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Culture of Canada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The Jack Pine, by Tom Thomson, 1916. Oil on Canvas, in the collection of the National
Gallery of Canada

Canadian culture is a term that encompasses the artistic, musical, literary, culinary,
political and social elements that are representative of Canada, not only to its own
population, but people all over the world. Canada's culture (multiculturalist) has
historically been influenced by European culture and traditions, especially British and
French. Over time, elements of the cultures of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and
immigrant populations have become incorporated into mainstream Canadian culture. It
has also been strongly influenced by that of its linguistic, economic, and cultural
neighbour, the United States.

Canada's federal government has influenced Canadian culture with programs, laws and
institutions. It has created crown corporations to promote Canadian culture through
media, such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film
Board of Canada (NFB), and promotes many events which it considers to promote
Canadian traditions. It has also tried to protect Canadian culture by setting legal
minimums on Canadian content in many media using bodies like the Canadian Radio-
television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).[1]

Canada's culture, like that of most any country in the world, is a product of its history,
geography, and political system. Being a settler nation, Canada has been shaped by waves
of migration that have combined to form a unique blend of customs, cuisine, and
traditions that have marked the socio-cultural development of the nation. In this article,
several aspects of Canadian culture will be discussed. Though this article attempts to
feature a variety of subjects pertinent to the culture of Canada, it is in no way exhaustive,
and to gain a much deeper knowledge of Canada and its culture, one must also consult
the other articles pertaining to Canada and its peoples.

Contents
[hide]
 1 Development of Canadian culture
o 1.1 Bilingualism and multiculturalism
o 1.2 Aboriginal influences
o 1.3 Influence of American culture
o 1.4 Canadian identity
o 1.5 Canadian nationalism
 2 Cultural protectionism in Canada
 3 Symbols
 4 Arts
o 4.1 Literature
o 4.2 Music
o 4.3 Canadian theatre
o 4.4 Film and television
 5 Canadian humour
 6 Leisure Time
 7 Sport
 8 Outside views
 9 See also
 10 References

 11 External links

[edit] Development of Canadian culture

Canadian culture is a product of Canada's history and geography. Most of Canada's
territory was inhabited and developed later than other European colonies in the Americas,
with the result that themes and symbols of pioneers, trappers, and traders were important
in the early development of Canadian culture.[2] The British conquest of Canada in 1759
brought a large Francophone population under British rule, creating a need for
compromise and accommodation, while the migration of United Empire Loyalists from
the Thirteen Colonies brought in strong British and American influences.

Although not without conflict, Canada's early interactions with First Nations and Inuit
populations were relatively peaceful, compared to the experience of native peoples in the
United States. Combined with relatively late economic development in many regions, this
peaceful history has allowed Canadian native peoples to have a relatively strong
influence on the national culture while preserving their own identity.[3]

[edit] Bilingualism and multiculturalism

Main articles: Official bilingualism in Canada, Spoken languages of Canada, Canadian

English, and Quebec French

French Canada's early development was relatively cohesive during the 17th and 18th
centuries, and this was preserved by the Quebec Act of 1774, which allowed
Francophone culture to survive and thrive within Canada.[4] In 1867, the British North
America Act was designed to meet the growing calls for Canadian autonomy while
avoiding the overly-strong decentralization that contributed to the Civil War in the United
States.[5] The compromises made by Macdonald and Cartier set Canada on a path to
bilingualism,[6] and this in turn contributed to an acceptance of diversity that later led to
both multiculturalism and tolerance of Native culture and customs.[7]

A Chinese gate in downtown Montreal.

Multicultural heritage is enshrined in Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and

Freedoms. In parts of Canada, especially the major cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and
Toronto (for example, in Toronto's Kensington Market area), multiculturalism itself is the
cultural norm and diversity is the force that unites the community.[8]

In Quebec, cultural identity is strong, and many French-speaking Quebecer commentators

speak of a Quebec culture as distinguished from English Canadian culture, but some also
see Canada as a collection of several regional, aboriginal, and ethnic subcultures.[9]

While French Canadian culture is the most obvious example, Celtic influences have
allowed survival of non-English dialects in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; however, the
influence of Ulster immigrants to Toronto has had the effect of minimizing Irish
influences in Ontario's culture, and highlighting British influences instead, until the
1980s. Canada's Pacific trade has also brought a large Chinese influence into British
Columbia and other areas.

Canada's cultural diversity also creates an environment much more accepting of LGBT
people than one finds in many other countries.[10] Canada has always placed emphasis on
equality and inclusiveness for all people. For example, in 1995, the Supreme Court of
Canada ruled in Egan v. Canada that sexual orientation should be "read in" to Section
Fifteen of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Constitution of
Canada guaranteeing equal rights to all Canadians. Following a series of decisions by
provincial courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, on July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage
Act (Bill C-38) received Royal Assent, legalizing same-sex marriage in Canada. Canada
thus became the fourth country to officially sanction same-sex marriage worldwide, after
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. Furthermore, by 2005, sexual orientation was
included as a protected status in the human rights laws of the federal government and of
all provinces and territories.

Further information: LGBT rights in Canada

[edit] Aboriginal influences

Main articles: Aboriginal peoples in Canada#Culture and Inuit culture

Many native icons, such as this dreamcatcher, have been adopted by Canadians as a
whole.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada interacted with Europeans as far back as 1000 AD,[11] but
prolonged contact came only after Europeans established permanent settlements in the
17th and 18th centuries. European written accounts, though biased, generally noted
friendliness on the part of the First Nations,[11] some of whom profited in trade with
Europeans. Such trade generally strengthened the more organized political entities such
as the Iroquois Confederation.[12]
There were, and are, many distinct Aboriginal peoples across Canada, each with its own
culture, beliefs, values, language, and history. Much of this legacy remains celebrated
artistically, and in other ways, in Canada to this day. Part of the emblem of the
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is an inunnguaq, a rock sculpture that is made by
stacking stones in the shape of a human figure, that is a part of Inuit culture and the
nation's perception of itself. According to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Canada's ethnic, racial and religious diversity is rapidly increasing. According to the
2001 census, more than 200 ethnic origins are represented in Canada. About 13.5 percent
of the population is a member of a visible minority group and that proportion is expected
to reach 20 percent by 2016. Immigration now accounts for more than 50 percent of
Canada's population growth, with immigrants coming mainly from Asia and the Middle
East. It is projected that, after 2025, Canada's population growth will be based solely on
immigration.
—Judith Larocque, Deputy Minister,  "Serving Canada's Multicultural Population:
Practical Approaches for Public Servants."[13]

[edit] Influence of American culture

This section does not cite any references or sources.

Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may
be challenged and removed. (October 2007)
Further information: Canada – United States relations

Easy access to broadcast media has brought many American influences into Canadian
culture since the mid-20th century. In reaction to this, Canadian broadcasters, in
cooperation with the federal and provincial governments have attempted to emphasize
Canadian culture and values on the airwaves. One example of this is the Heritage Minute
commercials on television (which act as mini-history lessons). The Canadian government
also gives money to programmers making Canadian TV shows. Defending and enhancing
national culture is a major priority for the Canadian government. The CRTC and the
Department of Canadian Heritage having responsibility for promoting Canadian culture.

In certain regards, Canada and the United States share a similar culture, which can be
incorrectly defined as "North American." Canadians are exposed to much American
culture, due to the proximity of the United States, a common linguistic bond shared
between a majority of Canadians and their neighbours to the south, and the fact that both
countries are multi-ethnic immigrant societies that have shared populations for centuries.
Most Canadians are familiar with American fast food restaurants, [[Television in the
United States. Despite the close ties, Canadian culture can also sometimes seek to
differentiate itself from that of the United States. This sometimes takes the form of
mocking or insulting Americans, or embracing certain stereotypes of "American-ness" in
the popular media, for example the television shows An American in Canada or Talking
to Americans, or the popular "I Am Canadian" ad campaign of Molson Breweries. The
reverse is also practiced, with many Americans and American media mocking or
insulting Canadians, for example the song Canadian Idiot by "Weird Al" Yankovic or
otherwise exaggerating stereotypes. A certain degree of rivalry—usually friendly in
scope—often exists between the two countries.

Regardless of American influence and a high level of cultural mixing, the vast majority
of Canadians are fully aware of their cultural achievements. The Canadian music and
television industries are strong and vibrant, and Canadian theatre and literature are very
much respected, not only domestically, but internationally as well. Canadian shows such
as Flashpoint and Degrassi: The Next Generation are becoming more and more popular
not only within Canada, but slowly internationally as well. Canadian bands such as Three
Days Grace and Simple Plan also have a large international market as well as the
Canadian market, proving that quality Canadian content has staying power.

Canadian culture often has political overtones, though not necessarily of a partisan
nature. Canadian idealism makes many Canadians critical of government, social, and
cultural institutions and traditions, comparing the status quo to their idealized view of
what Canada should and could become.

[edit] Canadian identity

Main article: Canadian identity

Primary influences on the Canadian identity trace back to the arrival, beginning in the
early 17th century, of French settlers to Acadia and Saint Lawrence River valley, English
settlers to Newfoundland and the British conquest and settlement of New France from the
early 18th century. First Nations played a critical part in the development of European
colonies in Canada, from their role in assisting exploration of the continent, the fur trade
and inter-European power struggles to the creation of the Métis people. Through their art
and culture, First Nations, Inuit and Métis continue to exert influence on Canadian
identity.

The question of Canadian identity was traditionally dominated by three fundamental

themes: first, the often conflicted relations between English Canadians and French
Canadians stemming from the French Canadian imperative for cultural and linguistic
survival; secondly, the generally close ties between English Canadians and the British
Empire, resulting in a gradual political process towards complete independence from the
imperial power and, finally, the close proximity of English-speaking Canadians to the
military, economic and cultural powerhouse of the United States. With the gradual
loosening of political and cultural ties to the United Kingdom, in the 20th century
immigrants from European, African, Caribbean and Asian nationalities have shaped the
Canadian identity, a process that continues today with the continuing arrival of large
numbers of immigrants from non British or French backgrounds, adding the theme of
multiculturalism to the debate.[14][15][16] Today, Canada has a diverse makeup of
nationalities and cultures and constitutional protection for policies that promote
multiculturalism rather than a single national myth[17].
The issue of Canadian identity remains under scrutiny, perhaps more than the identity of
the people of any other modern nation.[18] Journalist Andrew Cohen wrote in 2007:

The Canadian Identity, as it has come to be known, is as elusive as the Sasquatch and
Ogopogo. It has animated--and frustrated--generations of statesmen, historians, writers,
artists, philosophers, and the National Film Board...Canada resists easy definition.
—Andrew Cohen, The Unfinished Canadian: The People We Are[19]

In true Canadian fashion, however, even the search for an identity has become itself an
object for self-criticism.[20]

[edit] Canadian nationalism

Main article: Canadian nationalism

In general, Canadian nationalists are highly concerned about the protection of Canadian
sovereignty and loyalty to the Canadian State, placing them in the civic nationalist
category. It has likewise often been suggested that anti-Americanism, or at least hostility
towards the United States, often plays a prominent role in Canadian nationalist
ideologies. When nationalists speak of "independence", it is widely understood that the
actual meaning is "independence from the United States". Canadian nationalists may in
fact promote stronger ties to other nations, and encourage closer integration with the
European Union or the United Nations as a way of offsetting US influences.

[edit] Cultural protectionism in Canada

Main article: Canadian cultural protectionism

Cultural protectionism in Canada has, since the mid-20th century, taken the form of
conscious, interventionist attempts on the part of various Canadian governments to
promote Canadian cultural production and limit the effect of foreign, largely American,
culture on the domestic audience. Sharing a large border and (for the majority) a common
language with the United States, Canada faces a difficult position in regard to American
culture, be it direct attempts at the Canadian market or the general diffusion of American
culture in the globalized media arena. While Canada tries to maintain its cultural
differences, it also must balance this with responsibility in trade arrangements such as the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).

[edit] Symbols
Main articles: National symbols of Canada and Canadian royal symbols

Official symbols of Canada include the maple leaf, beaver, and the Canadian Horse.[21][22]
[23]
Many official symbols of the country such as the Flag of Canada have been changed
or modified over the past few decades in order to 'Canadianize' them and de-emphasise or
remove references to the United Kingdom. Symbols of the monarchy in Canada continue
to be featured in, for example, the Arms of Canada and armed forces Her Majesty's
Canadian Ship. The designation 'Royal' remains for institutions as varied as the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, though with the 1968
unification of the three armed forces into the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Air
Force and Royal Canadian Navy ceased to exist. However, certain Canadian Forces Land
Force Command (army) units carry "Royal" titles, Canadian Forces Maritime Command
vessels are still styled "HMCS" and Canadian Forces Air Command squadrons still use a
Royal Air Force-derived badge surmounted by the Queen's Crown as their official crests.

[edit] Arts

Red Maple, 1914, by A. Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven.

Main articles: Canadian art and List of Canadian artists

The arts have flourished in Canada since the 1900s, and especially since the end of World
War II in 1945. Government support has played a vital role in their development, as has
the establishment of numerous art schools and colleges across the country.

Cornelius Krieghoff's Habitant Farm, 1856

The works of most early Canadian painters followed European trends. During the mid
1800s, Cornelius Krieghoff, a Dutch born artist in Quebec, painted scenes of the life of
the habitants (French-Canadian farmers). At about the same time, the Canadian artist
Paul Kane painted pictures of Indian life in western Canada. A group of landscape
painters called the Group of Seven developed the first distinctly Canadian style of
painting. All these artists painted large, brilliantly coloured scenes of the Canadian
wilderness.
Since the 1930s, Canadian painters have developed a wide range of highly individual
styles. Emily Carr became famous for her paintings of totem poles in British Columbia.
Other noted painters have included the landscape artist David Milne, the abstract painters
Jean-Paul Riopelle and Harold Town and multi-media artist Michael Snow.

The abstract art group Painters Eleven, particularly the artists William Ronald and Jack
Bush, also had an important impact on modern art in Canada. Canadian sculpture has
been enriched by the walrus ivory and soapstone carvings by the Inuit artists. These
carvings show objects and activities from the daily life of the Inuit.

[edit] Literature

Main article: Canadian literature

Canadian literature is often divided into French and English-language literature, which
are rooted in the literary traditions of France and Britain, respectively, However,
collectively this literature has become distinctly Canadian. Canada’s literature, whether
written in English or French, often reflects the Canadian perspective on nature, frontier
life, and Canada’s position in the world, Canadian identity is closely tied to its literature.
Canadian literature is often categorised by region or province; by the status of the author
(e.g., literature of Canadian women, Acadians, Aboriginal peoples, and Irish Canadians);
and by literary period, such as "Canadian postmoderns" or "Canadian Poets Between the
Wars."

In the 1980s, Canadian literature began to be noticed around the world.[citation needed] By the
1990s, Canadian literature was viewed as some of the world's best,[citation needed] and
Canadian authors began to accumulate international awards.[24] In 1992, Michael
Ondaatje became the first Canadian to win the Man Booker Prize for The English
Patient. Margaret Atwood won the Booker in 2000 for The Blind Assassin and Yann
Martel won it in 2002 for the Life of Pi. Carol Shields's The Stone Diaries won the 1995
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and the 1994 National Book Critics Circle Award.

[edit] Music

Main article: Music of Canada

The Music of Canada has reflected the multi-cultural influences that have shaped the
country. First Nations people, the French, and the British have all made unique
contributions to the musical heritage of Canada. Since French explorer Samuel de
Champlain arrived in 1605 and established the first permanent Canadian settlements at
Port Royal and Quebec City in 1608, the country has produced its own composers,
musicians and ensembles.[25][26] From the 17th century onward Canada has developed a
music infrastructure, that includes church halls, chamber halls, conservatories, academies,
performing arts centers, record companys, radio stations and television music video
channels.[27][28] The music has subsequently been heavily influenced by American culture
because of its proximity and migration between the two countries.[29][30][31]
The Canadian music industry has been helped by government regulation designed to
protect and encourage the growth of distinct Canadian culture. The Canadian Content
(CANCON) regulations require all radio stations in Canada play at least 36% Canadian
music. This has enabled Canadian artists to garner success on the airwaves which were
once dominated by American and European acts. Due to these regulations, Canadian
music has become much more prevalent on the airwaves.

Canada has produced a variety of internationally successful performers and artist. These
individuals are honoured at The Juno Awards, recognizing Canadian achievement in
popular music.In addition, Canada is home to a number of popular summer-time folk
festivals, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Canada has also produced many notable
composers, who have contributed in a variety of ways to the history of Western classical
music.

[edit] Canadian theatre

Main article: Theatre of Canada

Canada has a thriving stage theatre scene. Theatre festivals draw many tourists in the
summer months, especially the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, and
the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The Famous People Players are only
one of many touring companies that have also developed an international reputation.
Canada also boasts the world's second largest fringe festival the Edmonton International
Fringe Festival.[32]

[edit] Film and television

Main articles: Cinema of Canada and Television in Canada

See also: Cinema of Quebec

The Canadian film market was dominated by the American film industry for decades,
although that film industry has since inception seen a prominent role for actors, directors,
producers and technicians of Canadian origin. In the 1960s Michel Brault, Pierre Perrault,
Gilles Groulx, Jean Pierre Lefebvre, Arthur Lamothe, Claude Jutra and other filmmakers
from Quebec began to challenge Hollywood by making innovative and politically
relevant documentary and feature films.

Among the important English-speaking filmmakers from this period are Allan King,
Norman Jewison and Robin Spry. Michael Snow continues to be one of the most
respected experimental film makers in the world.[citation needed] Norman Jewison received an
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, awarded periodically at the Academy Awards, in
recognition for his lifetime achievement in film in 1999.

Canada has developed a vigorous film industry that has produced a variety of well-known
films, actors, and auteurs. In fact, this eclipsing may sometimes be creditable for the
bizarre and innovative directions of the works of such auteurs as Atom Egoyan (The
Sweet Hereafter, 1997) and David Cronenberg (The Fly, Naked Lunch, A History of
Violence). Also, the distinct French-Canadian society permits the work of directors such
as Denys Arcand and Denis Villeneuve. At the 76th Academy Awards Arcand's The
Barbarian Invasions became Canada's first film to win the Academy Award for Best
Foreign Language Film.

However given Canada's small population and perhaps, because of the closeness of the
giant American TV and film industries, distinctively Canadian productions such as those
in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Canada's Top Ten Films of All Time
are relatively thin on the ground, compared with the situations in the United Kingdom.

However, Lions Gate Entertainment, now US based, and Alliance Atlantis are two film
production companies headquartered in Canada which have grown large enough to
compete with larger American productions down south. In addition, because of the
intricate relationship between the American and Canadian film industry, numerous films
such as David Cronenberg's A History of Violence (2005) are often credited as both
Canadian films by Canadian publications and as American films by American
publications due to differing definitions of what constitutes a Canadian or American film
by each country.

A number of Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood significantly contributed to the

creation of the motion picture industry in the early days of the 20th century. Over the
years, many Canadians have made enormous contributions to the American entertainment
industry, although they are frequently not recognized as Canadians.

Canada's film industry is in full expansion as a site for Hollywood productions. Since the
1980s, Canada, and Vancouver in particular, has become known as Hollywood North.
The American Queer as Folk was filmed in Toronto. Canadian producers have been very
successful in the field of science fiction since the mid-1990s, with such shows as The X-
Files, Stargate SG-1, the new Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, and The Outer Limits, all
filmed in Vancouver. As with its southern counterpart in California, many Canadians are
employed in the film industry, and celebrity-spotting is frequent throughout many
Canadian cities.

Montreal, due to its European appearance, has served in a great variety of mainstream
movies, attracting the loyalty of industry people such as Bruce Willis; there are plans to
build the world's biggest film studio on the outskirts of the city. The choice of location is
allegedly due to cost, rather than a requirement for a 'Canadian atmosphere'. The frequent
question of a Canadian, seeing a film crew on his or her local streets, is 'Which bit of the
States are we pretending to be today?'.

Canadian television, especially supported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, is

the home of a variety of locally-produced shows. French-language television, like French
Canadian film, is buffered from excessive American influence by the fact of language,
and likewise supports a host of home-grown productions. The relative success of French-
language domestic television and movies in Canada often exceeds that of its English-
language counterpart.

The CRTC's Canadian content regulations dictate that a certain percentage of a domestic
broadcaster's transmission time must include content that is produced by Canadians, or
covers Canadian subjects. This also applies to US cable television channels such as MTV
(MTV (Canada) and the Discovery Channel (Discovery Channel (Canada), which have
local versions of their channels available on Canadian cable networks. Similarly, BBC
Canada, while primarily showing BBC shows from the United Kingdom, also carries
Canadian output.

The National Film Board of Canada,[33] is 'a public agency that produces and distributes
films and other audiovisual works which reflect Canada to Canadians and the rest of the
world'. The agency helped to pioneer the concept of the documentary.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is considered by many to be one of the
most prevalent film festivals for Western cinema. It is the première film festival in North
America from which the Oscars race begins.[34]

In addition, many popular documentaries such as The Corporation, Nanook of the North,
Final Offer, and Canada: A People's History are Canadian.

[edit] Canadian humour

Main article: Canadian humour

Canadian humour is an integral part of the Canadian Identity. There are several traditions
in Canadian humour in both English and French. While these traditions are distinct and at
times very different, there are common themes that relate to Canadians' shared history
and geopolitical situation in North America and the world. Various trends can be noted in
Canadian comedy. One thread is the portrayal of a "typical" Canadian family in an on-
going radio or television series. Examples include La famille Plouffe, with its mix of
drama, humour, politics and religion and sitcoms such as King of Kensington and La
Petite Vie. Another major thread tends to be political and cultural satire: television shows
such as CODCO, Royal Canadian Air Farce, La Fin du monde est à 7 heures and This
Hour Has 22 Minutes, monologuists such as Yvon Deschamps and Rick Mercer and
writers, including Michel Tremblay, Will Ferguson and Eric Nicol draw their inspiration
from Canadian and Québécois society and politics. Another trend revels in absurdity,
demonstrated by television series like The Kids in the Hall and The Frantics, and
musician-comedians such as The Arrogant Worms, Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie and
Bowser and Blue. Satire is arguably the primary characteristic of Canadian humour,
evident in each of these threads, and uniting various genres and regional cultural
differences.

Humber College in Toronto and the École nationale de l'humour in Montreal offer post-
secondary programmes in comedy writing and performance. Montreal is also home to the
bilingual (English and French]]) Just for Laughs festival and to the Just for Laughs
Museum, a bilingual, international museum of comedy.

[edit] Leisure Time

Canada in the 1900’s was beginning to become more and more urbanized and this
affected the leisure time of the Victorian era people in this time. They preferred a quiet
and simple existence, such as the famous book “Anne of Green Gables” that was written
around this time. Also many Canadians amused themselves by writing books and poems
during this time, this era is well known for the time when Canadians established
themselves as world renowned writers with many classic books being written. During the
summer most of the leisure time of Canadians was spent outdoors in parks and beaches,
cycling and rowing became a popular pastime as well. In the winter times the national
sport of Canada hockey was played but most Canadians really enjoyed tobogganing
during this time period. Leisure time in Canada was a simple relaxing type of activity.

[edit] Sport
See also: Sport in Canada

The sporting culture of Canada is different from that of many other countries. Compared
to any other nation, Canadians prefer a unique set of sports that are all home grown —
namely football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey. In Canada, football means
Canadian football or what is sometimes called gridiron around the world.

Ice hockey, referred to as simply hockey in the country, is Canada's official winter sport,
[35]
its most popular spectator sport, and its most successful sport in international
competition. Lacrosse, a sport with Aboriginal origins, is Canada's oldest sport and
official summer sport.[35] Canadian football is Canada's second most popular spectator
sport,[36] and the Canadian Football League's annual championship, the Grey Cup, is the
country's largest annual sports event.[37] Association football, known in Canada as soccer
in both English and French, has the most registered players of any sport in Canada, but
has never enjoyed sustained popularity as a major professional spectator sport even
though the last few years have showed an improvement in terms of popularity and media
coverage.

Other popular team sports include curling, street hockey, cricket, rugby, soccer and
softball. Currently, Cricket is the fastest growing sport in Canada.[38][39] Popular individual
sports include auto racing, boxing, cycling, golf, hiking, horse racing, ice skating, rodeo,
skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, tennis, triathlon, track and field, water
sports, and wrestling. As a country with a generally cool climate, Canada has enjoyed
greater success at the Winter Olympics than at the Summer Olympics, although
significant regional variations in climate allow for a wide variety of both team and
individual sports. Major upcoming multi-sport events in Canada include the 2010 Winter
Olympics.
Great achievements in Canadian sport are recognized by Canada's Sports Hall of Fame,
while the Lou Marsh Trophy is awarded annually to Canada's top athlete by a panel of
journalists.

[edit] Outside views

In 1984, Baron Moran, the British High Commissioner to Canada, stated that, in his
opinion, Canadians have limited talents and are "deeply unimpressive." Said Moran,
"Anyone who is even moderately good at what they do - in literature, the theater, skiing
of whatever - tends to become a national figure. And anyone who stands out at all from
the crowd tends to be praised to the skies and given the Order of Canada at once.[40]

[edit] See also

 Culture of Alberta
 Culture of Saskatchewan

[edit] References
1. ^ National Film Board of Canada (2005). "Mandate of the National Film Board".
http://www.nfb.ca/atonf/organisation.php?v=h&lg=en. Retrieved 2006-03-15.
2. ^ "Canada in the Making: Pioneers and Immigrants". The History Channel. 2005-
08-25. http://www.canadiana.org/citm/themes/pioneers/pioneers7_e.html.
Retrieved 2006-11-30.
3. ^ A Dialogue on Foreign Policy. Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade. 2003-01. pp. 15-16. http://www.foreign-policy-
dialogue.ca/pdf/DialogueEng.pdf. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
4. ^ "Quebec". The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia
University Press. 2003. http://www.answers.com/topic/quebec-city-quebec.
Retrieved 2006-11-30.
5. ^ "American Civil war". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Founcation.
2003. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?
PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000174. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
6. ^ Speakers of the Canadian House of Commons. Parliament of Canada. 2001. pp.
8-9.
7. ^ "Multiculturalism in Canada". Mount Allison University. 2002-01-26.
http://www.mta.ca/faculty/arts/canadian_studies/english/about/multi/index.htm#p
olicy. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
8. ^ Marcia Wallace (1999). Planning Amidst Diversity: The Challenges of
Multiculturalism in Urban and Suburban Greater Toronto. University of
Waterloo. http://ceris.metropolis.net/Virtual
%20Library/other/wallace1/chapt5.html. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
9. ^ "A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada". Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
2006-07-01. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/guide/section-07.html#6.
Retrieved 2006-12-06.
10. ^ B.A. Robinson (2005-11-20). "Same-Sex Marriages (SSM) in Canada". Ontario
Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marb0.htm. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
11. ^ a b Woodcock, part I
12. ^ Wolf, chapter 6
13. ^ Department of Canadian Heritage
14. ^ John Ralston Saul, Reflections of a Siames Twin: Canada at the End of the 20th
Century, Toronto: Viking Canada, 1997, p. 439
15. ^ Philip Resnick, The European Roots of Canadian Identity, Peterborough:
Broadview Press Ltd, 2005 p. 63
16. ^ Roy McGregor, Canadians: A Portrait of a Country and Its People, Toronto:
Viking Canada, 2007
17. ^ Saul,Reflections of a Siamese Twin p. 8.
18. ^ MacGregor, p.39
19. ^ Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2007, p. 3, ISBN 978-0771021817
20. ^ MacGregor, Canadians, at p. 40: "I've often thought myself that Canadians
ingeniously use this endless 'search' for identity as a handy excuse to wallow in
their own self-righteousness--particularly at those moments when America has
put the stuck-up Canadian nose out of joint. It could be construed as a sort of
verbal party trick to turn the conversation around to oneself and all the comforting
goodness of being Canadian
21. ^ National Horse of Canada Act
22. ^ The beaver
23. ^ The Maple Leaf
24. ^ Robert Fulford's column about the international success of Canadian literature
25. ^ Music in Canada 1600-1800. by Amtmann, Willy. Cambridge, Ont. : Habitex
Books, 1975. 320 p.(ISBN 088912020X)
26. ^ La Musique au Québec 1600-1875. by Michelle Pharand. Montreal: Les
Éditions de l'Homme (1976) (ISBN 0775905178)
27. ^ Music in Canada: A Research and Information Guide, Carl Morey. New York:
Garland Publishing, 1997
28. ^ "The history of broadcasting in Canada". The Canadian Communications
Foundation. http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/timeline/CCFTimeline.html.
29. ^ Profiles of Canada. edited by Kenneth G. Pryke, Walter C. Soderlund. Boulder,
Colo. : NetLibrary, 2000.(ISBN 058527925X)
30. ^ "History of Canada in music". Historica Foundation of Canada.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?
PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001624.
31. ^ Canadian Music: Issues of Hegemony & Identity, eds Beveley Diamond &
Robert Witmer. Canadian Scholars Press, 1994.
32. ^ Edmonton Fringe sets box-office record
33. ^ NFB official site
34. ^ Toronto International Film Festival
35. ^ a b "National Sports of Canada Act (1994)". Consolidated Statutes and
Regulations. Department of Justice. http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/N-
16.7/251603.html. Retrieved 2006-07-20.
 36. ^ Canadian Press (2006-06-08). "Survey: Canadian interest in pro football is on
the rise". Globe and Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060608.wsurvey8/BN
Story/Sports/home. Retrieved 2006-06-08.
37. ^ William Houston (2006-12-20). "Grey Cup moves to TSN in new deal". The
Globe And Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061220.wsptcfl20/GS
Story/GlobeSportsFootball/GlobeSports/?query=. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
38. ^ Canadian Cricket Heritage Fund
39. ^ Support for Cricket Across the Pond
40. ^ Stringer, David, (Associated Press), "Letters reveal candid views of UK
diplomats", WTOP, October 18, 2009.

[edit] External links

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Culture of Canada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

The Jack Pine, by Tom Thomson, 1916. Oil on Canvas, in the collection of the National
Gallery of Canada

Canadian culture is a term that encompasses the artistic, musical, literary, culinary,
political and social elements that are representative of Canada, not only to its own
population, but people all over the world. Canada's culture (multiculturalist) has
historically been influenced by European culture and traditions, especially British and
French. Over time, elements of the cultures of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and
immigrant populations have become incorporated into mainstream Canadian culture. It
has also been strongly influenced by that of its linguistic, economic, and cultural
neighbour, the United States.

Canada's federal government has influenced Canadian culture with programs, laws and
institutions. It has created crown corporations to promote Canadian culture through
media, such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film
Board of Canada (NFB), and promotes many events which it considers to promote
Canadian traditions. It has also tried to protect Canadian culture by setting legal
minimums on Canadian content in many media using bodies like the Canadian Radio-
television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).[1]

Canada's culture, like that of most any country in the world, is a product of its history,
geography, and political system. Being a settler nation, Canada has been shaped by waves
of migration that have combined to form a unique blend of customs, cuisine, and
traditions that have marked the socio-cultural development of the nation. In this article,
several aspects of Canadian culture will be discussed. Though this article attempts to
feature a variety of subjects pertinent to the culture of Canada, it is in no way exhaustive,
and to gain a much deeper knowledge of Canada and its culture, one must also consult
the other articles pertaining to Canada and its peoples.

Contents
[hide]
 1 Development of Canadian culture
o 1.1 Bilingualism and multiculturalism
o 1.2 Aboriginal influences
o 1.3 Influence of American culture
o 1.4 Canadian identity
o 1.5 Canadian nationalism
 2 Cultural protectionism in Canada
 3 Symbols
 4 Arts
o 4.1 Literature
o 4.2 Music
o 4.3 Canadian theatre
o 4.4 Film and television
 5 Canadian humour
 6 Leisure Time
 7 Sport
 8 Outside views
 9 See also
 10 References

 11 External links

[edit] Development of Canadian culture

Canadian culture is a product of Canada's history and geography. Most of Canada's
territory was inhabited and developed later than other European colonies in the Americas,
with the result that themes and symbols of pioneers, trappers, and traders were important
in the early development of Canadian culture.[2] The British conquest of Canada in 1759
brought a large Francophone population under British rule, creating a need for
compromise and accommodation, while the migration of United Empire Loyalists from
the Thirteen Colonies brought in strong British and American influences.

Although not without conflict, Canada's early interactions with First Nations and Inuit
populations were relatively peaceful, compared to the experience of native peoples in the
United States. Combined with relatively late economic development in many regions, this
peaceful history has allowed Canadian native peoples to have a relatively strong
influence on the national culture while preserving their own identity.[3]

[edit] Bilingualism and multiculturalism

Main articles: Official bilingualism in Canada, Spoken languages of Canada, Canadian

English, and Quebec French
French Canada's early development was relatively cohesive during the 17th and 18th
centuries, and this was preserved by the Quebec Act of 1774, which allowed
Francophone culture to survive and thrive within Canada.[4] In 1867, the British North
America Act was designed to meet the growing calls for Canadian autonomy while
avoiding the overly-strong decentralization that contributed to the Civil War in the United
States.[5] The compromises made by Macdonald and Cartier set Canada on a path to
bilingualism,[6] and this in turn contributed to an acceptance of diversity that later led to
both multiculturalism and tolerance of Native culture and customs.[7]

A Chinese gate in downtown Montreal.

Multicultural heritage is enshrined in Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and

Freedoms. In parts of Canada, especially the major cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and
Toronto (for example, in Toronto's Kensington Market area), multiculturalism itself is the
cultural norm and diversity is the force that unites the community.[8]

In Quebec, cultural identity is strong, and many French-speaking Quebecer commentators

speak of a Quebec culture as distinguished from English Canadian culture, but some also
see Canada as a collection of several regional, aboriginal, and ethnic subcultures.[9]

While French Canadian culture is the most obvious example, Celtic influences have
allowed survival of non-English dialects in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; however, the
influence of Ulster immigrants to Toronto has had the effect of minimizing Irish
influences in Ontario's culture, and highlighting British influences instead, until the
1980s. Canada's Pacific trade has also brought a large Chinese influence into British
Columbia and other areas.

Canada's cultural diversity also creates an environment much more accepting of LGBT
people than one finds in many other countries.[10] Canada has always placed emphasis on
equality and inclusiveness for all people. For example, in 1995, the Supreme Court of
Canada ruled in Egan v. Canada that sexual orientation should be "read in" to Section
Fifteen of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Constitution of
Canada guaranteeing equal rights to all Canadians. Following a series of decisions by
provincial courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, on July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage
Act (Bill C-38) received Royal Assent, legalizing same-sex marriage in Canada. Canada
thus became the fourth country to officially sanction same-sex marriage worldwide, after
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. Furthermore, by 2005, sexual orientation was
included as a protected status in the human rights laws of the federal government and of
all provinces and territories.

Further information: LGBT rights in Canada

[edit] Aboriginal influences

Main articles: Aboriginal peoples in Canada#Culture and Inuit culture

Many native icons, such as this dreamcatcher, have been adopted by Canadians as a
whole.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada interacted with Europeans as far back as 1000 AD,[11] but
prolonged contact came only after Europeans established permanent settlements in the
17th and 18th centuries. European written accounts, though biased, generally noted
friendliness on the part of the First Nations,[11] some of whom profited in trade with
Europeans. Such trade generally strengthened the more organized political entities such
as the Iroquois Confederation.[12]

There were, and are, many distinct Aboriginal peoples across Canada, each with its own
culture, beliefs, values, language, and history. Much of this legacy remains celebrated
artistically, and in other ways, in Canada to this day. Part of the emblem of the
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is an inunnguaq, a rock sculpture that is made by
stacking stones in the shape of a human figure, that is a part of Inuit culture and the
nation's perception of itself. According to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Canada's ethnic, racial and religious diversity is rapidly increasing. According to the
2001 census, more than 200 ethnic origins are represented in Canada. About 13.5 percent
of the population is a member of a visible minority group and that proportion is expected
to reach 20 percent by 2016. Immigration now accounts for more than 50 percent of
Canada's population growth, with immigrants coming mainly from Asia and the Middle
East. It is projected that, after 2025, Canada's population growth will be based solely on
immigration.
—Judith Larocque, Deputy Minister,  "Serving Canada's Multicultural Population:
Practical Approaches for Public Servants."[13]

[edit] Influence of American culture

This section does not cite any references or sources.

Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may
be challenged and removed. (October 2007)
Further information: Canada – United States relations

Easy access to broadcast media has brought many American influences into Canadian
culture since the mid-20th century. In reaction to this, Canadian broadcasters, in
cooperation with the federal and provincial governments have attempted to emphasize
Canadian culture and values on the airwaves. One example of this is the Heritage Minute
commercials on television (which act as mini-history lessons). The Canadian government
also gives money to programmers making Canadian TV shows. Defending and enhancing
national culture is a major priority for the Canadian government. The CRTC and the
Department of Canadian Heritage having responsibility for promoting Canadian culture.

In certain regards, Canada and the United States share a similar culture, which can be
incorrectly defined as "North American." Canadians are exposed to much American
culture, due to the proximity of the United States, a common linguistic bond shared
between a majority of Canadians and their neighbours to the south, and the fact that both
countries are multi-ethnic immigrant societies that have shared populations for centuries.
Most Canadians are familiar with American fast food restaurants, [[Television in the
United States. Despite the close ties, Canadian culture can also sometimes seek to
differentiate itself from that of the United States. This sometimes takes the form of
mocking or insulting Americans, or embracing certain stereotypes of "American-ness" in
the popular media, for example the television shows An American in Canada or Talking
to Americans, or the popular "I Am Canadian" ad campaign of Molson Breweries. The
reverse is also practiced, with many Americans and American media mocking or
insulting Canadians, for example the song Canadian Idiot by "Weird Al" Yankovic or
otherwise exaggerating stereotypes. A certain degree of rivalry—usually friendly in
scope—often exists between the two countries.

Regardless of American influence and a high level of cultural mixing, the vast majority
of Canadians are fully aware of their cultural achievements. The Canadian music and
television industries are strong and vibrant, and Canadian theatre and literature are very
much respected, not only domestically, but internationally as well. Canadian shows such
as Flashpoint and Degrassi: The Next Generation are becoming more and more popular
not only within Canada, but slowly internationally as well. Canadian bands such as Three
Days Grace and Simple Plan also have a large international market as well as the
Canadian market, proving that quality Canadian content has staying power.
Canadian culture often has political overtones, though not necessarily of a partisan
nature. Canadian idealism makes many Canadians critical of government, social, and
cultural institutions and traditions, comparing the status quo to their idealized view of
what Canada should and could become.

[edit] Canadian identity

Main article: Canadian identity

Primary influences on the Canadian identity trace back to the arrival, beginning in the
early 17th century, of French settlers to Acadia and Saint Lawrence River valley, English
settlers to Newfoundland and the British conquest and settlement of New France from the
early 18th century. First Nations played a critical part in the development of European
colonies in Canada, from their role in assisting exploration of the continent, the fur trade
and inter-European power struggles to the creation of the Métis people. Through their art
and culture, First Nations, Inuit and Métis continue to exert influence on Canadian
identity.

The question of Canadian identity was traditionally dominated by three fundamental

themes: first, the often conflicted relations between English Canadians and French
Canadians stemming from the French Canadian imperative for cultural and linguistic
survival; secondly, the generally close ties between English Canadians and the British
Empire, resulting in a gradual political process towards complete independence from the
imperial power and, finally, the close proximity of English-speaking Canadians to the
military, economic and cultural powerhouse of the United States. With the gradual
loosening of political and cultural ties to the United Kingdom, in the 20th century
immigrants from European, African, Caribbean and Asian nationalities have shaped the
Canadian identity, a process that continues today with the continuing arrival of large
numbers of immigrants from non British or French backgrounds, adding the theme of
multiculturalism to the debate.[14][15][16] Today, Canada has a diverse makeup of
nationalities and cultures and constitutional protection for policies that promote
multiculturalism rather than a single national myth[17].

The issue of Canadian identity remains under scrutiny, perhaps more than the identity of
the people of any other modern nation.[18] Journalist Andrew Cohen wrote in 2007:

The Canadian Identity, as it has come to be known, is as elusive as the Sasquatch and
Ogopogo. It has animated--and frustrated--generations of statesmen, historians, writers,
artists, philosophers, and the National Film Board...Canada resists easy definition.
—Andrew Cohen, The Unfinished Canadian: The People We Are[19]

In true Canadian fashion, however, even the search for an identity has become itself an
object for self-criticism.[20]

[edit] Canadian nationalism

Main article: Canadian nationalism

In general, Canadian nationalists are highly concerned about the protection of Canadian
sovereignty and loyalty to the Canadian State, placing them in the civic nationalist
category. It has likewise often been suggested that anti-Americanism, or at least hostility
towards the United States, often plays a prominent role in Canadian nationalist
ideologies. When nationalists speak of "independence", it is widely understood that the
actual meaning is "independence from the United States". Canadian nationalists may in
fact promote stronger ties to other nations, and encourage closer integration with the
European Union or the United Nations as a way of offsetting US influences.

[edit] Cultural protectionism in Canada

Main article: Canadian cultural protectionism

Cultural protectionism in Canada has, since the mid-20th century, taken the form of
conscious, interventionist attempts on the part of various Canadian governments to
promote Canadian cultural production and limit the effect of foreign, largely American,
culture on the domestic audience. Sharing a large border and (for the majority) a common
language with the United States, Canada faces a difficult position in regard to American
culture, be it direct attempts at the Canadian market or the general diffusion of American
culture in the globalized media arena. While Canada tries to maintain its cultural
differences, it also must balance this with responsibility in trade arrangements such as the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).

[edit] Symbols
Main articles: National symbols of Canada and Canadian royal symbols

Official symbols of Canada include the maple leaf, beaver, and the Canadian Horse.[21][22]
[23]
Many official symbols of the country such as the Flag of Canada have been changed
or modified over the past few decades in order to 'Canadianize' them and de-emphasise or
remove references to the United Kingdom. Symbols of the monarchy in Canada continue
to be featured in, for example, the Arms of Canada and armed forces Her Majesty's
Canadian Ship. The designation 'Royal' remains for institutions as varied as the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, though with the 1968
unification of the three armed forces into the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Air
Force and Royal Canadian Navy ceased to exist. However, certain Canadian Forces Land
Force Command (army) units carry "Royal" titles, Canadian Forces Maritime Command
vessels are still styled "HMCS" and Canadian Forces Air Command squadrons still use a
Royal Air Force-derived badge surmounted by the Queen's Crown as their official crests.

[edit] Arts
Red Maple, 1914, by A. Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven.
Main articles: Canadian art and List of Canadian artists

The arts have flourished in Canada since the 1900s, and especially since the end of World
War II in 1945. Government support has played a vital role in their development, as has
the establishment of numerous art schools and colleges across the country.

Cornelius Krieghoff's Habitant Farm, 1856

The works of most early Canadian painters followed European trends. During the mid
1800s, Cornelius Krieghoff, a Dutch born artist in Quebec, painted scenes of the life of
the habitants (French-Canadian farmers). At about the same time, the Canadian artist
Paul Kane painted pictures of Indian life in western Canada. A group of landscape
painters called the Group of Seven developed the first distinctly Canadian style of
painting. All these artists painted large, brilliantly coloured scenes of the Canadian
wilderness.

Since the 1930s, Canadian painters have developed a wide range of highly individual
styles. Emily Carr became famous for her paintings of totem poles in British Columbia.
Other noted painters have included the landscape artist David Milne, the abstract painters
Jean-Paul Riopelle and Harold Town and multi-media artist Michael Snow.

The abstract art group Painters Eleven, particularly the artists William Ronald and Jack
Bush, also had an important impact on modern art in Canada. Canadian sculpture has
been enriched by the walrus ivory and soapstone carvings by the Inuit artists. These
carvings show objects and activities from the daily life of the Inuit.

[edit] Literature
Main article: Canadian literature

Canadian literature is often divided into French and English-language literature, which
are rooted in the literary traditions of France and Britain, respectively, However,
collectively this literature has become distinctly Canadian. Canada’s literature, whether
written in English or French, often reflects the Canadian perspective on nature, frontier
life, and Canada’s position in the world, Canadian identity is closely tied to its literature.
Canadian literature is often categorised by region or province; by the status of the author
(e.g., literature of Canadian women, Acadians, Aboriginal peoples, and Irish Canadians);
and by literary period, such as "Canadian postmoderns" or "Canadian Poets Between the
Wars."

In the 1980s, Canadian literature began to be noticed around the world.[citation needed] By the
1990s, Canadian literature was viewed as some of the world's best,[citation needed] and
Canadian authors began to accumulate international awards.[24] In 1992, Michael
Ondaatje became the first Canadian to win the Man Booker Prize for The English
Patient. Margaret Atwood won the Booker in 2000 for The Blind Assassin and Yann
Martel won it in 2002 for the Life of Pi. Carol Shields's The Stone Diaries won the 1995
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and the 1994 National Book Critics Circle Award.

[edit] Music

Main article: Music of Canada

The Music of Canada has reflected the multi-cultural influences that have shaped the
country. First Nations people, the French, and the British have all made unique
contributions to the musical heritage of Canada. Since French explorer Samuel de
Champlain arrived in 1605 and established the first permanent Canadian settlements at
Port Royal and Quebec City in 1608, the country has produced its own composers,
musicians and ensembles.[25][26] From the 17th century onward Canada has developed a
music infrastructure, that includes church halls, chamber halls, conservatories, academies,
performing arts centers, record companys, radio stations and television music video
channels.[27][28] The music has subsequently been heavily influenced by American culture
because of its proximity and migration between the two countries.[29][30][31]

The Canadian music industry has been helped by government regulation designed to
protect and encourage the growth of distinct Canadian culture. The Canadian Content
(CANCON) regulations require all radio stations in Canada play at least 36% Canadian
music. This has enabled Canadian artists to garner success on the airwaves which were
once dominated by American and European acts. Due to these regulations, Canadian
music has become much more prevalent on the airwaves.

Canada has produced a variety of internationally successful performers and artist. These
individuals are honoured at The Juno Awards, recognizing Canadian achievement in
popular music.In addition, Canada is home to a number of popular summer-time folk
festivals, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Canada has also produced many notable
composers, who have contributed in a variety of ways to the history of Western classical
music.

[edit] Canadian theatre

Main article: Theatre of Canada

Canada has a thriving stage theatre scene. Theatre festivals draw many tourists in the
summer months, especially the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, and
the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The Famous People Players are only
one of many touring companies that have also developed an international reputation.
Canada also boasts the world's second largest fringe festival the Edmonton International
Fringe Festival.[32]

[edit] Film and television

Main articles: Cinema of Canada and Television in Canada

See also: Cinema of Quebec

The Canadian film market was dominated by the American film industry for decades,
although that film industry has since inception seen a prominent role for actors, directors,
producers and technicians of Canadian origin. In the 1960s Michel Brault, Pierre Perrault,
Gilles Groulx, Jean Pierre Lefebvre, Arthur Lamothe, Claude Jutra and other filmmakers
from Quebec began to challenge Hollywood by making innovative and politically
relevant documentary and feature films.

Among the important English-speaking filmmakers from this period are Allan King,
Norman Jewison and Robin Spry. Michael Snow continues to be one of the most
respected experimental film makers in the world.[citation needed] Norman Jewison received an
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, awarded periodically at the Academy Awards, in
recognition for his lifetime achievement in film in 1999.

Canada has developed a vigorous film industry that has produced a variety of well-known
films, actors, and auteurs. In fact, this eclipsing may sometimes be creditable for the
bizarre and innovative directions of the works of such auteurs as Atom Egoyan (The
Sweet Hereafter, 1997) and David Cronenberg (The Fly, Naked Lunch, A History of
Violence). Also, the distinct French-Canadian society permits the work of directors such
as Denys Arcand and Denis Villeneuve. At the 76th Academy Awards Arcand's The
Barbarian Invasions became Canada's first film to win the Academy Award for Best
Foreign Language Film.

However given Canada's small population and perhaps, because of the closeness of the
giant American TV and film industries, distinctively Canadian productions such as those
in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Canada's Top Ten Films of All Time
are relatively thin on the ground, compared with the situations in the United Kingdom.
However, Lions Gate Entertainment, now US based, and Alliance Atlantis are two film
production companies headquartered in Canada which have grown large enough to
compete with larger American productions down south. In addition, because of the
intricate relationship between the American and Canadian film industry, numerous films
such as David Cronenberg's A History of Violence (2005) are often credited as both
Canadian films by Canadian publications and as American films by American
publications due to differing definitions of what constitutes a Canadian or American film
by each country.

A number of Canadian pioneers in early Hollywood significantly contributed to the

creation of the motion picture industry in the early days of the 20th century. Over the
years, many Canadians have made enormous contributions to the American entertainment
industry, although they are frequently not recognized as Canadians.

Canada's film industry is in full expansion as a site for Hollywood productions. Since the
1980s, Canada, and Vancouver in particular, has become known as Hollywood North.
The American Queer as Folk was filmed in Toronto. Canadian producers have been very
successful in the field of science fiction since the mid-1990s, with such shows as The X-
Files, Stargate SG-1, the new Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, and The Outer Limits, all
filmed in Vancouver. As with its southern counterpart in California, many Canadians are
employed in the film industry, and celebrity-spotting is frequent throughout many
Canadian cities.

Montreal, due to its European appearance, has served in a great variety of mainstream
movies, attracting the loyalty of industry people such as Bruce Willis; there are plans to
build the world's biggest film studio on the outskirts of the city. The choice of location is
allegedly due to cost, rather than a requirement for a 'Canadian atmosphere'. The frequent
question of a Canadian, seeing a film crew on his or her local streets, is 'Which bit of the
States are we pretending to be today?'.

Canadian television, especially supported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, is

the home of a variety of locally-produced shows. French-language television, like French
Canadian film, is buffered from excessive American influence by the fact of language,
and likewise supports a host of home-grown productions. The relative success of French-
language domestic television and movies in Canada often exceeds that of its English-
language counterpart.

The CRTC's Canadian content regulations dictate that a certain percentage of a domestic
broadcaster's transmission time must include content that is produced by Canadians, or
covers Canadian subjects. This also applies to US cable television channels such as MTV
(MTV (Canada) and the Discovery Channel (Discovery Channel (Canada), which have
local versions of their channels available on Canadian cable networks. Similarly, BBC
Canada, while primarily showing BBC shows from the United Kingdom, also carries
Canadian output.
The National Film Board of Canada,[33] is 'a public agency that produces and distributes
films and other audiovisual works which reflect Canada to Canadians and the rest of the
world'. The agency helped to pioneer the concept of the documentary.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is considered by many to be one of the
most prevalent film festivals for Western cinema. It is the première film festival in North
America from which the Oscars race begins.[34]

In addition, many popular documentaries such as The Corporation, Nanook of the North,
Final Offer, and Canada: A People's History are Canadian.

[edit] Canadian humour

Main article: Canadian humour

Canadian humour is an integral part of the Canadian Identity. There are several traditions
in Canadian humour in both English and French. While these traditions are distinct and at
times very different, there are common themes that relate to Canadians' shared history
and geopolitical situation in North America and the world. Various trends can be noted in
Canadian comedy. One thread is the portrayal of a "typical" Canadian family in an on-
going radio or television series. Examples include La famille Plouffe, with its mix of
drama, humour, politics and religion and sitcoms such as King of Kensington and La
Petite Vie. Another major thread tends to be political and cultural satire: television shows
such as CODCO, Royal Canadian Air Farce, La Fin du monde est à 7 heures and This
Hour Has 22 Minutes, monologuists such as Yvon Deschamps and Rick Mercer and
writers, including Michel Tremblay, Will Ferguson and Eric Nicol draw their inspiration
from Canadian and Québécois society and politics. Another trend revels in absurdity,
demonstrated by television series like The Kids in the Hall and The Frantics, and
musician-comedians such as The Arrogant Worms, Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie and
Bowser and Blue. Satire is arguably the primary characteristic of Canadian humour,
evident in each of these threads, and uniting various genres and regional cultural
differences.

Humber College in Toronto and the École nationale de l'humour in Montreal offer post-
secondary programmes in comedy writing and performance. Montreal is also home to the
bilingual (English and French]]) Just for Laughs festival and to the Just for Laughs
Museum, a bilingual, international museum of comedy.

[edit] Leisure Time

Canada in the 1900’s was beginning to become more and more urbanized and this
affected the leisure time of the Victorian era people in this time. They preferred a quiet
and simple existence, such as the famous book “Anne of Green Gables” that was written
around this time. Also many Canadians amused themselves by writing books and poems
during this time, this era is well known for the time when Canadians established
themselves as world renowned writers with many classic books being written. During the
summer most of the leisure time of Canadians was spent outdoors in parks and beaches,
cycling and rowing became a popular pastime as well. In the winter times the national
sport of Canada hockey was played but most Canadians really enjoyed tobogganing
during this time period. Leisure time in Canada was a simple relaxing type of activity.

[edit] Sport
See also: Sport in Canada

The sporting culture of Canada is different from that of many other countries. Compared
to any other nation, Canadians prefer a unique set of sports that are all home grown —
namely football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey. In Canada, football means
Canadian football or what is sometimes called gridiron around the world.

Ice hockey, referred to as simply hockey in the country, is Canada's official winter sport,
[35]
its most popular spectator sport, and its most successful sport in international
competition. Lacrosse, a sport with Aboriginal origins, is Canada's oldest sport and
official summer sport.[35] Canadian football is Canada's second most popular spectator
sport,[36] and the Canadian Football League's annual championship, the Grey Cup, is the
country's largest annual sports event.[37] Association football, known in Canada as soccer
in both English and French, has the most registered players of any sport in Canada, but
has never enjoyed sustained popularity as a major professional spectator sport even
though the last few years have showed an improvement in terms of popularity and media
coverage.

Other popular team sports include curling, street hockey, cricket, rugby, soccer and
softball. Currently, Cricket is the fastest growing sport in Canada.[38][39] Popular individual
sports include auto racing, boxing, cycling, golf, hiking, horse racing, ice skating, rodeo,
skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, tennis, triathlon, track and field, water
sports, and wrestling. As a country with a generally cool climate, Canada has enjoyed
greater success at the Winter Olympics than at the Summer Olympics, although
significant regional variations in climate allow for a wide variety of both team and
individual sports. Major upcoming multi-sport events in Canada include the 2010 Winter
Olympics.

Great achievements in Canadian sport are recognized by Canada's Sports Hall of Fame,
while the Lou Marsh Trophy is awarded annually to Canada's top athlete by a panel of
journalists.

[edit] Outside views

In 1984, Baron Moran, the British High Commissioner to Canada, stated that, in his
opinion, Canadians have limited talents and are "deeply unimpressive." Said Moran,
"Anyone who is even moderately good at what they do - in literature, the theater, skiing
of whatever - tends to become a national figure. And anyone who stands out at all from
the crowd tends to be praised to the skies and given the Order of Canada at once.[40]

[edit] See also

 Culture of Alberta
 Culture of Saskatchewan

[edit] References
1. ^ National Film Board of Canada (2005). "Mandate of the National Film Board".
http://www.nfb.ca/atonf/organisation.php?v=h&lg=en. Retrieved 2006-03-15.
2. ^ "Canada in the Making: Pioneers and Immigrants". The History Channel. 2005-
08-25. http://www.canadiana.org/citm/themes/pioneers/pioneers7_e.html.
Retrieved 2006-11-30.
3. ^ A Dialogue on Foreign Policy. Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade. 2003-01. pp. 15-16. http://www.foreign-policy-
dialogue.ca/pdf/DialogueEng.pdf. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
4. ^ "Quebec". The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia
University Press. 2003. http://www.answers.com/topic/quebec-city-quebec.
Retrieved 2006-11-30.
5. ^ "American Civil war". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Founcation.
2003. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?
PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000174. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
6. ^ Speakers of the Canadian House of Commons. Parliament of Canada. 2001. pp.
8-9.
7. ^ "Multiculturalism in Canada". Mount Allison University. 2002-01-26.
http://www.mta.ca/faculty/arts/canadian_studies/english/about/multi/index.htm#p
olicy. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
8. ^ Marcia Wallace (1999). Planning Amidst Diversity: The Challenges of
Multiculturalism in Urban and Suburban Greater Toronto. University of
Waterloo. http://ceris.metropolis.net/Virtual
%20Library/other/wallace1/chapt5.html. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
9. ^ "A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada". Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
2006-07-01. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/guide/section-07.html#6.
Retrieved 2006-12-06.
10. ^ B.A. Robinson (2005-11-20). "Same-Sex Marriages (SSM) in Canada". Ontario
Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marb0.htm. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
11. ^ a b Woodcock, part I
12. ^ Wolf, chapter 6
13. ^ Department of Canadian Heritage
14. ^ John Ralston Saul, Reflections of a Siames Twin: Canada at the End of the 20th
Century, Toronto: Viking Canada, 1997, p. 439
15. ^ Philip Resnick, The European Roots of Canadian Identity, Peterborough:
Broadview Press Ltd, 2005 p. 63
16. ^ Roy McGregor, Canadians: A Portrait of a Country and Its People, Toronto:
Viking Canada, 2007
17. ^ Saul,Reflections of a Siamese Twin p. 8.
18. ^ MacGregor, p.39
19. ^ Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2007, p. 3, ISBN 978-0771021817
20. ^ MacGregor, Canadians, at p. 40: "I've often thought myself that Canadians
ingeniously use this endless 'search' for identity as a handy excuse to wallow in
their own self-righteousness--particularly at those moments when America has
put the stuck-up Canadian nose out of joint. It could be construed as a sort of
verbal party trick to turn the conversation around to oneself and all the comforting
goodness of being Canadian
21. ^ National Horse of Canada Act
22. ^ The beaver
23. ^ The Maple Leaf
24. ^ Robert Fulford's column about the international success of Canadian literature
25. ^ Music in Canada 1600-1800. by Amtmann, Willy. Cambridge, Ont. : Habitex
Books, 1975. 320 p.(ISBN 088912020X)
26. ^ La Musique au Québec 1600-1875. by Michelle Pharand. Montreal: Les
Éditions de l'Homme (1976) (ISBN 0775905178)
27. ^ Music in Canada: A Research and Information Guide, Carl Morey. New York:
Garland Publishing, 1997
28. ^ "The history of broadcasting in Canada". The Canadian Communications
Foundation. http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/timeline/CCFTimeline.html.
29. ^ Profiles of Canada. edited by Kenneth G. Pryke, Walter C. Soderlund. Boulder,
Colo. : NetLibrary, 2000.(ISBN 058527925X)
30. ^ "History of Canada in music". Historica Foundation of Canada.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?
PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001624.
31. ^ Canadian Music: Issues of Hegemony & Identity, eds Beveley Diamond &
Robert Witmer. Canadian Scholars Press, 1994.
32. ^ Edmonton Fringe sets box-office record
33. ^ NFB official site
34. ^ Toronto International Film Festival
35. ^ a b "National Sports of Canada Act (1994)". Consolidated Statutes and
Regulations. Department of Justice. http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/N-
16.7/251603.html. Retrieved 2006-07-20.
36. ^ Canadian Press (2006-06-08). "Survey: Canadian interest in pro football is on
the rise". Globe and Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060608.wsurvey8/BN
Story/Sports/home. Retrieved 2006-06-08.
37. ^ William Houston (2006-12-20). "Grey Cup moves to TSN in new deal". The
Globe And Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061220.wsptcfl20/GS
Story/GlobeSportsFootball/GlobeSports/?query=. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
 38. ^ Canadian Cricket Heritage Fund
39. ^ Support for Cricket Across the Pond
40. ^ Stringer, David, (Associated Press), "Letters reveal candid views of UK
diplomats", WTOP, October 18, 2009.

[edit] External links

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Canadiana, including newspapers and other Western Canadian publications

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Canadian people food habit

food guide to healthy eating.

Starkey LJ, Johnson-Down L, Gray-Donald K.

School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, QC.

Over 25 years have elapsed since national food and nutrient intake data became available
in Canada. Our goal was to describe present dietary intakes based on sociodemographic
and 24-hour recall dietary interviews with adults and adolescents from households across
the country. Within a multistage, stratified random sample of 80 enumeration areas, 1,543
randomly selected adults (aged 18-65) were enrolled in the study; 178 adolescents within
the sampled households also participated. A comparison of food intake with Canada's
Food Guide to Healthy Eating indicated that only males aged 13-34 met the minimum
recommended intake levels for all four food groups. Mean milk products intake was
below the minimum recommended level for all age groups of females and for men aged
35-65 years. Adolescent girls had low intakes of meat and alternatives. Daily grain
product intakes were below five servings for women aged 50-65, as were vegetable and
fruit intakes for women aged 18-40. Food choices from the "other foods" group
contributed over 25% of energy and fat intake for all age and gender groups. These up-to-
date data will be useful to dietitians, nutrition researchers, industry, and government in
their efforts to promote Canadians' continued progress toward meeting food intake
recommendations.

PMID: 11518556 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Statistics Canada

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Overview of Canadians' Eating Habits

Issue information

This report presents the results of the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey on
nutrition. It takes a comprehensive look at what Canadians are eating: how many calories
they consume; whether they get an adequate number of servings of vegetables and fruit,
milk products, meat and alternative and grain products, as recommended in Canada's
Food Guide to Healthy Eating for People Four Years Old and Over; and what percentage
of their diet consists of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The report also compares CCHS
nutrition data with the conclusions of the 1970-1972 Nutrition Canada Survey. In
addition, it examines regional and economic differences in consumption patterns.

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Product: Nutrition: Findings from the Canadian Community Health

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Authors: Garriguet, Didier
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Subjects
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Factors influencing health

Keywords

analytical products, diet, eating habits, fast food restaurants, food, food consumption,
food purchased from restaurants, fruit, health surveys, income, meat consumption, milk,
nutrition, snack foods, vegetables.

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