The first four provinces to join Confederation as “Canada” in 1867 were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Canada’s first Prime Minister was Sir John A. MacDonald. Manitoba joined in 1870, BC in 1871, PEI in 1873, NWT in 1880, Yukon in 1898, Saskatchewan and Alberta in 1905, Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949 and Nunavut in 1999.
Canada has two official languages: English and French.There are many programs to help newcomers to Canada improve their English or French skills.The majority of French-speaking Canadians live in the province of Quebec. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada.*
Canada’s Pacific coast province is British Columbia. The Prairie provinces are Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Central Canada refers to Ontario and Quebec.The North means the three territories: the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.“Maritimes” refers to the three provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. “Atlantic provinces” refers to those three plus Newfoundland and Labrador.*
Canada is a land of lakes, rivers, and streams.Approximately 20% of the world’s fresh water is located here.
More than 80% of Canada’s population live in towns and cities that are within 250 kilometres of the U.S. border.The U.S. borders Canada to the south.The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner.
“Quebecers” are the people of Québec. Most are descendents of 8,500 French settlers from the 1600s and 1700s and maintain a unique identity, culture and language. The House of Commons recognized in 2006 that Quebecois form a nation within a united Canada. One million English Quebecers form a vibrant part of the Québec fabric.*