Culture of Canada Slideshow
Additional Information
Both of these sites will be beneficial to learning more information on the culture of Canada. The first source is from the Canadian Government website, and provides great information of both historical and current events. The second site is great overview on the culture of Canada over time.
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Map of Cultural Element
These maps depict the National Hockey League Distribution of Fandom via Facebook from April of 2014.
This is the North American overview of that same NHL Facebook Fandom Map from above. The full article can be found here: http://regressing.deadspin.com/facebook-fandom-map-shows-who-were-rooting-for-in-the-n-1563781856
Although the study wasn't based in much other than a "like" tabulation of official team pages, it's interesting to see how an event such as the sport of hockey, plays a large role in Canada. |
Life Expectancy in 1965 vs. 2012
With more modern medicines, lifestyles, etc. the life expectancy across the board has increased for most all countries. Canada's life expectancy in 1965 was 73 yrs. and in 2012 that number increased to 82 yrs. With a nearly decade of increase in the life expectancy, the country can expect a larger older population to come. From that, issues of health related care need to be assessed, and with the health care system in Canada, it may prove to be more aiding to the population vs. some of the woes of the United States older population seeking prolonged care and support via the government.
Number of Children Out of School, Primary, in 1982 vs. 2000
The number of children out of school has decreased in Canada since 1982. In the United States and other American countries, there is evidence of a decrease in the number of children out of school since 1982, and other countries in the east have more regions with children out of school since 1982. I think for Canada this shows the importance and value the country has for education, and how the country aims to provide education to everyone.
Energy Use as a Whole in 1965 vs. 2011
Energy use has increased in practically every country since 1965. I think that this visual is importance, because of how drastic a change the United States has experienced in upping the energy used in 1965, in comparison to the smaller change in Canada and some other countries. This shows that, as a whole, Canada is using less energy than the United States in both 1965, and even more so in 2011.
Country Demographic Data Table
Religions in Canada
Religion in Canada is comparable to religion in the United States. Culture in Canada is diverse, and with that, religion is also a reflection of the melting pot of cultures. Christianity is the largest population of Canadians, but other religions have seen popularity and increase in developing years. For example, the Muslim religion saw its first mosque built in Edmonton, which is a regarded Canadian area, in 1936. Sikhism is also popular in the north, with origins as far back as 1897. It is apparent of the diversity of the area in terms of both culture and religion.
The role of religion in Canada is a lot like that in the United States as well. The cultural history of Canada’s development can be shown through the religious practices of its people. Throughout history, Canada’s inhabitants have been able to practice various religious freedoms, and that has contributed to its success in creating cultural pockets in the country. However, there was a period of religious depression, where many chose to no longer practice religion.
There are various sacred places in the country such as the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, in Quebec and St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, which are religious areas of worship. Other sacred places include the Soldier Mountain, in Fall River valley, which is sacred to the Ajumawi indians and their cultural heritage. There are various medicine wheels like, Majorville in South Alberta, or Roy Rivers in Saskatchewan among other places.
The government does not have an official church in Canada. They are committed to religious pluralism, though there is separation of government and religion. For example, Christmas holidays are “winter festivals” in public schools. Christmas and Easter are nationally recognized, and Jewish and Muslim religious people can take off their holy days, which are not as officially recognized. In the late 20th century, there was a debate over religious wear and clothing, however, the government then accepted members to wear garb such as turbans.
Religion in Canada, likes its cultures are full of diversity and representation, as seen in the chart above. It is great to see a variety of cultures being able to practice religious freedom on a national scale. The trends in religion reflect those of the United States, where there are increases in popularity of various Middle East religions, and they are seeing growth over time. It is important to identify religions in countries around the world to be able to compare and contrast, as well as see what can be expected as time goes on.
The role of religion in Canada is a lot like that in the United States as well. The cultural history of Canada’s development can be shown through the religious practices of its people. Throughout history, Canada’s inhabitants have been able to practice various religious freedoms, and that has contributed to its success in creating cultural pockets in the country. However, there was a period of religious depression, where many chose to no longer practice religion.
There are various sacred places in the country such as the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, in Quebec and St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, which are religious areas of worship. Other sacred places include the Soldier Mountain, in Fall River valley, which is sacred to the Ajumawi indians and their cultural heritage. There are various medicine wheels like, Majorville in South Alberta, or Roy Rivers in Saskatchewan among other places.
The government does not have an official church in Canada. They are committed to religious pluralism, though there is separation of government and religion. For example, Christmas holidays are “winter festivals” in public schools. Christmas and Easter are nationally recognized, and Jewish and Muslim religious people can take off their holy days, which are not as officially recognized. In the late 20th century, there was a debate over religious wear and clothing, however, the government then accepted members to wear garb such as turbans.
Religion in Canada, likes its cultures are full of diversity and representation, as seen in the chart above. It is great to see a variety of cultures being able to practice religious freedom on a national scale. The trends in religion reflect those of the United States, where there are increases in popularity of various Middle East religions, and they are seeing growth over time. It is important to identify religions in countries around the world to be able to compare and contrast, as well as see what can be expected as time goes on.
Map of Religious Attendance from 1999-2001
Food and Food Production
Canadians will have a hard time depicting what their countries food resembles, as much like the United States, the country is a melting pot of cultures. There is no specific “Canadian” food that comes to mind, but there are various dishes that are made popular by the Canadian people. Dishes had influential roots from various cultural contributions through Canada’s history. Rather than a signature dish or setting to food, there are staple ingredients or key aspects to Canadian dining. I think that is a large reason as to why we don’t see “Canadian” food restaurants quite to the same capacity as American, Mexican, or Asian restaurants all around us on the regular.
One popular Canadian dish or way of eating something we all know to have variations all about, is poutine. Poutine is a dish of french fries, thing brown gravy-like sauce, and cheese curds. In a survey done by Globe and Mail, this ranked first with 51% of the general vote. In another survey done by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. in 2012, Maple syrup ranked first, followed by poutine in second, and in third, Nanaimo bars, smoked salmon, and butter tarts tied.
This recipe below is for the popular Poutine dish:
From food magazine and site Saveur (http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Classic-Gravy-Fries)
SERVES 4–6
INGREDIENTS
4 lb. russet potatoes, skin-on, washed and dried
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
¼ cup flour
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups beef stock
2 tbsp. ketchup
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. whole green peppercorns
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for frying
2 cups cheddar cheese curds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut potatoes into lengths of about ¼" x ¼" x 4". Place in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, and cook, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add stock, ketchup, vinegar, peppercorns, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, and keep gravy warm.
3. Pour oil to a depth of 3" in a 6-qt. Dutch oven, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325°. Drain potatoes, and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Working in small batches, add potatoes and fry, tossing occasionally, until tender and slightly crisp, about 4 minutes.
4. Drain on paper towels, and let cool for 20 minutes. Increase temperature to medium-high, and heat oil until it reads 375°. Working in small batches, return potatoes to oil, and fry, tossing occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer fries to paper towels to drain briefly, and then divide
There are various cultural connections to the food of Canada. There are three key historical influences on Canadian culture which chimed its way into the food over the centuries. Aboriginal people developed a cuisine based on wild game, foraged food, and farmed agriculture. Maple syrup was first collected and used at that time. Canada is the world’s largest producer for maple syrup to this day. Also, aboriginal practice for smoking and drying salmon into a “salmon jerky” has made that a popular food in Canada. Even making its way to various top lists. Apart from that, European influence via settlers is also present in culinary influence. Montreal-style bagels, and smoked meats were made popular. Also, East Asian influence via the Chinese buffet originated in Vancouver in 1870. This practice of eating is still popular today, especially in the United States.
Like the United States, a large portion of goods and produce can be imported, or farmed and harvested locally. Some local game, such as salmon, or even the production of maple syrup, makes those ingredients much more prevalent in the cuisine. Canadian cuisine is highly culturally influenced, however, the importance or focus is more so on ingredients combined vs. particular dishes for regional tastes and flair.
One popular Canadian dish or way of eating something we all know to have variations all about, is poutine. Poutine is a dish of french fries, thing brown gravy-like sauce, and cheese curds. In a survey done by Globe and Mail, this ranked first with 51% of the general vote. In another survey done by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. in 2012, Maple syrup ranked first, followed by poutine in second, and in third, Nanaimo bars, smoked salmon, and butter tarts tied.
This recipe below is for the popular Poutine dish:
From food magazine and site Saveur (http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Classic-Gravy-Fries)
SERVES 4–6
INGREDIENTS
4 lb. russet potatoes, skin-on, washed and dried
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
¼ cup flour
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups beef stock
2 tbsp. ketchup
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. whole green peppercorns
½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for frying
2 cups cheddar cheese curds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut potatoes into lengths of about ¼" x ¼" x 4". Place in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, and cook, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add stock, ketchup, vinegar, peppercorns, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, and keep gravy warm.
3. Pour oil to a depth of 3" in a 6-qt. Dutch oven, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325°. Drain potatoes, and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Working in small batches, add potatoes and fry, tossing occasionally, until tender and slightly crisp, about 4 minutes.
4. Drain on paper towels, and let cool for 20 minutes. Increase temperature to medium-high, and heat oil until it reads 375°. Working in small batches, return potatoes to oil, and fry, tossing occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer fries to paper towels to drain briefly, and then divide
There are various cultural connections to the food of Canada. There are three key historical influences on Canadian culture which chimed its way into the food over the centuries. Aboriginal people developed a cuisine based on wild game, foraged food, and farmed agriculture. Maple syrup was first collected and used at that time. Canada is the world’s largest producer for maple syrup to this day. Also, aboriginal practice for smoking and drying salmon into a “salmon jerky” has made that a popular food in Canada. Even making its way to various top lists. Apart from that, European influence via settlers is also present in culinary influence. Montreal-style bagels, and smoked meats were made popular. Also, East Asian influence via the Chinese buffet originated in Vancouver in 1870. This practice of eating is still popular today, especially in the United States.
Like the United States, a large portion of goods and produce can be imported, or farmed and harvested locally. Some local game, such as salmon, or even the production of maple syrup, makes those ingredients much more prevalent in the cuisine. Canadian cuisine is highly culturally influenced, however, the importance or focus is more so on ingredients combined vs. particular dishes for regional tastes and flair.