The world needs more of the ‘beaver’ and the ever-popular ‘maple leaf’. Canada’s priority to be involved in world-affairs has been admired by the world. It has topped the International Reputation Survey with only Germany in the lead (“Germany”). History from 1914 to 1988 plays a significant role on how people think of Canada. Canada’s global contribution and peacekeeping missions have changed the way people look at Canadians, because they have made the world a peaceful and a better place to live in. Moreover, Canada’s vision as a just society attracts people to the country like honey attracts bees. Canada’s global contribution, its treatment towards minorities, and its peacekeeping missions drive it towards being one of the most reputed countries …show more content…
in the world. Canada’s global contribution has been spectacular due to its active involvement in WW1, WW2, post-war international affairs and the contribution of individual Canadians. No foreign land brings about such strong sentiments as that of Vimy Ridge (Macintyre 205). Canadian forces made significant contribution to the Allied victory greatly that WW1 would not have been won without their contribution. Over sixty-two Canadians won the Victoria Cross, the highest award of heroism and courage (Smith 412). Canada earned the privilege of being a part in the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations after the war (Bartlett 424). Moreover, WW1 was a stepping-stone in establishing Canada’s participation in international affairs and gaining worldwide respect. In the same fashion, Canada took the reins of international reputation by its involvement in WW2. Nothing could be more impressive than sacrificing a million men at a grave time when Canada’s population encompassed 11 million people (Stacey). Britain would not be able to survive without the financial aid and assistance of the 3,043,000,000 Canadian dollars to the war (Stacey). In addition, Canadian soldiers fought fiercely and valiantly during the D-Day and helped sink over thirty-three enemy ships in the Battle of Atlantic (Stacey). Due to increasing autonomy and WW2 contribution, Canada gained positive reputation. Instead of an insignificant colony, Canada was renowned as a middle power after the war due to its extensive involvement. Furthermore, Canada’s involvement in post-war global affairs has shaped its positive reputation today. Canada was one of the first fifty members who founded the UN. Its participation in the Commonwealth was impressive because Canada campaigned for human rights like apartheid in South Africa (Kolpin 82). In the light of international affairs, Canada was a part of the NATO, NORAD and the NAFTA (Kolpin 93). Moreover, Canada is renowned for its help to poor countries due to its 1.6 billion dollars contribution to the Marshall Plan and 2 billion dollars contribution to the Colombo Plan (Henderson 79). Canada’s participation in many international organizations and its aid to countries in fighting injustice and poverty resulted in a positive reputation all over the world. However, this would not have been possible without the help of Canadian individuals, who inspired the world. Today, Terry Fox is a popular Canadian who ran across Canada to show his determination by collecting funds for cancer research continues to inspire the world (Macklem). John Humphrey changed the perspective of the world on human rights, by writing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Macklem). Overall, Canada’s contribution in WW1, WW2, post-war and an active involvement of individual Canadians leaves a mark on the world and is a key factor in gaining the reputation of the world. Canada’s journey from a ‘white’ colony to a just society has been truly remarkable; Canada’s treatment towards aboriginals and Japanese Canadians during WW1 and WW2 is contrasted to their treatment towards women and its multiculturism policy after the war. It was not long ago that Aboriginals were sent to residential schools, marked by violence and embarrassment for most people. It is hard not to remember the bitter experience of the 130 schools, where cultural identities were stripped and children were subjected to rape, whipping, humiliation and torture (“Canada’s”). Many of these children later became drug addicts, and drunkards because of the isolation and the abuse in residential schools (“A sad”).In addition, Canada did not host the Japanese Canadians with its bounties of justice and equity. In 1942, Japanese Canadians were forced to move from their comfortable homes to internment camps- usually stalls were cattle and horses were kept without the existence of electricity and water (Marsh). Canada’s treatment towards Aboriginals and Japanese Canadians was far from its current ideals of a just society. It was marked by inhumane and barbaric treatment towards minorities. However, Canada gradually progressed towards a just society- a place synonymic with freedom and equity. The year 1940 saw the dawn of the voting rights for women (“History”). Women appointed as magistrates, senators, members of parliament not to mention Prime Ministers and Governor Generals (“History”). It can be proudly said that Canada is a just society when the Supreme Court of Canada enacted that sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination in 1989 (“History”). Today, Canada is renowned for its efforts of achieving gender equality for its citizens. Canadian identity took a new shape when Canada was the first country to declare multiculturism as an official policy (“Multiculturism”). Multiculturism is a unique policy that promotes Canada’s diverse culture and helps resolve ethnic tensions related to discrimination and prejudice. The multiculturalism policy has continued to inspire countries around the globe like the United States, Australia and Britain who soon adopted a multicultural identity (“Multiculturism”). Canada’s multicultural identity has led it to be a meditator in world affairs and peacekeeping. Furthermore, Canada’s multicultural identity has revolutionized Canada’s positive international reputation as a just society and its treatment towards minorities. The Canadian Human Rights International Organization is a Canadian establishment that undertakes international missions to promote justice based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“Who”). Throughout the century, Canada has progressed to become a just society and has taken a step further by campaigning for human rights worldwide. Canada’s role in world peacekeeping has surpassed all nations due to its recognition as a middle power, peacekeeping operations, the United Nations Emergency Forces and Pearson’s role in peacekeeping.
Canada has continued to play arbitrational roles by solving world conflicts in Middle East, South Asia and Africa (Holmes). As mentioned, Canada’s role as a middle power has increased the country’s autonomy, participation in international affairs, world reputation and shaped its peacekeeping vision. Canada’s peacekeeping motto reached a higher level when Canada proposed the Emergency Force and contributed military personnel. Pearson suggested that the UNEF was impartial because its soldiers were from countries not involved in the Cold War, with a purpose of self-defense (Dorn). More than 125,000 Canadian military personnel have contributed in UN peacekeeping operations, which amount to more than 10 per cent of the UN military (Dorn). Canadian soldiers participating in peacekeeping around the world contributed to its positive reputation as a country that cherishes the ideals of peace. Its participation in numerous peacekeeping missions has been a determinant role in shaping the Canadian identity. Canada has not only succeeded in creating a just society within its borders but it has also influenced the world. In the Yom Kippur War, Canada played a significant role in calling a cease-fire (Dorn). Furthermore, during the crisis in Cyprus in 1964, Canadian peacekeeping forces were involved for over 30 years. In fact, in the Namibia Peacekeeping Operation, Canadian solders, civilian electoral staff and civilian police from the RCMP have served on the peacekeeping operation (Dorn). Over 115 Canadian soldiers have sacrificed their lives for peacekeeping (Dorn). Whenever one thinks of Canadian peacekeeping, the first individual that comes to mind is Pearson. Pearson’s contribution to the Suez Crisis peacekeeping operation showed people how a middle power could ensure world
peace by making superpowers to yield without resorting to violence. Pearson’s peacekeeping yielded in a positive contribution for Canada. He made a suggestion to the UN to form an international force to maintain peace and prevent a great war sparked off by Israel, Britain and France, who decided to take control of the Suez Crisis from Egypt (Dorn). He was given the Nobel Prize, an achievement for Canada’s reputation as a peacemaker (Bartlett 460). Canada has transformed from a ‘white’ colony to a just society who influences the world with its vision of peace and equity. It is not surprising that Canada topped the human development index rankings by the United Nation in 1994. Indeed, Canada is the second largest country in the world, with one of the highest living standards in the world. It is an honor to tour the world with the beaver or the maple leaf patch because it flaunts the international respect that Canada truly deserves.
Today Canada and the United States are major trading partners, allies, and two neighboring countries with a long history of cooperation with each other. But is it possible for Canada to protect its independence and culture living next door to the country so powerful and rich as the United States. Since the Canadian confederation, Canada started developing relations with the U.S. As the years passed by, Canada began to relay on the United States in the national defense. Many Canadians think that the military, political and economical dependence would not make a difference to their daily life. But today more then even Canadian culture is affected by the American influence. Media, American artists, economic dependence, American propaganda and political pressure from the United States is making Canada too Americanized. All of these factors reflect on the social life of ordinary Canadians threatening the heritage and the traditions that define Canada as independent country.
Canadians strongly believe that peacekeeping is about trying to protect people from extreme harm, a way of providing hope in situations that seem hopeless, and a good method of bringing peace and justice to war-torn countries or failed states. Canadians backing soldiers in their peacekeeping role has been so strong for such a long time that it has generated into their national identity. “Canadians cling to the mythology, born of the 1956 Suez Crisis, that we are a nation of peacekeepers, interposing between belligerent forces bent on war but, even though Canadian government officials and media of the 1990s called the operations in Bosnia and Somalia “peacekeeping missions,” they were something very different from Cold War-era peacekeeping.” Accordingly, over the past several decades, Canadian peacekeeping operations involving their military forces has shifted from a Pearson perspective based on humanitarian intervention to peacekeeping missions entailing massive violence. Therefore, my research paper will focus on how peacekeeping in the Canadian context has changed over the past several decades owing to the Canadian use of its military (internationally) force for extreme violence during peacekeeping missions. I wish to discuss this topic extensively within my research paper by focusing on vivid examples from UN Peacekeeping missions.
Chong, M. R. (2002). Canadian History Since WWI. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from Markville: http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/history/history/fivecent.html
... nation. In addition to, supporting their allies, this shows how Canada is committed to maintain good alliances with their allies. They also joined a peacekeeping military defense with United States in order to gain trust from United States and become a peacekeeping military defense Canada is recognized today.
Canada refused to participate in the Suez canal crisis, “this action was a symbolic gesture that showed both England and the World that Canada was now a fully autonomous nation in total control of its foreign policy” (http://mrmillerss11.blogspot.ca/2010/02/feb-24-canadas-autonomy-timeline.html) . To stop any violence that would soon abrupt Lester. B.Pearson came up with the idea of “peacekeeping”. He stated “We are now emerging into an age when different civilizations will have to learn to live side by side in peaceful interchange, learning from each other, studying each other’s history and ideals, art and culture, mutually enriching each other’s lives. »
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and its move towards independence was proven after the accomplishments at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Foremost, Canada’s first opportunity to partake on the world stage came soon after the end of World War I, during the Paris Peace Conference. The accomplishments of the Canadian Army in the Battle of Vimy Ridge helped to earn Canada a spot in the Paris Peace Conference, after long arguments made on behalf of Canada by Prime Minister Robert Broden . The Prime Minister argued that Canada’s wartime record had earned Canada a seat separate from Britain. Canada was granted the seat despite the disapproval of the American President, Woodrow Wilson’s as they contributed greatly to the Allied forces especially in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The approval of Canada’s seat is important to both the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the eligibility to participate on the world stage because it was one of the first steps Canada took towards its independence from Great Britain. Additionally, Canada became more social with other countries separate from Britain after the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canada involved itself more in trading after the battle and the war, and had a flourishing...
Canada has become a superior nation thru, perseverance, courage and even care as they persevered thru many dark battles, and made sure they all came thru together as a unit other than individuals. Their courage made there fighting 100% stronger as they wouldn’t back down to any task and they weren’t afraid to lose their life to help a fellow friend and country out. Care played a major aspect in each Canadian heart. There cared about Britain so they weren’t to go help them when they declared war, they helped other troops with their emotional problems and lastly they even cared a little about there enemies as they are the same person, however the only thing separating them is there culture. Canadians contributed in many ways to help our country's great efforts in the First World War.
After forcing 60 million deaths, World War II was a disastrous event. Anyway, it transformed Canada from a small country into a well-respected and thriving nation. Canada’s participation in the Second World War had a very significant impact on it as a Country. Canada faced many hardships however, it emerged as a different and united nation. In fact, World War II had paved a new lease of activity in the Canadian setup in aspects such as social developments, economical developments, and political developments.
United Nations Association in Canada. Canadian Participation in UN Peacekeeping - Chronology. http://www.unac.org/peacekeeping/en/un-peacekeeping/fact-sheets/canadian-participation-in-un-peacekeepinga-chro/ (accessed December 18, 2011).
Newman, Garfield et al. Canada A Nation Unfolding. Toronto: Mc Graw – Hill Ryerson Limited, 2000.
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
The culture of Canada refers to the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that are a representative of Canada and Canadians. Throughout Canada's history, its culture has been influenced by American culture because of a shared language, proximity, television and migration between the two countries. Over time, Canadian-American relations have helped develop Canada’s identity during the years 1945-1982; thus introducing changing social norms, media and entertainment. In support of this, due to the United States being approximately 9.25 times larger in population and having the dominant cultural and economic influence, it played a vital role in establishing Canada’s identity. With Canada being its neighbour, naturally, the United States would influence their way of life upon Canada.
After the Second World War, even though Britain won the war, their empire was not as strong as when it started the war. Canada made huge contributions to help the Allies win, but once the Cold War started Canada took one small step at becoming independent. The major advancement Canada made was the joining of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NORAD). NORAD was created by western countries where they all formed a protective alliance against the USSR. The amazing part of this program is th...
Canada has played a vital role in international relations for the majority of its 144 year history since the signing of Confederation in 1867. Canada first participated in World War I, then World War II in 1939-1945. Following World War II, Canada was also involved in the Korean War. Canada has been primarily a peacekeeping nation. There are many questions people ask when a high income country goes to help a lower income nation such as Afghanistan.