Canada Physical Geography Landforms Canadas mountainous eastern and

Canada

Physical Geography

Landforms • Canada’s mountainous eastern and western edges create a central region of fertile plains.

• Collisions of tectonic plates thrust up a series of sharppeaked mountains, like the Pacific Ranges and Rockies.

• Wide range of climates, from frozen tundra to humid continental, support a variety of wildlife.

• Abundant water and energy resources make up Canada’s great natural resource wealth.

Water Systems • Canada’s plentiful freshwater lakes and rivers support the needs of people and industries in both cities and rural areas.

• St. Lawrence River oone of Canada's most important rivers oforms part of the border between the US and Canada o. Along with Great Lakes – one of the worlds most important shipping routes

• The Niagara Falls, also on the border, is a key source of hydroelectric power.

• The Canadian Shield o. Giant core of rock anchoring North America o. Centered on Hudson Bay and James Bay

Climate, Biomes, and Resources • Ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current, play a key role in Canada’s large variation in climates.

• Canada has a variety of biomes that support abundant forms of plant and animal life.

• Fisheries as well as timber, energy, and minerals are important to Canada's economy.

• The Athabasca Tar Sands make Canada a leading petroleum-producing country.

• Tropical Wet/Dry climates appear in the US, but are absent in Canada • St. Lawrence River is one of the worlds most important shipping routes • Canadian Shield is a giant core of rock anchoring North America and centered on Hudson and James Bays.

• First Nations – Native American people of Canada

Human Geography of Canada

History and Government • Indigenous groups o. Inuit o. First Nations • French and British colonists Foundation for Canadian cultures

• Originally British colony • 1931 – Became a dominion – gained independence

• Canada - constitutional monarchy • Power divided into three branches of government: o. Legislative o. Executive o. Judicial

Population Patterns • Ethnicity varies from province to province • 25 percent of population identify from mixed origins

• About 90 percent of population lives within 100 miles of U. S. border • More temperate climate • Easy access to commerce

• About 81 percent of population live in urban areas: o. Montreal o. Vancouver o. Toronto o. Ottawa – Capital City

• First Nations – Native American people of Canada • British and French settled Canada • Canada gained its independence in 1931 from Great Britain • Canada currently has a constitutional monarchy

Society and Culture • Immigration has helped create multicultural society

• English and French – Canada’s two official languages.

• Today’s average family decreased to three members • More women entered the workforce

• Toronto – third-largest production center in Englishspeaking world

Economic Activities • Natural resources account for more than 58 percent of exports

• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) o 1994 o. Mexico, US, Canada o. Agree to reduce/eliminate tariffs on goods traded amongst themselves • Canada’s main trade partner - - United States

• First Nations – Native American people of Canada • British and French settled Canada • Canada gained its independence in 1931 from Great Britain • Canada currently has a constitutional monarchy

• NAFTA o North American Free Trade Agreement o Trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, US • Canada’s number 1 trade partner US

• Answer questions 3 -6 on page 155

People and Their Environment: Canada

Managing Resources • Many natural resources suffered due to: o. Fishing o. Logging o. Mineral/oil and gas extraction

• Calls for federal protection and conservation efforts have increased to protect existing resources and to develop renewable ones

• Without conservation, rare ecosystems such as the boreal forest could be destroyed.

Human Impact • Acid rain contaminates lakes, streams, and rivers. • Pollution in the United States can also negatively affect the environment in Canada

• Industrial pollution in waterways can harm water supplies and all who depend on them.

• Canadian and US governments continue to work together: o. To improve water quality o. To encourage resurgence of some fish populations

Addressing the Issues • Provinces individually take action to address climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Green Energy and Green Economy Act o. Ontario o. Promotes green energy through conservation and financial incentives

• Government exploring alternative energy sources o. Wind o. Solar power

• Initial reports are positive, • Time needed to see which methods of alternative energy will be successful