. Bone (2011, 3) notes that “… the mental image of Canada as ‘a country of regions’ runs deep in the Canadian psyche.” Kilbourn (1988, 1) contends that “Canadians have long looked at themselves and their country with an ambivalence verging on the schizophrenic. The Canadian identity – the phrase is both a chimera and an oxymoron – is full of odd conjunctions, split visions and unresolved tensions.” These statements suggest that the “essence of Canada”, i.e., Canada’s essential or distinguishing character, is difficult to pinpoint. The purpose of this assignment is to explore the nature of Canadian identify (the “essence of Canada”) and the role played by geography in defining this identity.
The Assignment
Using the text and at least three other sources dealing with Canadian identity, write a 4-5 page statement addressing the following:
What are the essential characteristics of Canadian identity? What role has geography played in shaping this identity? Be sure to critically assess the ideas contained in the sources you cite.
