The European Roots of Canadian Identity
Publisher: Broadview Press
Published: April 25, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 125
ISBN-13: 9781551117058
Subjects: Political Science; History - General History; Politics/International Relations; Canada - General; Essays; Canada; National characteristics, Canadian; Pluralism (Social sciences)
Description: "What makes Canada a different kind of society from the United States? In this book-length essay, Philip Resnick argues that, in more ways than one, Canada has been profoundly marked by its European origins. This is most apparent where the European historical underpinnings both of English-speaking and French-speaking Canada are concerned, but it is no less true when one examines Canada's multiple national identities, robust social programs, increasingly secular values, and multilateral outlook on international affairs today. As the war in Iraq brought home, and the 2004 federal election reinforced, Canada is a more European-type society than is our neighbour to the south." "The author argues that Canada needs Europe as an effective counter-weight to the influence of the United States. He further argues that, at a deeper existential level, Canadians need relevant European references to better understand what makes them the kind of North Americans that they are."--Jacket.