Lecture 1 2010 pdf
.pdf
School
Western University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
GEOGRAPH 2010
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 19, 2024
Pages
20
Uploaded by ChancellorBeaverPerson1072
The Study of Regional GeographyLiving in a common space inevitably leads to the formation of a regional identity.This is the product of a region’s physical geography, historical events, and economic situation. People place their imprint on landscapes just as landscapes influence people’s lives and activities. Regional differences will be examined in this course through the detailed study of each of Canada’s 6 regions.
RegionsWhat is a region?A distinctive area of Earth’s surface. It has distinguishing human or natural characteristics that set it apart from other areas.What is regionalism?The division of a large area into different parts with varying characteristics. Some countries are more prone to regionalism than others such as Canada due to its size and historical background.
Regionalism in CanadaWhy is regionalism so prevalent in Canada?-Vast geographic size and varied physical geography-Different patterns of historic settlement-Different cultures and languages (Quebec)-Uneven population distribution-British North America Act of 1867 gave considerable power to the provinces
Defining Canada’s RegionsIn this course, regions will be defined by following provincial boundaries.An approach for studying provincially defined regions:Choose a province or a grouping of provinces egAtlantic ProvincesDescribe area, analyze economy, demographics, landscape
Types of RegionsBesides following provincial boundaries, a region could also be defined by a uniform characteristic, a function, or a culture.Uniform region:It is named after a characteristic where all location in the region have similarities in that characteristic. Ex: vegetation - Grassland, forest, tundra, desert, etc.
Types of RegionsFunctional region:Interactions exist among different areas within the region (eg. The urban part of the region and the surrounding areas. Ex: transportation networkMajor roads and highways branch out from the large city.
Types of RegionsCultural region:These areas are based on a sense of belonging. There is a bond between people and the region. It arises from shared historical experiences, similar values, and common goals. Ex: Francophones in Quebec
Faultlines within CanadaBoundaries of regions may be related to faultlines.These are NOT physical fault lines (like a crack), they are differences between two different areas whether it be geographical, cultural, etc. Faultlines are metaphors applied to economic, social, and political ‘cracks’ that divide regions and threaten to destabilize Canada’s integrity as a nation. There are 4 faultlines that have played a role in Canada’s historic evolution and have had profound regional consequences.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada1. Centralist vs. Decentralist Visions of CanadaThis faultline relates to Canada’s political system and refers to the centralization of government power (federal power) versus the decentralization of power (provincial power).Disputes between provinces or between a province and federal government are examples. Equalization payments from the federal government to the provinces are common source of feuds. Ie Wealthier provinces help support less wealthy provinces through the federal government giving these payments.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada1. Centralist vs. Decentralist Visions of CanadaDemography favours Ontario and Quebec because the majority of Canadians reside in these areas.People in other regions have perceived the federal government as favouring Ontario and Quebec. No federal political party can form a majority government without strong support from these two regions.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada1. Centralist vs. Decentralist Visions of CanadaPrevious federal governments led by Stephen Harper saw the growth of the energy sector as being in the national interest.The current federal government led by Trudeau has an opposite position and favours a carbon tax. This dramatic shift in philosophy toward energy has resulted in disputes between some provinces and the federal government.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada2. English speaking and French speaking CanadiansFrench is the only official language in Quebec but there is a political and cultural struggle to maintain French as a viable language within a primarily English-speaking continent. The proportion of French speaking Canadians has declined. Within Quebec itself, an internal Faultline exists between federalists and separatists.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada3. Indigenous Peoples and the Non-Indigenous MajorityThere are 3 groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada: First Nations, Metis, and InuitA higher proportion of Indigenous communities remain dependent on the federal government relative to other communities.High rates of poverty and unemployment are common in many indigenous communities, particularly in reserves.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada3. Indigenous Peoples and the Non-Indigenous MajorityIndigenous residential schools of the past were designed to assimilate youth and to discourage the use of Indigenous languages.Treaties and land claim agreements have led to Indigenous self-government on reserves.Nunavut was created in 1999 with goal of giving Inuit people self government (84% of population).
The 4 Faultlines within Canada3. Indigenous Peoples and the Non-Indigenous MajorityTable 1.3Territories are mostly Indigenous.
The 4 Faultlines within Canada4. Newcomers and Old-TimersCanada is a country of immigrants and this can sometimes lead to cultural friction among different ethnic groups. Many new immigrants are concentrated in major cities; this gives them a network of family and friends who speak their language and restaurants that serve their desired food. However, this may create a sense of isolation from other Canadians, particularly those living in small towns or rural areas.
Linking Canada’s RegionsDue to Canada’s vast size, linking the regions through transportation routes has been a challenge but has always been an objective of the federal government.Examples:Transcontinental railways (CP and CN) The Trans-Canada HighwayThe Great Trail
Transcontinental RailwaysThe Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway was completed in 1885 and was influential in the development of Western Canada.Its terminus in Vancouver fulfilled a promise from the federal government to British Columbia when that province entered Confederation in 1871. The Canadian National (CN) Railway was incorporated in 1919 and today is Canada’s longest railway spanning from Halifax to Prince Rupert, B.C.
The Trans-Canada HighwayThe highway opened in 1962 and links all 10 provinces. The main branch is one of the longest highways in the world (7821 km).Highway maintenance and route numbering are not under federal jurisdiction (transportation is a provincial power).
The Great TrailThis is a system of paths, greenways, waterways, and roads linking the 3 ocean coasts; 80% of Canadians live within 30 minutes of The Great Trail. After 25 years of planning, it was commerarted in 2017 on the 150thanniversary.