Canada has gone from a colonial country to a continental superpower. It cannot be denied that globalization has been an internal part of today’s society. Globalization is a worldwide phenomenon, through the expansion of transportation and communication networks from post-World War 2.
This allows countries and people to exchange information and goods more quickly and travelling more frequently. For Canada, globalization helped make Canada become one of the world’s largest economies in the world. They are a big exporter of natural resources, known for their multicultural friendly identity, and an advocate for international peace.
What it means to be Canadian and their identity are all influenced by globalization, specifically immigrants. Canada has one of the most diverse cultures and is widely respected around the world.
Canada’s reputation for its friendliness, politeness, multiculturalism, and diversity built on Canada’s openness to immigration. A large majority of the reputation comes from immigrants around the world that have hundreds of ethnic backgrounds, religions, ideas, and beliefs that settled here in Canada.
They also play an important role because they greatly benefit the Canadian economy by replacing the ageing population in Canada and increasing Canada’s labour force. Canada has an ageing population said in a quote “By 2012, the worker-to-retiree ratio had dropped to 4.2 to 1, and projections put the ratio at 2 to 1 by 2036, at which time five million Canadians are set to retire.”, a problem that many experts have long worried.
Since 2014, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he is accepting more than 300,000 immigrants every year. A report done by the government of Canada in the 2018 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration discusses the essential role they play a part in Canada’s economy. The report found immigrants contribute a 1.25% increase in GDP productivity and the labor force.
Interestingly, they found Immigrants that resided for more than 5 years exceed average earnings by 5% and were 15-24% more likely to be working than Canadian born residents. In 2016 a survey conducted found that almost half of immigrants ages between 25-64 held a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to under a quarter of Canadians in the same age group.
They also found the new immigrants help enhance and build communities through “civic engagement as well as contributions to and participation in charitable organizations and activities.” They play an important part in Canadian society not only in culture or Canada’s identity but in communities and the economy.
The report reveals many important information on immigrants that debunks many misconceptions people have about immigrants. Like most, they are hard-working people that take advantage of many opportunities present in Canada. They are not a liability in our economy but an important economic factor in Canada and the workforce.
Canada has greatly benefited from international trade by being a member of the General Agreement on Trades and Tariffs (GATT), the member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) also a part of the Free Trade Agreement. These trade agreements aimed to boost economic recovery after the second world war and boost each other’s economies.
By reducing or eliminating traffic quota and subsidies the GATT helped globalize the supply chain in the world. Canada has become the 12th largest exporter of natural resources in the world and importantly the USA’s second-biggest trading partner. integrating world policies. Canada relies on international trade policies to boost the Canadian economy and maintain economic partnerships like the USA.
Which helped Canada into the position that they are in. When Canada signed on into the World Trade policy and NAFTA in 1994, it introduced new markets and opportunities. According to the World Bank, at the time Canada’s exports were at $166.57 in 1994. when the policy was signed, but after in 2017 Canadian exports rose over (USD)$423.5 billion worth of goods in trade, which roughly accounts for 31.46% of GDP.
A large number of exports went to the USA, which accounts for 76.4% of the exports behind China with only 4.5%. The chart shows a direct relation to the rise of exports and GDP growth from the World Trade Policy and the North American Free Trade Act in 1994.
Over a span of 20 years, there was a marginal growth of 40% increase in exports. It cannot be denied that without these trade policies we would not see that growth. Canada will likely continue to benefit from international trade policies and continue to be a part of it.
Since World War 2 Canada has been involved and participates in many global affairs. Canada is a part of 21 different organizations such as the United Nations, Canada and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) etc. Participated in peacekeeping and maintaining diplomatic relationships.
The world stage is important for Canada for their interest and goals. Canada is involved in peacekeeping and maintaining diplomatic relations with our allies and in return, Canada received aid and strengthened political, international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. The world stage provides Canada with the ability to express its interest and concerns for human rights.
On May 27, 2020, Canada expressed its concern on civilian protection in armed conflicts. Specifically, on child soldiers in war-torn countries, gender-based violence on women and girls. Also, indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians, humanitarian and medical workers, hospitals, and schools.
Their concern is heard by 193 nations that all agreed it is a problem that needs to be addressed. In another example, Canada’s Department of Global Affairs on February 9th shipped 16 tonnes of protective masks to Canada after it was confirmed there is a new novel coronavirus. In response, China sent back 11 million masks in response to Canada’s courtesy.
Canada’s involvement with the UN and other international organizations all helped Canada’s interest in pursuing their goal of providing basic human rights around the world. In turn, we receive praise and aid for Canada’s contributions.
No doubt globalization has a historical mark in Canadian history. Most of our economic sector rely on exports and imports from other countries that make goods cheaper, Canada’s identity and unique diverse culture would not have happened without opening ourselves to immigration, and also Canada’s involvement in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations help raise awareness of human rights issues.
Suffice to say Canada would be different without globalization and agreeable to say it had major beneficial economic, cultural, and global impacts. The whole world is working towards a globalized society, more than ever we can communicate information around the world. We should plan and learn to adapt to upcoming new changes it might bring in the future.
Works Cited
“Canada and the World Trade Organization.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/world-trade-organization.
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Citizenship Canada. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca, Government of Canada, 26 Feb. 2019, www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/annual-report-parliament-immigration-2018/report.html.
Connolly, Amanda. “Canada Is Offering Medical Assistance to China as It Combats Coronavirus Spread: MP.” Global News, Global News, 2 Feb. 2020, globalnews.ca/news/6490699/canada-coronavirus-evacuation-china/.
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Global Affairs Canada. “Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict – Canada’s National Statement by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs.” GAC, 27 May 2020, www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/un-onu/statements-declarations/2020-05-27-protection.aspx?lang=eng.
Global Affairs Canada. “Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict – Canada’s National Statement by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs.” GAC, 27 May 2020, www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/un-onu/statements-declarations/2020-05-27-protection.aspx?lang=eng.
“Globalization.” Globalization | The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/globalization.
Statistics Canada. “Immigration and Ethnocultural Diversity Highlight Tables, 2016 CensusUpdate of the 2016 Census Data on Ethnic Origin.” Immigration and Ethnocultural Diversity Highlight Tables, 2016 Census, 14 Feb. 2018, www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/imm/index-eng.cfm.
“This Census in Brief Article Examines the Ethnic and Cultural Origins of the Canadian Population and Provides an Overview of Its Composition by Generation Status. It Also Covers the Reporting of Multiple Ethnic Origins.” Census in Brief: Ethnic and Cultural Origins of Canadians: Portrait of a Rich Heritage, Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 25 Oct. 2017, www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/as-sa/98-200-x/2016016/98-200-x2016016-eng.cfm.
“The World Factbook.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 30 Nov. 2010, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca.html#field-anchor-economy-exports-partners.
