Canada Shifts Focus: 1980 and Beyond Flashcards
Generation x
generation after baby boomers. children of single working parents or those who lived in households in which both parents worked
Inventions of 1980s-1990s
Home computer, laptop, cellphones, video cassette recorders, CDs
Multiculturalism Act
provides a legal framework for multiculturalism in Canada. Aimed to reinforce racial and cultural equality with legal authority.
Aboriginals wanted self-government to…
right to manage resources and gain contol of their education, culture, and justice systems.
Specific claims
First Nations claims to land based on the belief that the government did not fulfill its obligations under a treaty or other agreement
Comprehensive claims
the assertion of the right of Aboriginal nations to large tracts of land because their ancestors were the original inhabitants
What are the two types of Aboriginal Land Claims?
Specific claims and comprehensive claims
Oka crisis
town council of Oka decided to expand a golf course into long-disputed land that the aboriginals considered sacred. Mohawks in protest blockaded the line. Police became involved. Eventually the land was purchased by federal government and given to the Aboriginals.
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
extensive study of the issues that affected Aboriginal peoples.
Findings of The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
- One in 4 first nations children live in poverty compared to 1 in 6 canadian children
- life expectancy for first nations men is 7.4 years less and 5.2 years less for women
- unemployment is over 50% and rises to over 60% for those without high school completion
patriate
to take control of power over a document from a former colonial government
Why did Trudeau want to patriate Canads Constitution?
One of the leading reasons was the threat of Quebec separatism.
sovereignty-association (1980 referendum)
a proposal by Quebec nationalist that Quebec have political independence yet retain close economic ties or association with Canada
What did the sovereignty-association partnership include:
- free trade between Canada and Quebec
- a common currency for the two nations
- common tariffs against imported goods
What did Trudeau do in reaction to the 1980 Referendum?
He promised to negotiate a new Constitution, which proved popular among Quebecois who wanted a Constitution that recognized Quebec as an equal partner in Confederation and as a distinct society within Canada.
distinct society
a phrase that refers to the recognition of the unique nature of Quebec within Canada; it often has the sense that Quebec should have special powers and privileges to protect its language and culture
amending formula
a process by which changes can legally be made to the Canadian Constitution
While amending the constitution what did the premiers demand?
An escape clause. This was the notwithstanding clause. Which allowed the federal government or any of the provinces to opt out of some of the cluases in the Charter.
Quebec and amending the constitution..
Quebec refused to sign the proposed Constitution because they felt they were being denied the recognition of their distinct status.
The Meech Lake Accord
proposed amendments to the Constitution of Canada. Included an offer to recognize Quebec as a distinct society. Accord failed
Bloc Quebecois
a federal party dedicated to Quebec separation from Canada
The Charlottetown Accord
proposed amendments to the constitution of canada. Aboriginal self-government and Quebecs concerns were addressed. Senate would be reformed. Rejected.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
the agreement that came into effect between Canada and the US to allow goods produced in each country to cross the border tariff-free
Supporters of free trade
- Canada would attract more US investment
- give Canada access to larger US market
- would attract US firms to Canada
Arguments against free trade
- US branch plant will return to Canada
- Canadian businesses could not compete against giant US companies
- threatened Canadas independence
Free Trade Agreement points
- Tariffs between Canada and the US would be eliminated
- Cultural industries were exempt from the agreement
- Agreement included mechanisms to ensure fair competition
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
between US, Mexico, and Canada to create a free trade zone
globalization
a process by which the regions and countries of the world are becoming economically and culturally interconnected
How did the Cold War end?
Soviet Union could no longer afford arms race with US. Later Soviet Union collapsed and cold war was over.
Persian Gulf War
Iraqi forces invaded the oil-rich country of Kuwait. UN authorized a multinational force against the aggressor nation.
Genocide in Rwanda
Rwanda divided into Tutsis and Hutus. Hutus overthrew the Tutsi-led government and began murdering Tutsis and their supporters.
Canada’s response to Rwanda
Canadian Lieutenant General Dallaire sent urgent appeals to UN. He felt that they needed to send a large multinational force to disarm the warring factions. His plan required two things, speed and the support of the US (only country that could provide enough troops on short notice). Response was no from both sides.
War in Somalia
Civil war broke out and many somalis were starving. Canadian forces joined those from other countries in distributing food and other essential supplies.
Canada and the war in somalia
Canadian Airborne Regiment arrested a Somali teenager, they tortured and beat him to death. High-level attempt to cover up the incident. Canadians were shocked by the brutality of these events, government disbanded the Airborne Regiment.
Civil War in Yugoslavia
Once new president was elected tensions among the republics broke out into ethnic conflict. NATO launched a series of strikes against Serbian forces. Eventually parties agreed to a ceasefire.
Air Strikes on Yugoslavia
When diplomatic efforts failed to stop NATO launched its first ever military operation against an independent country.
Canada particpated. Led to questions about Canadas role in NATO and NATOs role.
9/11
terrorist attacks al-Qaeda. Federal government enacted anti-terrorist legislation and began using security certificates, which allowed people suspected of terrorist activity to be tried in secret hearings and deported.
War in Afghanistan
US with support of United Kingdom attacked Afghanistan. The aim was to destroy al-Qaeda and its leader. Canada sent naval task force.
Iraq War
US decided to invade Iraq to disarm weapons of mass destruction. Turned out no weapons were found. US and Britain defeated Iraq and occupied the country.
