1.

0 LOCATION OF CANADA

NORTH AMERICAN
REGION

figure 1.1: North American region in the world map

figure 1.2: North American region map

1
figure 1.3: Map of Canada

2
2.0 A BRIEF ON CANADA
Canada is a country located farther north of the North American continent, above its
neighbouring country, the United States of America. These two countries share the longest
border between them. The country extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans and going
north into the islands of the Arctic Ocean. It is known to be the world’s second-largest country
after Russia with total area of 9.9 million km2. Canada is formed of 10 provinces and 3
territories with the total human population of 36 million as of 2016. The country’s capital city
is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario and its largest metropolitan areas are Toronto,
Montreal and Vancouver.
The country has 4 distinct seasons; spring, summer, fall and winter. The winter climate
ranges from the northern arctic area to the warm summers in the southern and subarctic part
of the country. Its land area is majorly surrounded with forests and tundra however it
consequently has been almost fully urbanized bringing citizens to inhabit in the medium and
large cities across the country.
Canada is originally of European influences, mainly the French and British as well as the
First Nations (Indigenous) whom are the longest have stayed until now. The name “Canada”
was taken from the Iroquoian word “Kanata” which translates as “village”, proving that this
country is one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural nations that always welcome
foreign migrants from around the globe to collectively combine and create unique blends of
customs and traditions. In the 1550s, the name “Canada” appears on world maps. These
characteristics mark a huge impact towards the social, culture and economic development of
the nation that has been for centuries.
In international measurements, Canada as a well-developed country under the rule of
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, ranks highest in most aspects such as government
transparency, freedom in economic activities, quality of life and education. Their currency is
Canadian Dollar. Besides that, Canada is connected to several world organizations including
the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and more. Canada has a strong pride and they will not be overwhelmed
by their powerful neighbouring country.

3
2.1 HISTORICAL ASPECT
2.1.1 FIRST NATIONS

figure 2.1.1 – The Eskimos lived in the coldest area in the North American continent
The first inhabitants that made the existence of present-day Canada begins when the
Indigenous people or known as First Nations to the Canadians migrated from Siberia, Russia
15,000 years ago via Bering land bridge. They divided themselves and lived into 50 hierarchy
structured ethnic communities known as tribes and stayed in sedentary settlements across
the region, from the grasslands to the northern arctic. The culture created are based the
environmental surroundings and natural resources based on geography. Despite their
differences, they share common social lives – hunting, respecting nature, spiritual beliefs and
social values.
Canada’s largest native community were the Haudenosaunee people or the Indians of
Northeast Eastern Woodlands. They historically stayed in farms near the St. Lawrence river
and Great Lakes in present-day Ontario and Quebec. These native people are known for their
long houses, powerful political movement which is the Iroquois Confederacy and the first to
make contacts with European colonists. Algonquin, Huron, Mohawk, Mi’kmaq, Ojibwa and
Ottawa were noted as the eminent nations.
Prairie Indians lived in the Great Plains that today forms the Prairie provinces of Alberta,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They divide themselves into very small groups like the Haida,
Salishan and Nootka. Their sources for living are hunting for wild buffaloes in every part of
the region and live in nations such as Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwa and Sioux. In Canada’s British
Columbia lived the Northwest Coast Indians. They are the fishermen lived by the beachside
and known for their artwork that includes wood carvings and totem poles.
Next, subarctic Indians lived across the barren, north-western part of Canada in temporary
movable shelters. They were hunting for caribou and tracked their tracks. Due to their
expansion, the Algonquin, Athapaskan, Beaver, Cree, Dene and Slave occupied from the
Newfoundland island and Yukon.
The Inuit native group or “Eskimos” lived in the coldest arctic area of the continent. They hunt
for seals, caribou and lived under ice houses known as igloos. They did separate not like other
Indigenous communities did. The Eskimos were the last to communicate with the Europeans
and did not alter their lifestyles until decades later.

4
2.1.2 EUROPEAN COLONIZATION
Europeans first arrived in North America in the 1500s, bringing the natives with infectious
diseases that are of no immunity leaving some deceased and survivors to migrate elsewhere.
It began where the Icelandic Norsemen landed in L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland in
1000 AD led by Leif Erickson, son of Erik the Red, the first colonizer of Greenland. There was
not much further information until 1497 when an Italian explorer, John Cabot have claimed
the land’s East Coast in the name of Henry VII, King of England. The British had not settled
before the 1600s.
In 1530, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer sailed until St. Lawrence river, claimed the territory
naming it New France. After Cartier’s failure to establish a permanent settlement, Samuel de
Champlain and Pierre de Monts took over. Throughout the European colonization, the
indigenous people suffered thoroughly by being infected with diseases that had no immunity
led them to die or migrate elsewhere. On the other hand, the Indigenous people had to face
with cultural hegemony – forced conversion of their social customs to different technologies
and social aspects of the Europeans that also includes converting them into Christianity.

figure 2.1.2 – Samuel de Champlain dealing with the Natives

The French and British became rivals in conquering Canada. After the Seven Years War, the
French were defeated, and Treaty of Paris 1763 was written where New France is handed
over to the British. The French was left with St. Pierre and Miquelon even though the British
were offered to expand until Quebec in 1774. From here, the French had more freedom –
they could use their own legal system and Roman Catholic Church got special entitlements.
This made Quebec inhaling more of French traditions and customs.

5
2.1.3 CANADA’S DRIVE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Canada stayed loyal to Great Britain during the American War of Independence. A boarder
was created between Canada and the United States where the Great Lakes is marked as the
point. At this time the population in Canada vastly expanded, dealing with immigrants who
fought for their rights. The Constitutional Act 1791 was enacted and caused Quebec to split
into Lower and Upper Canada for the French and British respectively.
A century later, more immigrants keep coming into Canada. The lands in Upper Canada are
cheaper and the discovery of gold in British Columbia attracted Europeans and Americans.
Canada gained independence when the British signed the British North American Act 1867
and became the British Empire’s first Dominion.

figure 2.1.3 – the British North American Act 1867 signed that indicated Canada’s
independence
Canada was still under the British rule although after the independence occurred decades
ago. In the 1900s, Canada was still restricted to sign any treaties yet do not have any
international representatives for any meetings. After World War I, Canada granted the right
to be an independent nation through the Statute of Westminster 1931. This lasted until 1982
where the British finally cut ties with Canada. Before that, there were amendments upon the
country’s constitution to be approved by the British government. Eventually, Queen Elizabeth
II becomes Head of State and Queen of Canada in contrast to her role in the British Royal
monarch.

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2.2 DOMINANT CULTURAL
2.2.1 FOOD

POUTINE

Poutine is a French-Canadian classic snack produced with French fries topped with brown
gravy and white cheese curd. This could be better when it is added with meat like beef or pork
bacon. Legend says that a truck driver in 1957 named Fernand Lachance founded this in
Warwick, Arthabaska but facts show it originates from Quebec.
NOVA SCOTIAN LOBSTER ROLLS

Lobster rolls are a staple meal during summer in the Maritime provinces, Nova Scotia to be
exact. Nova Scotia has lobster season all the time, so it is a popular favourite. According to
Encyclopaedia of Food and Drinks, lobster rolls are originally from Milford, Connecticut,
America in 1929. It is made from chopped Nova Scotia lobster served in a New England-style
hot dog bun, topped with chives, salt and pepper on a side with French fries and dill pickles.

NANAIMO BARS

Also known as mabel bars, the name “Nanaimo” comes from the same name of a British
Columbian town. This desert has 3 layers - wafer and coconut crumb-base, thick buttery icing
in the middle and chocolate ganache on the next layer sandwiched altogether. Nanaimo bars
do not need to be baked.

7
2.2.2 ATTIRES
FIRST NATIONS

figure 2.2.2 – Native American dressing

In today’s generation, the Natives wear pants with a skirt onto it and has become popular
among Indigenous people. The breech cloths made of leather is belted and worn with or
without leggings. There are other options where the Natives wear kilts and fur trousers. The
Indigenous people normally don’t wear shirts during summer and wears leather in winter.
Each clothing is detailed with quills, beads, feathers and other decorations with wood and
bone. Both the body and outfits are painted colourfully. The headdress and moccasins are the
final touches to the outfits.
COLONIAL ERA

figure 2.2.2 – New France local dressing

Men back in the days wore normal trousers, waist-length jackets, capotes and other kind of
clothing made from English cloth. The fabrics were delivered via ships. Women’s fashion at
this time was varied and had rapid changes. There were outfits for several occasions like
sports, casual and formal.

8
2.2.3 LANGUAGE

Canada was an English-speaking country and it was taken for granted when English was highly
used for business, political and cultural practices either within domestic or global level.
Canada was declared as a bilingual country by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau during
his ruling between 1919 until 2000. It passed the Official Languages Act 1969 due to
Quebecois Francophones’ (French-Canadians) plight for equal status and respect during the
1960’s Quiet Revolution aftermath. The values were added into the Canadian Constitution
Act 1982 that was revised after making Canada wholly independent from the British.
Both French and English are practiced in overall, from professionalism to daily basis. Any
Canadian who have hold both languages will easily get promoted to a certain rank and this
was proven to be overrepresented by those in the senior positions especially in Quebec. Only
17 percent Canadians are bilingually literate, and it stayed consistent since 1969.
Canadians speaking languages beside English and French are Allophones because majority of
them are immigrants. The popular Allophone languages used are Chinese, Punjabis and
Spanish. To become a Canadian, an individual must be fluent either in English or French.
Other than that, Canadian Aboriginal languages are continually used after the deceived move
of the Europeans by abolishing it in boarding schools until the 1960s. The government now
actively encourages the use of their native language – mostly the Cree in Quebec,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In Nunavut, they recognize Inuktitut as an official language
besides French and English. This gave Northwestern areas 11 native languages to be
officiated.

9
2.3 CANADA’S RELIGION AFFILIATION

Catholic Protestantism Orthodox Other Chrisitian

Islam Hinduism Sikh Buddhism
Jewish Others No Beliefs

1%
24%
1%
39%
1%
1%
2% 3% 6%
20%
2%

figure 2.3 – Canada’s religion affiliation as of 2011

Canada’s beliefs are characterized according to its multicultural communities

demographically. This country has no official state religion, but the statistics above prove
Canadians confide to their beliefs from what was inherit and brought by immigrants in the
past.
Based on the statistics above, 39% of the Canadian total population are Catholic, 37% of them
are Roman Catholic and the remaining 2% are other Catholic. Catholic was a faith brought to
Canada by European settlers in the 16th century. Next, 24% of the total population have no
belief knowns as Atheists, Agnostics or Humanists – believing that God is non-existent.
However, few of “non-believers” may believe in God but some could not admit due to cultural
or identity reasons and have not reached to a conclusion.
It is followed by Protestants by 20% which includes United Church, Anglican, Baptist,
Lutheran and more. Protestantism is a belief that rejects pope of Rome’s authority and
formed in the 16th century Reformation. Their 3 convictions are “Bible is the ultimate
reference in matters of truth”, “Humans are saved by only God’s “grace”” and “all Christians
are priests”. The remaining 17% are religions such as Orthodox (2%), Other Christian (6%),
Islam (3%), Hinduism (2%). For the rest, Sikh, Buddhism, Other beliefs, and Jewish are at 1%.

10
2.4 CANADA AND THE DIASPORA

Italian, 4.61% First Nations,

4.43%
Chinese, 5.13%

German,
9.64% Canadian,
32.32%

Irish, 13.43%

French, English,
13.55% 18.34%
Scottish,
13.93%

figure 2.4 – the most common ethnic groups in Canada as of 2016

Canada’s total population is 36 million as of 2016. As all Canadian citizens acclaimed

themselves as Canadians, rest assured that It feels at its best when Canadians represent their
original roots. Canadian is a self-identified group and considered the largest in the country
representing 32.32% of the total population. Although whether they are Indigenous,
Europeans, Asians or a mix of all races could label themselves as Canadians.

English-Canadians or Anglophones comes in second biggest with 18.34%. This brings back to
the 16th century where the British settled in Newfoundland. Thirdly, 13.93% from the
population in Canada are Scottish, majorly from the Nova Scotia province which is “New
Scotland” in Latin. Nova Scotia is of Scottish influences dating back to the 1600s founded by
Sir William Alexander of Menstrier under the rule of Scotland’s King James.

Apart from that, 13.55% are French-Canadians or Francophones but some of them have
French ancestry but does not speak French. The French in historical Canada settled near St
Lawrence river in the 18th century that expanded as today’s Quebec. 13.43% of Canadians
are of Irish ancestry. In 1536, Cork anglers settled in Newfoundland and divided themselves
into two – Roman Catholic and Protestant Irish. Germans and Italians are found mostly in
Toronto and Vancouver with 9.64% and 4.61% of the population respectively. Lastly, 4.43%
of Canada’s populations are First Nations, among the Indigenous Canadians that first settled
before the Europeans.

11
2.5 CANADIAN CLIMATES

figure 2.5
regions affected with Boreal climate oceanic boreal climate
continental boreal climate
Canada’s position in high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere makes it trouble-free from
most natural disasters so meaning that it is associated with cold climates. The waters in the
Atlantic Canada coasts are too cold for hurricanes. The climate faced is known as the Subarctic
or Boreal climate. This climate occurs between 1 up to 3 months with an average temperature
at least 10 ⁰C. Boreal climate has prolong cold winter plus short, cool to mild summers that
lasts 2 to 3 months long.
There are 2 types of Boreal climate which are Oceanic Boreal climate and the Continental
Boreal climate. Oceanic Boreal climate has an average temperature during the coldest month
that is 10 ⁰C and above. Precipitation is dispersed evenly per annum. Areas that are affected
with Oceanic Boreal climate is in Yukon and north-western British Columbia.
Secondly, Continental Boreal climate is a climate dominated by the bitter cold season in short
term daylights its average temperature in the coldest month is below 10 ⁰C. This can be found
the Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, near the outskirts of Ontario and Manitoba.

figure 2.6 – the taiga

The boreal forests are often called as the Taiga and is the largest biome and can be found in
most boreal climate areas. Consisting of coniferous forests, pines whereas shrubs and grasses
are normally found during summer.

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2.6 CANADA’S NATURAL RESOURCES
2.6.1 IRON ORES

figure 2.6 – an exploited iron ore discovered in Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada was named 9th world largest producers of iron ores and top 5 for producing globally.
The main usage of iron is to make steel and other products such as powdered iron, radioactive
iron, iron blue and black iron oxide. Due to new projects of known producers, iron ore mining
had increased to 49 million tonnes in concentrate and in pellets. Canada’s main iron ore
productions are in Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Quebec and Nunavut.
2.6.2 NATURAL GAS

figure 2.6.1 – natural gas production site in British Columbia

Natural gas is a hydrocarbon composed of methane although it could also contain other
natural gas liquids like ethane, propane, butane and pentane with other components. Canada
ranks 4th in world productions and 5th in large exports of natural gas. Their marketable natural
gas can last current production level up to 3 centuries. There are 3 types of natural gas
industry which are upstream, midstream and downstream. Upstream natural gas industry
focuses on exploration, drilling and production of raw natural gas. Midstream level operates
on processing, storage of natural gas, pipeline gathering and NGL facilities while in the
downstream is of long transmission pipelines and distributing them to companies then to
consumers via the pipelines. Most natural gas production sites are in Alberta and British
Columbia.

13
2.6.3 HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY

figure 2.6.3 – the Toulnustouc reservoir and spillway in Côte-Nord

Canada is world’s second largest producer of hydroelectric energy after China. Hydroelectric
energy in the country is the third most consumed behind oil and natural gas. Regions that
produce hydroelectricity are British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Yukon and Newfoundland
and Labrador but among all, Quebec has the most installed hydroelectric in 2014. Quebec
gains hydro from 500,00 lakes and 4,500 rivers and this helps in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and having safe-supplied electricity. Hydroelectric process begins with solar
energy: sun’s heat evaporates water into the atmosphere, condenses and turning into clouds.
When the droplets formed from the clouds becomes heavy, goes into rivers or lakes then onto
generating through the power generators resulting hydroelectricity across the region.
2.6.4 COAL

Canada ranks third in world after Australia and the United States in exporting metallurgical
coal. The country’s coal is primarily used for generating electricity. It could also be one of the
main ingredients in manufacturing steel and cement. 85% of Canada’s coal are found and
produced in Alberta and British Columbia. The Government of Canada in in 2016 have stated
that in 2030, Canada will stop depending on coal-fired electricity.

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2.7 CANADIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
There are three levels of government in Canada and each of them have different
responsibilities known as the federal, provincial and territorial and the municipal
governments.

figure 2.7 – Royal Arms of Canada

2.7.1 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The federal government is based on constitutional monarchy to what is of the United
Kingdom. They are responsible for the impacts that affects the country, whether it is the
international relations with different countries, immigrations and such. This government
regards Queen Elizabeth II of Canada as Head of State and the duties of Head of State are
carried out by the Governor General as a representative.

figure 2.7.1 – Queen Elizabeth II with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Members of Parliament (MPs) are political party representatives that we elected to the House
of Common where the laws of Canada are created. The political party with the most number
of MPs will form the government and their leader will be the Prime Minister. They are elected
by Canadians in general and by-elections. Elections are conducted once in every 5 years
according to Canada’s Constitutions and the electoral areas is made in a formula under the
Constitution Act 1867, one parliament member (MP) is elected in each area. Canada has 338
“ridings” or “electoral districts” based on geographical areas.
Under the head of state lies the head of government which is the Prime Minister. Ministers
in the cabinet are chosen by the Prime Minister are served as ministers and these ministers
are split into different departments. The cabinet’s role is to make important decisions on the
government policies that would affect Canada’s future and will be reviewed by the Senate on
what is proposed. Its Senators are chosen by the Prime Minister appointed through the

15
Governor General. The Senate’s role plays a huge symbolic part in the Canada’s British
political heritage.
2.7.2 PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT
In this level of government, the ministers are responsible for things like education, highway
roads and healthcare systems. The Queen is represented by the Lieutenant Governor.
Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are elected representatives for the Legislative
Assembly that makes the law in a province. The political party with the majority number of
MPPs forms the government and their leader will be the premier and the head of government.
2.7.3 MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
Municipal government are of managing, structures and finances of local cities, towns and
villages related. Provincial government will provide services if there is no municipal
government existed in the specific area. In this level, the municipality elects the mayor and
council members. The municipal council discusses on budgets, services and administrative
issues that are passed from the residents for debates.

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2.8 CANADIAN GOVERNMENT POLICIES
2.8.1 REGULATORY INTERPRETATION POLICY
Transport Canada (Ministry of Transport)’s Regulatory Interpretation Policy took effect of on
19th December 2014 that stated the matters that are relevant to the ministry in giving
Canadian locals and professionals guidance on regulatory obligations. The ministry commits
to implement, measure and update improvements by 31st March 2017. Improvement
performances were measured through questionnaires where the stakeholders were told to
assess on Transport Canada’s interpretations. The questionnaires ran in February and March
2017 and the stakeholders were satisfied with the practices overall. Transport Canada made
this an ongoing process and assuring that stakeholders were given clear and timely
information to make the regulatory requirements met. This was applied on all mediums of
transportation.
The improvements they seek are:
1. Checking in with stakeholders in 2014/15 for feedbacks on current practices.
2. Identifying on areas that need to be improved, and the metrics during evaluation by
31st March 2015.
3. Implementing improvements for two years and updating to the Canadians their
performances in carry out the improvements by 31st March 2017.
2.8.2 PRIVACY PROTECTION POLICY
The Privacy Protection Policy was originally enacted on 20th August 2014 and replaced on 1st
July 2018. This was issued in providing giving guidance to government institutions to ensure
that is in compliant to paragraphs 71(1)(d), (b) and (e) of the Privacy Act. The chosen Minister
as the President of the Treasury Board is to be responsible for the preparation and distribution
of policy instruments that regards on the operation of the Act and their Regulations as well
as the forms required onto the operation of Act.
The objectives in making policy a succession:
1. Facilitating statutory and regulatory compliances and enhancing effective applications
based on the Privacy Act and its Regulations by the government institutions.
2. Ensuring consistency in trainings and procedures in conducting the Act and
Regulations so applicants can receive help in filing for requests in accessing personal
information.
3. Ensuring better protection and managing personal information in government
activities that involves collecting, retaining, usage, disclosing and disposing personal
information.

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3.0 CANADA’S ECONOMIC PRACTICES
3.1 STATISTICS ON CANADA’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP),
GROSS NATIONAL INCOME (GNI) AND PURCHASING POWER PARITY
(PPP)

As the 10th country with the largest economy in the world, Canada’s current gross domestic
product is $1,550.54 USD Billion and it increased 1.08% from 2014 until 2015. In 2013, the
highest GDP was recorded and the average in previous decade is worth $1,609.88 USD Billion.
The GDP per capita is $43,248.53 USD Billion but when the purchasing power parity (PPP)
comes in the picture, it accumulated to $44,310.12 USD Billion and this made Canada the
world’s 22nd richest country. When the average GDP is adjusted to PPP per capita, it resulted
to $41,379.33 USD Billion in the last decade. Furthermore, Canada’s Gross National Income
(GNI) currently is $1,538.75 USD Billion and previously the highest recorded was $1,812.31
USD Billion. With the inclusive of PPP, it rose to $1,576.52 therefore in overall, the GNI per
capita PPP is $43,970.00.

3.1.1 MANUFACTURING

figure 3.1.1 – Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from Canadian manufacturing throughout
2018

The GDP was $203400 CAD Million in October 2018. The highest recorded was $218407 CAD
Million while the lowest was $162048 CAD Million.

18
3.1.2 AGRICULTURE

figure 3.1.2 – Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from Canadian agriculture in 2018
The GDP was $34807 CAD Million in October 2018. The highest recorded was $36581 CAD
Million while the lowest was $22475 CAD Million.

3.1.3 SERVICES

figure 3.1.3 – Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from Canadian services in 2018
The GDP was $1371888 CAD Million in October 2018. The highest recorded was $1371888
CAD Million while the lowest was $752618 CAD Million.

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3.2 CANADA’S GLOBAL ECONOMIC ARRANGMENT

figure 3.2 – Leaders of Mexico, USA and Canada during the signage of the
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Argentina
Canada relies on two kinds of international trades which are the free trade agreements
(FTA) and the foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPA). These
makes it convenient for Canadians to do business globally. Canada is involved in 13 FTAs,
however they prioritise on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The North American Free Trade Agreement is a trade bloc between the United States of
America, Canada and Mexico. The trade bloc members then signed on a new agreement as
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) during G20 Leaders’ Summit held in
Buenos Aires, Argentina in November 2018. This was enabled to eliminate trade barriers to
increase economic activity between members, strengthen economic and political positions at
global scale. This helps in creating job opportunities and expanding industries. CUSMA gives
these countries to purchase items from other members with a cheaper price than purchasing
for countries outside of the trade bloc.
Canada’s exports totalled up to USD$453.7 million to the United States’ market in 2016 and
it markets nearly 70% of the states in the US. What benefitted Canada from the trade bloc is
that it has wider selection of goods, an increase in trade volume and foreign direct
investments (FDI), more liberated moves of professionals and investors across the border plus
the new jobs on the rise. On the other hand, CUSMA is important to Canadians as it included
language on gender and Indigenous people’s rights.
In the agricultural sector, Canada gains by having access to new markets in forms of tariff rate
quotas for refined sugar, sugar-containing products and dairy products too. Besides that,
Committee on Agriculture Trade providing forums to address issues and trade barriers by
Parties. Canada will receive obligations for agricultural biotechnology that inclines
predictability, innovation and transparency.
Under CUSMA, the new Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation Chapter systemizes
and modernizes procedures in customs throughout the North American region in facilitating
free-flow of goods. Disciplines on trade technical barriers are advised to make exporting
easier among one another.

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3.3 CANADA’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS
3.3.1 IMPORT
Plastics
Mineral Fuels 7%
13%

Vehicles
33%
Electrical
Machinery and
Equipment,
19%

Machinery
28%

figure 3.2.1 – Canada’s import purchases in 2017

IMPORT PURCHASES TOTAL (USD $)

Vehicles 74.3 billion
Machinery 63.3 billion
Electrical Machinery and Equipment 42.8 billion
Mineral Fuels 29.7 billion
Plastics 16.0 billion

IMPORT MARKET TOTAL (USD $)

United States of America 251.5 billion
China 53.1 billion
Mexico 26.0 billion
Germany 14.5 billion
Japan 12.0 billion

Based on the 2017 import statistics, the most imported item to Canada are vehicles costed
$74.3 USD Billion followed by Machinery which includes computers for $63.3 USD Billion.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment comes in third with $42.8 USD Billion in addition to
Mineral Fuels and Plastics with the amount spent of $29.7 USD Billion and $16.0 USD Billion
respectively. The country that Canada imports most from is the United States of America
which 5 times of China’s exporting. Canada also got their imported items from Mexico,
Germany and Japan.

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3.3.2 EXPORT

Gems and
Precious Metals
9% Wood
7%

Mineral Fuels
Machinery
40%
15%

Vehicles
29%

figure 3.2.2 – Canada’s export shipments in 2017

EXPORT CATEGORY TOTAL (USD $)

Mineral Fuels 84.6 billion
Vehicles 62.3 billion
Machinery 32.4 billion
Gems and Precious Metals 18.6 billion
Wood 14.1 billion

EXPORT MARKET TOTAL (USD $)

United States of America 364.8 billion
China 17.5 billion
United Kingdom 13.8 billion
Japan 9.7 billion
Mexico 5.0 billion

According to the 2017 export statistics, the most exported item from Canada are Mineral
Fuels costed $84.6 USD Billion followed by Vehicles earning $62.3 USD Billion. Machinery
comes in third with $32.4 USD Billion in addition to Gems and Precious Metals as well as Wood
with the revenue of $18.6 USD Billion and $14.1 USD Billion respectively. The country that
Canada exports most to is the United States of America which 20 times of China’s importing
market. Canada also export their products to the United Kingdom, Japan and Mexico.

22
4.0 CURRENT CANADIAN ISSUE

figure 4.0 – The New York Times, 28th March 2018

page 1

23
figure 4.0 – The New York Times, 28th March 2018
page 2

24
4.1 ARTICLE REVIEW
The written article in The New York Times “Pope Rejects Call for Apology to Canada’s
Indigenous people” by Ian Austen and Jason Horowitz explains the disappointing situation
where the Pope Francis of Rome would not apologize to Indigenous Canadians who were
forced to be placed in residential schools dated during the “dark days” of Canadian governing
and prominent churches handled by Catholic priests. Pope Francis is only devoted to what he
guides and leads on for his 1.2 billion followers worldwide.
It seemed stubbornly puzzled that Protestant churches have apologized on their part; but the
question now is why leaders of the Roman Catholic faith could not after the harm caused by
the people before them? Pope Francis gave Bolivia a direct apology during his visit there in
2015, Rwanda for the 1994 genocide and the Chilean abused victims. Pope John Paul II in 2000
deeply asked for forgiveness for the church’s since and their involvement in the slave trade.
Then in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI apologized to the sexually abused victims in Ireland that
haunted them for decades.
From this, Indigenous Canadians highly hope he would do the same in Canada. Chief Perry
Bellegarde, Canada’s national chief of Assembly of First Nations resented on the respond and
continue to plead for an apology from the Vatican. The Vatican questioned and became
worried on the legal implications towards the apologies plus the huge damages incurred and
50 Catholic organizations were unable to raise enough funds to recover it all.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally pleaded the Pope for an apology directly on
Canadian soil when they met at the Vatican City in May 2017, the Pope could not respond.
The First Nations survivors of the tragedy considered this move as a path to healing from past
sufferings. Many described the Canadian residential school systems as a “cultural genocide”
– forbidding the Indigenous to speak their native language and practice their culture.
Residential schools across the country that operated in the 1800s were closed in 1998. A
national Truth and Reconciliation concluded the students there were abused physically and
emotionally. Approximately 3000 students died from the mistreatments received and 80,000
more are alive today.

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5.0 CANADA: SWOT ANALYSIS

• Entrepreneurial Support
STRENGTH • Niche Market Growth
• Close to Americans

WEAKNESS • Dependent on the United States

• Canadian Dollar Fluctuation

OPPORTUNITIES • Emerging Markets

THREATS • Store Closing

• Oil Money

S – STRENGTH
1. Entrepreneurial Support
Government Canada highly supports entrepreneurship. The local entrepreneurs will have
advances and be more confident in running business with the presence of huge value of
tax reductions and tax breaks.
2. Niche Market Growth
Developments of Canadian diamonds and ice wine industry make up some increased
profits by exporting them to the niche markets. From then, profits become abundant.
3. Close to Americans
Canada as the neighbouring country to the United States reaped many benefits from trade
surpluses within the continent through the free trade agreement signed among them and
Mexico.

W – WEAKNESS
1. Dependent on the United States
Although Canada has its high pride and would not be overwhelmed by the United States,
they still have matters that need to be relied on. 74% of exports are exported to the United
States. Consequently, if the US market flops, so will Canada’s.
2. Canadian Dollar Fluctuation
Over the past years, the Canadian Dollar (CAD) currency rates had been unstable, mostly
to decline a lot creating difficulties. One of it is that it caused thousands of the Canadian
locals to be unemployment-prone.

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O – OPPORTUNITIES
1. Emerging Markets
Exporting to international markets is huge deal for Canada, bringing many opportunities
for the country. Ice wines are the biggest export market to the United States and now the
Asian markets’ demands are growing.

T – THREATS

1. STORE CLOSING
The lower the Canadian Dollar rate, the higher the unemployment rate that leads to
closing of stores in Canada. The declining of Canada’s economic growth brought a
negative impact in the domestic and foreign business scenes.

2. OIL MONEY
Canada’s oil money or “loonie” is correlated with the oil and gas industry. This generous
oil supplied country had a perspective where the more resources of oil, the higher the
price and Canadian Dollar rates but the market negatively affected the currency and led
to make or break moment for the country’s economy.

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