Regional Diversity
Because of its vast size and geographic differences, Canada is often described as a country of regions- and the needs and interests of people who live in the various regions often differ. People’s needs and interests may, for example, be affected by different economic opportunities.
Someone who lives in a remote part of northern Ontario may not enjoy the range of job opportunities that are available to people who live in southern Ontario, which is more heavily populated. Access to services such as health care and public transportation may also be affected by where people live. Rural residents, for example, must often travel long distances to see a doctor. And public transit is often unavailable to help them make the trip.
People often develop a sense of identity that is closely linked to their region. This regional loyalty may inspire them to try to increase their region’s influence on the national stage. Regionalism can be a positive force when it helps call attention to a balance the interests of a country’s regions. But regionalism can become a negative force when it threatens to divide people.
When people believe that the needs and interest of their region are not understood or appreciated, they may feel alienated- as if they are outsiders. This sense of regional alienation may be especially strong if they believe that their voices are not heard of that people in other regions exercise more political and economic influence than they do.
How do you identify yourself?
“More Economic Challenges” (290-292)
- What is Western Alienation? What evidence is there that in the early 1980s Alberta and the West felt alienated from Ottawa?
- Why was there an energy crisis? What program did the federal government create in response? What long term policy did it seem to support?
- What were the three goals of the NEP?
- What were two of the consequences (reaction) of the NEP? Be sure to be specific in your explanations.
- Explain the effects of the NEP.
- What is inflation? Why is inflation a symptom of a struggling economy?
- Do you think western Canadians were justified in feeling alienated from the government in Ottawa? Give reasons for your response.
- How did the energy crisis demonstrate the impact globalization has on the lives of Canadians? Are energy prices in Canada still influenced by outside global forces?
- Do you think the NEP was necessary given the energy crisis of the day? Give reasons for your response.