A federation comprising ten provinces and three territories, Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and her appointed viceroys, the Governor General (acting head of state), and provincial Lieutenant-Governors, who perform most of the monarch's ceremonial roles.
Common law prevails everywhere except in Quebec, where civil law predominates. Criminal law is solely a federal responsibility and is uniform throughout Canada. Law enforcement, including criminal courts, is a provincial responsibility, but in rural areas of all provinces except Ontario and Quebec, policing is contracted to the federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Educational
Canada is a great place to live, work and play, but it is also a great place to study. Over 130,000 foreign students journey to Canada each year in order to take advantage of our amazing educational institutions. A high school diploma opens the door to many post secondary institutions. Degrees from Canadian Universities are recognized internationally, so starting or completing your education in Canada is a great choice. Whether you intend to study English, French, University or College courses, Canada offers the best to its students from Canada and all the international students. Go to our Study In Canada section to get more information.
Multicultural
The true north strong and free. Canada shares many similarities with it's neighbour to the south but with a difference. The United States considers itself a 'melting pot', while Canada has always considered itself a 'cultural mosaic' and actively encourages diversity.
Founded in 1867, Canada is a nation of immigrants. If you choose to study in one of Canada's major cities, expect to see people from many countries around the world. The cultural diversity of cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal will be surprising for some.
Most of the world's ethnic groups can be found in Canada. You can easily find amazing restaurants, stores and cultural centers representing many major nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.
Canadians are also a welcoming people who love to meet people from different countries and backgrounds. Never worry that your English isn't perfect, most Canadians have the patience and interest to speak with you regardless.
Bilingual
Historically settled by England and France, Canada was declared a bilingual country during confederation in 1867 and has been that way ever since. English and French are Canada's two official languages. The Canadian government encourages all Canadians to learn both French and English. In fact, as part of the Canadianeducation system most citizens must study both languages during elementary school. Overall approximately 75% of Canada's French speaking population is concentrated in the province of Quebec.
Natural
Coast to coast, Canada features a diverse range of amazing natural environments. In Canada you can enjoy; the mild climate and beautiful coastlines of Vancouver, the majestic Rocky Mountains in British Columbia and Alberta, the great plains of Saskatchewan, the many lakes of Manitoba, the untouched beauty of Algonquin Park and the natural phenomenon of Niagara Falls in Ontario, the beauty of the Atlantic in Quebec and the rest of the east-coast.
Canada takes pride in it's environment and has taken great care to protect it. Nationally the Canadian government has designated over 40 national parks. In total, Canada's provinces and territories have created over 2000 nature reserves, provincial parks and wilderness areas in order to protect this natural beauty.
Did you know?
- The northernmost settlement in Canada (and the world) is Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island - just 817 kilometres from the North Pole.
- Canada has the longest coastline in the world: 243,000 kilometres
- Canada has the highest per capita immigration rate in the world. In 2009, between 240,000 and 265,000 new migrants are expected to arrive in Canada
- Nearly 60% of new immigrants hail from Asia (including the Middle East)
- Canada's six largest metropolitan areas—Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton—have franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL), and there are more Canadian players in the league than from all other countries combined.
- Several aboriginal languages have official status in Northwest Territories. Inuktitut is the majority language in Nunavut, and one of three official languages in the territory.
- Canada is also geologically active, having many earthquakes and potentially active volcanoes, notably Mount Meager, Mount Garibaldi, Mount Cayley, and the Mount Edziza volcanic complex.
- Canada is the world's largest producer of zinc and uranium and a world leader in many other natural resources such as gold, nickel, aluminium, and lead.
- The vast Athabasca Oil Sands give Canada the world's second-largest oil reserves, behind Saudi Arabia.
- In Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon, hydroelectricity is a cheap and clean source of renewable energy.
- Canada hosted several international sporting events: The 1976 Summer Olympics, the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Canada will be the host country for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia
Famous Canadians
In the Movies:
- Pamela Anderson
- Keanu Reeves
- Mike Myers
- Jim Carrey
- Seth Rogen
- Ryan Gosling
- Keifer Sutherland
- Michael J. Fox
- Elisha Cuthbert
- Rachel McAdams
In Music:
- Feist
- Neil Young
- Sum 41
- Nickelback
- Celine Dion
- Avril Lavigne
- Alanis Morissette
- Simple Plan
- Shania Twain
- Billy Talent
- Bryan Adams
- Diana Krall
- Michael Buble
Canada is educational, multicultural, safe, bilingual, natural and a whole lot more!
Your GoStudy Team
www.gostudy.ca
