Grade 10 Chapter 1 - Regions of Canada PDF

Introduction Learning Objectives: 1. To understand geography as a discipline, and to define regional geography. 2. To outline and justify a rationale for dividing Canada into six regions. 3. To outline the concept of the core/periphery model, which will be visited in the six regions of Canada....

Introduction Learning Objectives: 1. To understand geography as a discipline, and to define regional geography. 2. To outline and justify a rationale for dividing Canada into six regions. 3. To outline the concept of the core/periphery model, which will be visited in the six regions of Canada. Chapter One provides an introduction to regional geography in Canada. The main concept you will see throughout this year is the core/periphery model. We will visit this many times. What is Geography? Task: On a piece of lined paper, define geography in your own words. Be prepared to share your answer with the class. Time: 2 minutes. What is Geography? Textbook definition: Geography provides a description and explanation of lands, places, and peoples beyond our personal experience (Read Vignette 1.1 on page 4). In addition: Bone cites De Blij and Murphy who state that “Geography is Destiny”. That is, for most people, place is the most powerful determinant of their life chances, experiences, and opportunities. This, in turn, influences one’s sense of place or regional consciousness. The similarities we share with people within our own region is a cornerstone of regional geography. Introduction -Geography helps us understand our world. -Because Canada is so large, its geography is best understood from a regional perspective. -Concept of “a country of regions” runs deep in Canadian thought and literature. -Geographer R. Cole Harris described the inhabited part of Canada as "an island archipelago spread over 4000 east-west miles. Different islands were settled at different times with different technologies and economies by people from different backgrounds.” Introduction -Canada consists of six regions; each has a strong sense of regional identity and unique sense of place. -Occasionally, there is tension between regional and federal goals. Take, for example, the disagreements between the Western Provinces and Ottawa. Western Provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have a negative view of the federal government’s equalization payments formula, management of oil pipelines, and the carbon tax. -Canada’s place in the world economy is strong. However, throughout its history, regional disputes have threatened to break apart national unity. Geography as a Discipline -Geography provides a description and explanation of lands, places, and peoples beyond our personal experience. -Some interpreters have described geography as “destiny”. In other words, where you were born, raised, or currently live will have a strong impact on your life chances, experiences, and opportunities. -Geography also instills a sense of place for many people. This refers to the special and often intense feelings that people have for the area where they live. Geography as a Discipline -A sense of place also gives rise to both regional and national consciousness. The strength of each can be different for each person. People in Quebec, for example, might feel united by a shared sense of history and language. -Read Vignette 1.1 (Curiosity: The Starting Point for Geography). Canada’s Geographic Regions -The geographer’s challenge is to divide a large spatial unit like Canada into a series of “like places”. As a result, this forces some relatively subjective decisions (e.g. regions with similar characteristics, physical geography, language groups, demographics, economies, etc.). -Consideration of the “core/periphery” model is important. Towards the periphery of a region, its core characteristics become less evident. Canada’s Geographic Regions -As we have seen in the text, Canada is divided into six regions. These are: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada (the Prairies), British Columbia, and the Territorial North. -Why six regions? One; Canada, as mentioned, is big – big enough to break into smaller, more manageable sections. Two; the regions are divided such that they are balanced in terms of their size, economic importance, and population. Canada’s Geographic Regions Canada’s Geographic Regions -The main question to ask now is: What distinguishes each region? We will answer this throughout the year. The Dynamic Nature of Regions -It is to no one’s surprise that Canada’s regions are not static; they are dynamic – always changing. What drives this change? Often it comes down to culture, demographics, economics, immigration, politics, and technology. -Examine the graph above (or on pg. 8). Let’s discuss what your thoughts are on why the patterns we see exist. The Dynamic Nature of Regions Regional Populations by percentage (see pg. 8). Key terms Core: An abstract area or real place where economic power, population, and wealth are concentrated; sometimes described as an industrial core, heartland, or metropolitan centre. (p. 6) Periphery: The weakly developed area surrounding an industrial core, also known as a hinterland. (p. 6) Key terms Core/periphery model: A theoretical concept based on the dual spatial structure of the capitalist world and the mutually beneficial relationship between its two parts, which are known as the core and the periphery. While both parts are dependent on each other, the core (industrial heartland) dominates the economic relationship with its periphery (resource hinterland) and thereby benefits the most from this relationship. The core/periphery model can be applied at several geographical levels, including international, national, and regional. (pgs. 6, 16). Region: An area of the earth’s surface defined by its distinctive human or natural characteristics. Boundaries between regions are often transition zones where the main characteristics of one region merge into those of a neighbouring region. Geographers use the concept of regions to study parts of the world. (p. 4) Key terms Indigenous peoples: All Canadians whose ancestors lived in Canada before the arrival of Europeans; includes status and non-status Indians, Métis, and Inuit. (p. 7) Sense of place: The special and often intense feelings that people have for the region in which they live. These feelings are derived from a variety of experiences; some are due to natural factors such as climate, while others are due to cultural factors such as language. Whatever its origin, a sense of place is a powerful psychological bond between people and their region. (p. 4) Faultlines: A term that describes the application of a geographical phenomenon to the economic, social, and political cracks that divide regions and people. (pgs. 7, 9) Your Turn Participation Mark! - Read Chapter 1 (pages 3-17) and answer the following questions in complete sentences. Submit your answers on lined paper. 1. Define geography and regional geography. 2. What is it difficult for geographers to divide a large spatial unit like Canada into a series of “like places”? 3. Outline and justify a rationale for dividing Canada into six regions. 4. What is the core/periphery model and apply it to Canada’s six regions (i.e. which regions have core characteristics and which would be on the periphery?). Please remember to write legibly and include your name. Answers: 1. Define geography and regional geography. A: Geography provides a description and explanation of lands, places, and peoples beyond our personal experience. Essentially, it helps us understand the world around us. Regional geography is the study of a particular part of the world. Regions typically have a unique set of human experiences, interactions, and physical environments giving rise to a sense of regional belonging or consciousness. Each region can be distinguished from adjacent ones. Answers: 2. What is it difficult for geographers to divide a large spatial unit like Canada into a series of “like places”? A: To do so, a regional geographer is forced to make a number of subjective decisions, including the selection of “core” physical and human characteristics. Towards the margins of a region, its core characteristics become less distinct and merge with those characteristics of a neighbouring region. Answers: 3. Outline and justify a rationale for dividing Canada into six regions. A: Manageable number, balanced size, and economic importance. Reflect distinctive physical features, natural resources, and economic activities. Reflect political structure of Canada. Facilitate use of statistical data. Linked to regional identity. Associated with reoccurring regional disputes. Reveal regional economic strengths and cultural presence. Answers: 4. What is the core/periphery model and apply it to Canada’s six regions (i.e. which regions have core characteristics and which would be on the periphery)? A: A theoretical concept that can be applied at several geographic levels (e.g. international, national, and regional). The model helps us understand the relationship between a region’s core (industrial heartland) and its periphery (resource hinterland). #4 Continued… #4 Continued… Canada’s regions: one core and three peripheries Core region—manufacturing (Ontario and Québec). Rapidly growing region—expanding resource base (British Columbia and Western Canada). Slow growing region—declining resource base (Atlantic Canada). Resource frontier—many resources exist but few are viable (Territorial North). Recall: What are Faultlines? Participation Mark! Task: On a piece of lined paper, define faultlines (as used by the author). Once you are finished, choose a class partner and be prepared to explain a particular faultline that will be assigned to you in class. Time: 15 minutes Recall: What are Faultlines? Faultlines: a geological metaphor applied to economic, social, and political cracks that divide regions and people and threaten to destabilize Canada’s integrity as a nation Four principal faultlines represent struggles between: 1. Centralist and decentralist visions of Canada. 2. English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians. 3. Indigenous minority and the non-Indigenous majority. 4. Newcomers and old-timers. Centralist / Decentralist Faultline - Leans most heavily on Canada’s geography and political system. - Federal–provincial disputes: - Often based on equalization payments. In many provinces, provincially administered post-secondary, health, and social programs far outstrup their financial capacity. Brings about tension and bitterness between the “have” and “have-not” provinces. - Different goals between the provinces and the federal government can also create tension. For example, oil-rich provinces such as Alberta expect support and advocacy from Ottawa for the fossil fuel industry. However, Ottawa’s goals of turning Canada into a low-carbon economy are at odds with these provincial goals. Centralist / Decentralist Faultline - Looking into the future, the current paradigm of political power being centered in Central Canada (i.e. Ontario and Québec) may shift. Indeed, as the centre of population gravity edges westward, the population advantage of Central Canada, particularly in deciding federal elections, is slowly eroding. - See also the 1969 Churchill Falls Agreement on pages 11-12. English-speaking / French-speaking Faultline - Québec recognizes the bilingual nature of Canada at the federal level, where both English and French are official languages. However, Québec itself has a distinct approach to language policy. The province prioritizes French as the official language within its own jurisdiction with legislation such as Bill 101 (the Charter of the French Language). This law makes French the official language of government, business, education, and most other areas of public life in Québec. English-speaking / French-speaking Faultline - Proportion of French-speaking Canadians has declined drastically between 1867 and 2011. In 1867, French-Canadians comprised 61% of the population of Canada. Today, they are roughly 21%. - Language protection remains a sensitive issue, especially with changes in immigration and population sizes. - While language is less of a hot-button issue in Québec today, some francophone leaders still feel Québécois way of life is slipping away. - A question for all Canadians: How do we balance the two language groups and the unity of Canada? Newcomers and Old-Timers Faultline - Canada is a land of immigrants. - Easier to have a sense of belonging for English and French speaking immigrants, as they have been here for many generations. Old-timers have also “set the rules for the game” (i.e. a secular state for more than three decades, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms governing the relationship between the state and its citizens). - Continuous waves of newcomers bringing their own set of cultures, languages, and religions gives rise to an ever-changing faultline in Canada. Indeed, it runs the risk of creating cultural disagreements or “bumps” between various cultures and value systems. - Public remains uncertain of accommodating sharply different customs and religions. Indigenous Minority and the Non-Indigenous Majority - Many Indigenous individuals and communities still find themselves on the margins of Canadian society and dependent on the Canadian state. - While Canada prides itself on being an open society with upward mobility and economic opportunities, this was closed to Indigenous peoples through the imposition of the Indian Act (1876). - Economic and social opportunities started becoming available only in the late 20th century. - Released from the bonds of the Indian Act, residential schools, and political activism. Faultlines Reflection Questions Participation Mark! Task: Answer the following reflection questions on a piece of lined paper. Submit your answers when finished. 1. Would you consider any of the four faultlines dormant in Canada at this time? 2. Can you envisage another faultline? What would it be? Time: 10 minutes Please remember to write legibly and include your name.