Sarah S

A Historical Report Card of Canada

Level 4

Role in International Peace and Security

The Vimy Ridge Memorial

"In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."BGen A.E. RossA quote on Vimy

RidgeBritish Soldiers in Port Said during the Suez Crisis

A soldier retuning from a patrol in the Korean War

A map of the Suez Canal and troop movements

A monument to Canadian veterans who fought/ died during the Korean War

Vimy RidgeVimy Ridge was one of the most successful battles of WW1, as it not only claimed victory of the ridge, but it also claimed a sense of peace and security while finding Canada's Nationhood. After the failure of previous ally attempts, all four Canadian divisions were sent to capture Vimy Ridge, a key area in the German defense system. Sir Arthur Currie led the Canadians to victory and took the Ridge in just a few hours due to the extensive preparations. These preparations were an important attribute to the success, including detailed maps, practice models, scouting planes, light railway lines, underground tunnels, and the “creeping barrage” method enabling this victory. This battle concluded with much bloodshed and casualties as 3598 out of 100,000 Canadian soldiers were killed with 7,000 wounded. However, the soldiers were able to take 4000 German prisoners. This was the first event to produced pride and unity among the soldiers and Canadians on the home front, as for the first time, divisions with men from regions all over Canada fought together. Canada was able to claim Vimy Ridge as the birthplace of “Canada’s Nationhood” establishing a strong sense of peace and security among Canadians.

Korean WarCanada played a significant part in the fighting and outcome of the Korean War, creating a feeling of international peace and security. Canada agreed to send soldiers to fight in Korea in 1950 alongside American allies because the Security Council of the United Nations called on its loyal members to assist in the fight. Although America had the majority of the troops among the sixteen countries, Canada contributed in force, consisting of 3 battleships, an RCAF squadron and 26,791 Canadian military personnel. Canada helped to defend Kapyong preventing Seoul ( the capital of South Korea) from falling. Many Canadians sacrificed their lives in Korea as there was a total of 1,558 casualties including 516 deaths. Although the United Nations did not succeed in reuniting the two sides of Korea, Canada took part in the immediate resolution of a severe conflict that would have threatened our international peace and security.

Suez CrisisCanada was vital in the crisis over the Suez Canal. The canal was important because it was a significant trade route for oil, joining the Mediterranean and Red Seas to the Indian Ocean. Canada was in an awkward situation when the Suez Crisis arose, as it was an ally with Britain and France and supported the state of Israel ,but Canada agreed with the Soviets that attacking Egypt was wrong. The successful outcome was originated by Lester Pearson, Canada’s secretary of state for external affairs. Pearson’s plan convinced the U.N. to immediately stop all shooting and create a UN peacekeeping force that would monitor the removal of invading forces and patrol the borders. The United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was made up of international forces whose job was to keep peace between the armies until a settlement could be reached . They would not attack first, but instead they would observe and mediate before reporting back to the U.N. The plan was approved and Canada contributed much to the execution of the plan providing 1000 of the 6000 soldiers. This was the largest contribution of any nation. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1957, for his solution to the Suez Crisis. Historically, this crisis was significant because it was the first use of a peacekeeping force. It was a great honour that Canada had a key role in settling this conflict.

Failing grade of 40

Dealing with Internal Tensions

 Indian boys working at Chemawa Indian School 

Japanese Canadians being sent out of their home

A notice to Japanese persons

A protest against Bill 101

An Aboriginal father out of place beside his children who attend a Residential School

Aboriginal children practicing their new religion

A sign discriminating against Japanese Canadians

A protest against Bill 101

Residential SchoolsCanada made many bad decisions after the war, one of which was the assimilation of Aboriginal peoples into the European culture of Canada. The Canadian government believed that it should teach the countries’ Aboriginal people English, Christianity and Canadian customs to demolish native traditions. They development of Residential schools, run by the government and Canadian churches, achieved this as it aggressively assimilated children and prepared them for conventional society. In total about 150,000 Aboriginal children were taken from their communities. The students suffered in inadequate conditions with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The children were forced to eat strange food and speak English. They were punished for speaking their native language and told their history and culture were meaningless. The children were divided from their siblings in age and gender and rarely ever communicated with their family. When they did go home, they were strangers who had not learned the ability to nurture and love from their parents which starting a progression of issues. Finally in 2007, the federal government formalized a $1.9-billion compensation package given to those who were forced into the schools. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation was founded in 1998 with a $350-million grant from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to help former physically or sexually abused students, but federal funding ended in 2010. Ultimately, Canada wronged in the creation of Residential schools.

Japanese InternmentThe situation of Japanese internment was one of the worst human rights violations in Canadian history. As a reaction to Pearl Harbour, many Japanese Canadians were arrested in BC for being considered “dangerous”. On March 4 1942, all people of Japanese origins were being relocated and had to wait for days in livestock buildings. The government authorized the sale of properties of Japanese Canadians erasing the lives they had built in Canada. These goods were sold at 10% their actual worth. Men were used as labour in concentration camps where they lived in desolate huts with no electricity or running water. The Red Cross had to help them. In 1988, the government formally apologized and gave $21,000 to every survivor. Millions were also given to support the Japanese Canadian community and $24 million was used to set up a Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Canada dealt very poorly with its internal tensions relating to Japanese Canadians by violating human rights of Canadian citizens and immigrants.

Bill 101This bill, passed by the Parti Quebecois argued that it was protecting the French culture but was a biased act that caused much outrage. The bill stated that French was the only language to be used in government, court and business and it also said that public signs may only display French and no other language. This became known as the “Charter of the French Language”. After the bill was passed, education became much more restricted as only students who had at least one parent attend an English school could attend one. This angered many English speaking Quebeckers and immigrants. In 1977, about 50,000 citizen of English speaking or immigrant origins left Quebec along with many English-speaking companies who went to Toronto and Calgary. Canada did not find equality while dealing with internal tension in Quebec therefore causing much anger in English speaking Quebeckers and immigrants.

Level 2

Promoting Immigration

Jewish passengers aboard the S.S. St. Louis travelling to Canada

The ship, S.S. St Louis carrying Jewish passengers

Diverse immigration and multiculturalism

MulticulturalismImmigrants arriving to Canada after the Immigration Act

Canada promoted immigrant citizenship after the Immigration Act (1978)

Immigration Act (1978)The Immigration Act of 1978, strongly promoted immigration. The Act established the main objectives of the immigration policy. This included promoting Canada’s demographic ( keep population young), economic, (skilled workers) and social goals, reuniting families, antidiscrimination, obligations to provide a safe place for refugees, co-operation with community groups and government help for refugees to adapt to Canadian life. These objectives helped immigrants, however, there were also restrictive changes to the immigration policy allowing the government to set levels for the number of immigrants received, steer them away from cities and the immigrant must settle for six months where work was needed. These restrictions angered many people in community groups and protests occurred before and after the Act. Change in the immigration law met with both support and opposition. It created arguments for a young workforce, skills and new ideas while it created arguments against job availability and social welfare programs. Though there is much controversy, the Immigration Act of 1978 promoted immigration through it’s objectives improving the immigration policy.

The St. Louis IncidentCanada reacted very poorly when the S.S. St. Louis, a German ship transporting 937 Jewish refugees who were persecuted after Kristalknacht, sought entry into Canada. We denied their access into our country as did Cuba and the U.S. sending them back to Germany to be put into concentration camps. This was a violation of human rights made by Canada towards the Jewish culture showing that even Canada was anti-Semitist. Most of Canada discriminated against Jews because of racism and fear that their jobs would go to lower-cost labour. Canada realized the mistake it had made when they discovered the concentration camps and millions of deaths and finally allowed Jewish immigrants to enter the country. The importance of this incident is that if Canada had not denied their access, many Jewish refugees could have had a better life rather than suffer or face death. However Canada acted poorly and sent them, although unknowingly to their deaths. This incident did not promote immigration as much as it denied it, however Canada learned from this mistake and in future has accepted more immigrants.

MulticulturalismCanada promotes multiculturalism as its' objectives are to help groups carry on cultural practices, help overcome barriers, promote relations between cultural groups and help them learn both French and English. As a nation, Canada is unique because it promotes and protects the multicultural population. Instead of being an American “melting pot” , Canada chose to become a “mosaic” or “mixed salad” model of multiculturalism. However, there were many critics against multiculturalism as some people believe that immigrants should abandon their former language, culture, and beliefs to become truly “Canadian”. They also believe that immigration causes higher unemployment and social problems. Other people are for multiculturalism as they considered Canada to have been developed by its immigrants . An incident in which these two point of views collided causing friction in Canada was when the Vietnamese “boat people” sought refuge in Canada from extreme violence and repression. Many people had mixed emotions whether or not they should be accepted into Canada. Also, Asian and Haitian immigrants suffered against discrimination as high employment rates turned people to racism. Immigrants also suffered because of job discrimination such as selective hiring and promoting, confrontation in the street by police and other group members, and attitude surveys confirming racism in Canada. Even though there are examples of racism in Canada’s past and most likely in its future, cultural diversity is a national asset and will continue to improve. Canada is special in its strength to have many different cultures living peacefully among each other as a prosperous nation. Canadians take pride in multiculturalism promoting immigration to Canada.

Level 4

Promoting Culture and Arts

A Group of Seven painting

A CBC Radio Host

A Group of Seven painting

Actress Mary Pickford

The CBC logo Actress Mary Pickford

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)The CBC promotes Canadian culture and arts as it took radio listeners away from the American influence an created national pride. There were few Canadian radio programs in the 1920’s causing Canadians to tune into the American broadcasts. By 1930, 85% of what Canadians heard came from the U.S.. At this time there was no government control over what people listened to, causing fear that Canadians were becoming over influenced by the U.S.. The Canadian government set up a royal commission to investigate this issue resulting in the CBC. The CBC In 1978, the CBC became the first broadcaster in the world to use an orbiting satellite for television service, linking Canada "from east to west to north.“ The CBC was the solution to the American influence and ultimately united Canada promoting culture.

The Group of SevenThe Group of Seven made large contributions to Canada's art. In the 1920s, more realistic, detailed paintings were the norm. This caused many Canadians to be shocked when they viewed the Group of Seven’s different stylistic approach. The Group used an interpretive style with strong, deep colours painting their impressions in vivid light and shade which turned into a kind of impressionism. Some criticized this non-conformist type of painting for its bold colours used in thick heavy paint strokes. This was a completely new style of painting that emerged entirely Canadian during the 1920s. This new style added to the materializing sense of Canadian identity and nationalism which promoted Canadian culture.

Mary PickfordThe actress Mary Pickford, promoted Canadian culture and arts as she was born in Toronto, Ontario before she became a major star in silent films and “talkies” during the 1920s and 30s. At this time, movies created an ability to escape the devastation of the sad aftermath of the war. Pickford's’ husband, Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin started a successful film company called United Artists and they all became very wealthy. She became the first woman to make one million dollars a year. She then devoted much of her time to charities that raised money for the war effort. Mary Pickford received an honorary Oscar in 1976. Mary Pickford promoted Canadian culture and arts through her international success as an actress in her movies.

Level 3

Innovation and Discovery

Telegram to Banting stating that he had been awarded the Nobel Prize

A drawing of the discoverers of insulin, Banting and Best An old Pablum

label

A Pablum adA novel written about the Avro Arrow

The Avro Arrow plane

Insulin-Banting and BestThrough discovering the insulin hormone to treat diabetes, Canadian scientists Fredrick Banting, J.J.R. MacLeod and Charles Best made a great contribution to the world. Although they did not succeed in finding a cure for diabetes, they were able to improve it, changing the death sentence into a manageable disease. It is humble that the scientists did not profit from their invention individually but instead sold it to the University of Toronto for one dollar so that it could license drug companies to produce insulin and use the fees for medical research. It is a great honour to Canada that Banting and MacLeod became the first Canadians to win the Nobel Prize for medicine and physiology. The invention of insulin saved millions of lives and continues to do so today.

Avro ArrowThe Avro Arrow fighter plane was a great innovative discovery designed in Canada.This plane, who’s purpose was to intercept Soviet bombers, would have been an excellent contribution to the world as it was a fast plane that could travel at 2500 kilometres per hour. The Arrow was a source of national pride as it became a symbol of Canadian excellence through its incorporation of advanced technical innovations. However, less than 3 weeks before the Arrow was to take flight, the Conservative Diefenbaker government cancelled the program putting over 50,00 people out of work. The reasoning for this was that they were too costly to produce and the U.S. would therefore not buy them. Also, the Cold War was now about missiles instead of fighter planes. Although the delta wing Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow was never allowed to fulfill its mission, it was one of the finest achievements in Canadian aviation history.

PablumThe development of Pablum is another strong example of Canada’s innovations improving the world. This first ready-to-use, pre-cooked cereal for babies, is enriched with vitamins and minerals. This mixture contains grains, wheat germ, yeast, and alfalfa. The reason to begin feeding cereal is to satisfy hunger and encourage eating skills. The success of Pablum was based on the single fact that it is easy to prepare, early on in an era when infant malnutrition was raging in industrialized countries. Pablum has been the first solid food eaten by tens of millions of babies as it is easily digested and unlikely to cause allergic reactions proving that Pablum is suited to everyone. To date there is much controversy whether Pablum is the best choice for a babies first food or whether they should eat meat or other solid foods. The discoverers did not profit from their work but instead licensed a company to make and sell the product who then paid fees to a foundation that financed Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. This Canadian product improved life and is still being used today.

ADA-Avro Arrow Archives. ADA, 2 Feb. 2001. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.

<http://www.avroarrow.org/AvroArrow/index.html>.

"A history of residential schools in Canada." CBCnews Canada. CBC, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2013.

<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280>.

Bolotta, Angelo, Charles Hawkes, Fred Jarman, Marc Keirstead, and Jennifer Watt. Canada, Face of a Nation.

Toronto: Gage Education Publishing Company, 2000. Print.

Cook, Tim. "The Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 9-12 1917." Canadian War Museum. Canadian War Museum of

History, 9 May 2012. Web. 6 Jan. 2014. <http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/vimy/index_e.shtml>.

Dolma, Chimme. "S.S. St. Louis and human rights." OHRC. Ontario Human Rights Commission, n.d. Web. 7 Jan.

2014. <http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/living-rights-and-creed/ss-st-louis-and-human-rights>.

Japanese Internment British Columbia wages war against Japanese Canadians." Le Canada. CBC, 2001. Web. 30

Dec. 2013. <http://www.cbc.ca/history/EPISCONTENTSE1EP14CH3PA3LE.html>.

Soper, Roland. "Canadians in the Korean War." Korea Veterans Association of Canada Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Jan.

2014. <http://www.kvacanada.com/canadians_in_the_korean_war.htm>.

Starcevic, M. "Focus on Changes for Aboriginal People." Ancaster. 8 Nov. 2013. Lecture.

Works Cited