Chapter 3 Chapter Overview

This chapter examines Canada’s social and economic setting by considering material well-being, equality, quality of life, and independence. Although Canadians are among the wealthiest people in the world, many Canadians live in poverty. Natives and women are particularly susceptible to poverty due to factors such as racial discrimination and work segregation, respectively. Gender and ethnic background is also a factor in identify wealthier and more influential groups in Canada.

The political and corporate elite in Canada are predominantly comprised of white men, and many come from upper-class backgrounds and attended private schools; however, more women and visible minorities are now found in these positions than in the past. Socio-economic mobility is high in Canada compared to other developed countries such as the United States or Great Britain. Inequality in Canada also exists across regions and Canadian governments have implemented various programs to address poverty and regional inequality. Personal incomes in provinces like Newfoundland and New Brunswick are significantly lower than the Canadian average. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has served to elevate equality issues. In regards to quality of life, studies have shown Canadians to be less happy but more satisfied than people from poorer countries.

Finally, Canada has a history of economic dependence, first on Great Britain and more recently on the United States. The emergence of an “independent” Canada has been a slow evolution that has economic, political and social aspects to consider. While providing a number of important contextual and background issues for students consider, the chapter also sets Canada in a more comparative frame with other similar countries around the world.