Thread: Canada... can somebody explain it to me?

Now, folks, don't come marching in here thinking that I started this thread to make fun of Canadians or Canada itself... I just wish to know some whys and whens, ok? I live across the pond and I'm not too enlightened about your country that appears to have some quite unique characteristics.

So... in Canada there are 2 languages - french and english. Why is that?
And also how does it work, what kind of political structure Canada has? I've heard that despite the fact that it is an independent country, the head of state is the crowned head of the UK. And that appears to be the case with Australia too... can someone explain it to me? Fell free to add some info on Australia too...

Many thanks!

Here is some detailed info for you: Canada - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'll give you the abridged answers to your questions:

English and French are the official languages of Canada - this came about from the two nations that fought over control of Canada for a hundred or so years: England and France. Although France ceded control to the English in the 1700s, the French influence (and language) remained. French is spoken more in Quebec (which is predominately French) and the Maritimes (from highest French density to least: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) as well as pockets of eastern Ontario, than elsewhere in the country.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy and part of the Commonwealth (as is Australia). While the Queen of England is the official head of state, actual governing power is through elected parliamentary democracy i.e. the Queen has no say in our affairs and is only a figurehead.

Cheers,

Rick

Also, a little know fact that the head of state is not in fact the Queen of England, but the Queen of Canada...they just happen to be the same person.

We use the British Westminster parliamentary system here with jurisdictional divide between federal powers and provincial. There are 10 provinces in Canada, and 3 territories.

Mark

Ps. Oh, Rick, I think you forgot Newfoundland in there somewhere....

Couldn't have said it any better myself, rsrick.

It should be said that the French spoken in Canada is not the same as French spoken in France. It's position as an official language is a politically motivated way of appeasing a portion of our population. Our government is, as stated before, a constitutional monarchy, and is virtually identical to the British parlimentary system on which it is based. Canada has a division of views about the retention of the Queen has a head of state (as said before, just a figurehead), but we have never had a referendum over this as Australia has.
There is more to Canada than beer and hockey, and although there is some merit to these stereotypes, it is the lusious landscapes and the diversity of our (friendly) people that define us, and much more. I would strongly recommend to any SRP member to come here for a visit; you will not regret it. BTW - there is more to Canada than Toronto!

PS - To my fellow Canucks, no offence meant by any of my comments above, just adding another perspective.

Good history lesson from my fellow Canadians.

Et oui il y a des francais au Nouveau Brunswick :P

Also NB is the only official bilingual province.

Originally Posted by Dups

Also NB is the only official bilingual province.

Good point Dups. As for my comments about French, sorry but I just had to knock the Bloc a bit (I'm thinking that only Canadians will get that).

Thanks for the replies, guys. I appreciate it. It was all a bit foggy for me, but now I think I get it. But you have to admit... it's a strange political configuration. Not that it's a bad one, no, but... odd!
Thanks again! Feel free to ask about my country: Banana Republic! Err... I mean... Portugal! Heaven on Earth for politicians that like sun and freedom to be corrupt... in Europe!

Originally Posted by Ryan82

There is more to Canada than beer and hockey

Yeah, maple syrup and lobster!

There is so much lobster in Canada they even have it at McDonald's!

Originally Posted by Cornelius

Yeah, maple syrup and lobster!

I prefer my maple syrup from Vermont or upstate New York thank you!