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Chapter 8 - Canada Section 1, Regions of Canada • Canada covers most of the northern half of N. America. • Canada shares many physical characteristics with the US. However, it is a distinct nation with its own unique cultural characteristics, opportunities, and challenges. Continued… • Canada’s ten provinces (political divisions), and three territories can be divided into five regions based on physical features, culture, and economy. • Regions in the US overlap each other in Canada this isn’t the case because of smaller population and government structure. The Atlantic Provinces • Tucked into the southeastern corner of Canada are the four Atlantic Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Continued… • All four provinces border on the Atlantic Ocean. • The land in this region forms part of the Appalachian Mountains, which extend southward into the eastern United States. • Hills covered with thick mixed deciduous forest and rugged mountaintops highlight the region. • Thousands of lakes and small ponds dot the rugged terrain. Links to the Sea • The Atlantic Provinces are often called the Maritimes because of their close ties to the sea. • What does the word Maritime mean? • Coastlines are marked by hundreds of bays and inlets, providing excellent harbors for fishing fleets. • Most residents of this region live along the coast. Continued… • The Atlantic Provinces are the smallest of Canada’s regions, including only about 5% of Canada’s land and only about 8% of its people. Economic Activity • The Grand Banks area off the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia was long one of the world’s richest fishing areas. • In 1992, Canada suspended Cod fishing due to overfishing. • In 1999, many fisherman turned to catching shrimp and crabs. Economic Activity Continued… • Forestry and farming are also important in the Maritimes. • Some fruit, vegetable, and dairy farming takes place where the soil and climate permit. • Gentle, rolling plains and fertile soil of Prince Edward Island are particularly well suited to farming. • Prince Edward has a mild climate with longer growing season due to moderating influences of water. Recent Economic Activity • Rugged coastlines and scenic hills make the region a popular vacation spot. Consequently, many in the Atlantic Provinces are turning to tourism for their livelihoods. • Offshore oil discoveries drawing workers in. • Atlantic Provinces has rebounded after 90s slump. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Provinces • In contrast to Atlantic Provinces, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River are the core of Canada’s population and its economic activity. Continued… • The large provinces of Quebec and Ontario are the heartland of Canada. – Distinguished by • The Canadian Shield • The Hudson Bay Lowlands • The St. Lawrence Lowlands • Canadian Shield Continued… – Poor Soil and cold climate but contains rich mineral deposits. – Covers most of Quebec and Ontario. • Hudson Bay Lowlands – Flat, sparsely populated, swampy region between the Canadian Shield and Hudson Bay. • St. Lawrence Lowlands – Third of the landscapes have rich soil and relatively mild climate. 60% of Canada’s population lives in this region around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Valley. Characteristics of Ontario • One of the most important features, system of waterways. • The St. Lawrence Seaway (Canada’s highway to the sea), which connects the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence River, has a high volume of goods that travels its length. Ontario continued… • Great Lakes differ in elevation. – Lake Superior is the Highest (600 ft.) above Sea Level. – Lake Ontario is the Lowest (245 ft.) above Sea Level. • To make up this difference, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence waterway system has a series of locks. – A lock is an enclosed area on a canal that raises or lowers ships from one water level to another. Ontario Continued… • In addition to the waterways, Ontario also has rich soil and abundant mineral resources. • Much of the land in the southeastern part of the province is used for farming. – Most people live in this specific part. • Due to province’s location, industries based on processing minerals or manufacturing goods can easily ship their products to other parts of Canada and the U.S.. • Toronto, Ontario’s capital, is the largest metropolitan area in Canada. • Ottawa (Canada’s capital) is located on the Ottawa River in southeastern Ontario. Characteristics of Quebec • Canada’s largest province in terms of area. • Pop. not evenly distributed, most live in cities in and around the St. Lawrence River valley. • Few People live on the Canadian Shield (exposed bedrock area). – Bedrock is a solid rock that is usually covered by soil, gravel, and sand. Quebec continued… • Appalachian Mountains rise along the southeastern border of the province. • Both of these regions, the southeast and the Canadian Shield, are centers of mining and forestry. • Farming remains an important activity in the fertile plains of the St. Lawrence Valley. • The capital of the province, is also called Quebec (oldest city in Canada). – Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain (sent by France to establish a colony). The Prairie Provinces • Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan lie in southwestern Canada between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Shield. • Long been associated with rolling fields of wheat. Patterns of Settlement • Half or more of the people in each of the three Prairie Provinces live in cities. – Winnipeg (largest) strategically built along railroad tracks of the 1800s. – Prairie Provinces have been described as a region where “grains and trains dominate life.” Economic Activities • Prairie Provinces provide most of Canada’s grain and cattle. • Wheat is the major agricultural crop (exported by train to ports on the Pacific Ocean, Great Lakes or Hudson Bay). • Tourism is also an important economic activity in many of the region’s magnificent parks. • Oil discoveries in Alberta has provided a new source of wealth for the region. British Columbia • Plentiful natural resources has helped British Columbia become one of Canada’s wealthiest provinces. – Salmon – Forests – Minerals • Vancouver, the province’s largest city, occupies a site by an excellent harbor. The Northern Territories • The northern 40% of Canada consists of the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (Canada’s newest territory, est. in 1999). • Together, they are home to fewer than 1% of Canada’s population.