Difference between revisions of "Canada"
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| − | |3,854,085 | + | |3,854,085 ) |
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|$1.105 trillion | |$1.105 trillion | ||
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| − | |GDP per capita ( | + | |GDP per capita (200 estimate) |
|$35,133 | |$35,133 | ||
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| − | '''Canada''' is the largest country in [[North America]], and the second largest in the world behind [[Russia]]. It also has the longest coastline of any nation. Canada borders the [[United States]] to the south and northwest. Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have | + | '''Canada''' is the largest country in [[North America]], and the second largest in the world behind [[Russia]]. It also has the longest coastline of any nation. Canada borders the [[United States]] to the south and northwest. Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have d== |
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[[Image:Supreme Court of Canada.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Supreme Court of Canada.]] | [[Image:Supreme Court of Canada.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Supreme Court of Canada.]] | ||
Canada was officially created by the signing of the British North America Act, which came into force on July 1, 1867. The BNA Act was an [[Act of Parliament|Act of the British Parliament]], and is also referred to as the Constitution Act of 1867. The first Prime Minister, [[John A Macdonald|Sir John A. Macdonald]], was a member of the Liberal-Conservative Party. | Canada was officially created by the signing of the British North America Act, which came into force on July 1, 1867. The BNA Act was an [[Act of Parliament|Act of the British Parliament]], and is also referred to as the Constitution Act of 1867. The first Prime Minister, [[John A Macdonald|Sir John A. Macdonald]], was a member of the Liberal-Conservative Party. | ||
| − | The BNA Act was | + | The BNA Act . The new flag was imposed by the Liberal government in an effort to appease socialists and Quebec Nationalists. The Liberal government refused to hold a referendum on the subject; instead the public was invited to submit designs.<ref>[http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/df3_e.cfm Birth of the Canadian Flag]</ref> The introduction of the new flag was not without controversy. from Diefenbaker’s personal files he wrote: |
| + | <blockquote>The Pearson flag is a meaningless Flag. There is no recognition of history; no indication of the existence of French and English homes and the debate does reemerge into the public domain occasionally. <ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070321.wxflag21/BNStory/National/ PM wants Red Ensign to fly at Vimy, sources say]</ref> | ||
| − | + | The Canadian national anthem, '[[O Canada]]', was written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier as a poem, to which music, composed by Calixa Lavallée, was later added, in 1880. The original was composed in French, and was first translated into English by Dr. Thomas Bedford Richardson of Toronto, Ontario, in 1906. However, it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1980.<ref>[http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/anthem_e.cfm National Anthem: O Canada]</ref> It is important to | |
| − | + | At the time of Confederation, Canada was comprised of four provinces: Upper Canada (now Ontario), Lower Canada (now Québec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Since that time, six additional provinces have joined Canada or have been created. From west to east, the provinces are [[British Colmbia]], [[Alberta]], [[Saskatchewan]], [[Manitoba]], [[Ontario]], [[Québec]], [[New Brunswick]], [[Prince Edward Island]], [[Nova Scotia]], and [[Newfoundland|Newfoundland and Labrador]]. Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada, in 1949. The A Lieutenant-Governor represents the Queen, similar to the Governor General. | |
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| − | The Canadian national anthem, '[[O Canada]]', was written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier as a poem, to which music, composed by Calixa Lavallée, was later added, in 1880. The original was composed in French, and was first translated into English by Dr. Thomas Bedford Richardson of Toronto, Ontario, in 1906. However, it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1980.<ref>[http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/anthem_e.cfm National Anthem: O Canada]</ref> It is important to | + | |
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| − | At the time of Confederation, Canada was comprised of four provinces: Upper Canada (now Ontario), Lower Canada (now Québec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Since that time, six additional provinces have joined Canada or have been created. From west to east, the provinces are [[British | + | |
Canada has three territories: the [[Yukon Territory]], the [[Northwest Territories]], and [[Nunavut]]. Territories have only have those powers delegated to them by the federal government | Canada has three territories: the [[Yukon Territory]], the [[Northwest Territories]], and [[Nunavut]]. Territories have only have those powers delegated to them by the federal government | ||
== Government == | == Government == | ||
| − | The government of Canada is split into two orders, federal and provincial, as outlined by the BNA Act. Each has very specific responsibilities, with some overlap. For instance, universal health care is mandated by the Federal Government, but it is administered by the | + | The government of Canada is split into two orders, federal and provincial, as outlined by the BNA Act. Each has very specific responsibilities, with some overlap. For instance, universal health care is mandated by the Federal Government, but it is administered by the. The Governor General is the official representative of Her Majesty [[Queen Elizabeth II]], Queen of Canada. The Governor General is, in the absence of the Queen, Canada's Head of State, and the Commander-in-Chief of the [http://www.forces.gc.ca/ Canadian Forces]. The Prime Minister of Canada is the head of Government of Canada, acting as the Minister of the Crown, based on the British system. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that holds the largest number of seats in the House of Commons, but it is not necessary that the Prime Minister actually have won a seat in that house. |
| − | + | All provincial legislatures are unicameral. The legislative process for provincial legislation is the same as for federal legislation, except Currently, the Prime Minister is The Right Honourable [[Stephen Harper]], a member of the [[Conservative Party of Canada]], while Her Excellency [[Michaëlle Jean]] is the Governor General. At present Canada is governed by a [[minority government]]. In 2005 the city of [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] was voted "the world's best place to live".<ref> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4306936.stm Vancouver is "best place to live"]</ref> | |
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| − | All provincial legislatures are unicameral. The legislative process for provincial legislation is the same as for federal legislation, except | + | |
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| − | Currently, the Prime Minister is The Right Honourable [[Stephen Harper]], a member of the [[Conservative Party of Canada]], while Her Excellency [[Michaëlle Jean]] is the Governor General. At present Canada is governed by a [[minority government]]. In 2005 the city of [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] was voted "the world's best place to live".<ref> [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4306936.stm Vancouver is "best place to live"]</ref> | + | |
Canada's population is increasingly urban, with 6 cities recording a population over 1 million ([[Toronto]], [[Montreal]], [[Vancouver]], [[Ottawa]]-Gatineau, [[Calgary]], [[Edmonton]]); these 6 cities represent over 45% of Canada's population. Canada is becoming an increasingly multicultural country, with most new immigrants settling in [[Toronto]], [[Montreal]] and [[Vancouver]]. [[Toronto]] is the world's most multicultural city, and by 2010, over 50% of Toronto's population is expected to be a visible minority. {{fact}} | Canada's population is increasingly urban, with 6 cities recording a population over 1 million ([[Toronto]], [[Montreal]], [[Vancouver]], [[Ottawa]]-Gatineau, [[Calgary]], [[Edmonton]]); these 6 cities represent over 45% of Canada's population. Canada is becoming an increasingly multicultural country, with most new immigrants settling in [[Toronto]], [[Montreal]] and [[Vancouver]]. [[Toronto]] is the world's most multicultural city, and by 2010, over 50% of Toronto's population is expected to be a visible minority. {{fact}} | ||
| − | + | Right Honourable [[Pierre Trudeau|Pierre Elliot Trudeau]], enacted the Canada Health Act. This act was based on the five principles of "universality, accessibility, portability, comprehensiveness, and public administration"<ref>[http://www.fin.gc.ca/FEDPROV/hise.html History of Canada Health and Social Transfer]</ref>. This public health care system is run in partnership by Health Canada and provincial Ministries of Health, who both contribute tax revenues. The federal government sets policy, while the provinces are responsible for actual administration. In 1995, the Canada Health and Social Transfer was created to replace existing systems for the transferal of tax funding to the provinces to administer social programs. The rationale behind the system is to allow all Canadians equal access to equal treatment, regardless of socio-economic status. | |
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The current state of Canada's public health care system is gathering increasing media attention due to rising wait times. [[David Gratzer]] wrote: | The current state of Canada's public health care system is gathering increasing media attention due to rising wait times. [[David Gratzer]] wrote: | ||
<blockquote>... government researchers have provided the best data on the doctor shortage, noting, for example, that more than 1.5 million Ontarians (or 12 percent of that province’s population) can’t find family physicians. <ref>[http://city-journal.org/html/17_3_canadian_healthcare.html The Ugly Truth about Canadian Healthcare] </ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>... government researchers have provided the best data on the doctor shortage, noting, for example, that more than 1.5 million Ontarians (or 12 percent of that province’s population) can’t find family physicians. <ref>[http://city-journal.org/html/17_3_canadian_healthcare.html The Ugly Truth about Canadian Healthcare] </ref></blockquote> | ||
| − | Most of the blame for the current state of affairs has been placed on successive government mismanagement. This represents a failure of the federal government to properly regulate the level of service being offered in the provinces. People regularly have to wait between four and eight months for necessary surgeries depending on the nature of the surgery, and province of residence.{{fact}} The median wait time for an MRI across Canada is 10.3 weeks in 2006.<ref>http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/shared/readmore.asp?sNav=nr&id=753</ref> In fact, former Prime Minister [[Jean Chretien|Jean Chrétien]] campaigned on a promise to shut down private MRI clinics because it creates a two tier system, regardless of the demand for more facilities. | + | Most that Canada already does have a two-tier health care system as the very wealthy can go to the United States for treatment. The argument for allowing private health care is twofold. The first reason is that competition improves the quality of products and services, while the increase in options will allow those with the means to access privof the blame for the current state of affairs has been placed on successive government mismanagement. This represents a failure of the federal government to properly regulate the level of service being offered in the provinces. People regularly have to wait between four and eight months for necessary surgeries depending on the nature of the surgery, and province of residence.{{fact}} The median wait time for an MRI across Canada is 10.3 weeks in 2006.<ref>http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/shared/readmore.asp?sNav=nr&id=753</ref> In fact, former Prime Minister [[Jean Chretien|Jean Chrétien]] campaigned on a promise to shut down private MRI clinics because it creates a two tier system, regardless of the demand for more facilities. |
| − | In recent years, there has been suggestion from lobby groups that Canada should adopt a two-tier health care system. However, the government under the Liberal Party was aggressively opposed to this. Some argue | + | In recent years, there has been suggestion from lobby groups that Canada should adopt a two-tier health care system. However, the government under the Liberal Party was aggressively opposed to this. Some argue ate health care and relieve some of the burden off the public system. Critics argue that health is a right, and that everyone should have access to the same standard of care. |
Recently, in [[Québec]], a provincial judge has ruled that private health care providers must be allowed to compete with the government-run health care system. | Recently, in [[Québec]], a provincial judge has ruled that private health care providers must be allowed to compete with the government-run health care system. | ||
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== Culture == | == Culture == | ||
| − | Due to its colonial past, Canadian culture has historically been heavily influenced by [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[France|French]] cultures and traditions. In more modern times, Canadian culture has been greatly influenced by United States' culture, due to the proximity and the migration of people, ideas, and capital. Amidst this, Canadian culture has developed some unique characteristics, and many Canadian movies, authors, [[television]] shows, and musicians are equally popular in United States. | + | Due to its colonial past, Canadian culture has historically been heavily influenced by [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[France|French]] cultures and traditions. In more modern times, Canadian culture has been greatly influenced by United States' culture, due to the proximity and the migration of people, ideas, and capital. Amidst this, Canadian culture has include [[hockey]], [[curling]], [[lacrosse]], and [[football]]. Canada generally does not do well in the Summer Olympics: in 2004 Canada only collected 12 medals (3 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze). This is especially astonishing when taken in comparison with countries that usually perform very well, such as [[Australia]], which, although it has 12 million fewer people, collected 49 Olympic medals (17 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze). However, given the nordic nature of the country, it is no surprise that it finished third overall in the Torino Winter Olympics, with a total of 24 medals, one less than the United States and 10 developed some unique characteristics, and many Canadian movies, authors, [[television]] shows, and musicians are equally popular in United States. |
Canada tends to reflect more liberal ideals than the United States. Two such examples are the legalizing of [[gay marriage]] in June, 2005<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html CBC news article on passing of gay marriage law]</ref> and, in some regions, the decriminalization of medicinal [[marijuana]] and small amounts of other psychoactive substances. | Canada tends to reflect more liberal ideals than the United States. Two such examples are the legalizing of [[gay marriage]] in June, 2005<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html CBC news article on passing of gay marriage law]</ref> and, in some regions, the decriminalization of medicinal [[marijuana]] and small amounts of other psychoactive substances. | ||
| − | Notable sports which are enjoyed throughout Canada | + | Notable sports which are enjoyed throughout Canada more than next-place [[Sweden]]. The next winter Olympics, to be held in 2010 will be held in Vancouver and Whistler. |
==Religion== | ==Religion== | ||
For the total population, approximately 44% of the population of Canada is [[Catholicism|Catholic]], with a another 29% being [[Protestantism|Protestant]] (all denominations). However, while 16% of the total population has no religious affiliation (including atheists and agnostics), 20% of the population under 25 has declared no religion, congruent with the world-wide trend of increasing secularism in young demographics. <ref>Statistics Canada - Cat. No. 97F0022XCB2001002</ref> | For the total population, approximately 44% of the population of Canada is [[Catholicism|Catholic]], with a another 29% being [[Protestantism|Protestant]] (all denominations). However, while 16% of the total population has no religious affiliation (including atheists and agnostics), 20% of the population under 25 has declared no religion, congruent with the world-wide trend of increasing secularism in young demographics. <ref>Statistics Canada - Cat. No. 97F0022XCB2001002</ref> | ||
| − | == Taxation == | + | == /faq1e.will refund GST/HST to eligible tax payers in quarterly installments on the fifth of the month in July, October, html#Taxation Department of Canada also has a national sales tax, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on all purchases. Some provinces add an additional percentage in the form of a Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or a combined Harmonized Salservices which the governments funds. Canada also has managed to run without a budget deficit for a number of years. EqualizatiTaxation == |
| − | The average tax rate in Canada is much higher than in the United States. In 2003, Canada's tax burden equals about 33.8% of GDP placing it in the middle of the G7 countries, with Japan lowest at 25.3% and France highest at 43.4% <ref>[http://www.fin.gc.ca/ | + | The average tax rate in Canada is much higher than in the United States. In 2003, Canada's tax burden equals about 33.8% of GDP placing it in the middle of the G7 countries, with Japan lowest at 25.3% and France highest at 43.4% <ref>[http://www.fin.gc.ca/activtyon payments, worth 11.7 billion Canadian dollars are made by the federal government to the provinces from richer provinces (currently Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia) and the poorer provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Finance Canada: FAQs]</ref>. The US rate is roughly 25.6%; this discrepancy is consistent with the differing levels of social payments. Additionally Quebec, the most populous of the "have not" provinces, receives the largest payments. |
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| + | Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan) . This is to ensure that reasonably uniform standards of services and taxation are kept between the richer and poorer provinces.<ref>Budget 2007 [http://www.budget.gc.ca/2007/bp/bpc4e.html]</ref> These payments have not been without controversy as provinces begin to make more revenues from natural resources they do not want to give up the Equalization es Tax (HST) combining GST and the Provincial Sales Tax. Based on actual income, and a number of other factors, the government January, and April. | ||
| + | == | ||
[[Category:Canada| ]] | [[Category:Canada| ]] | ||
[[Category:North American Countries]] | [[Category:North American Countries]] | ||
[[Category:NATO members]] | [[Category:NATO members]] | ||
[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]] | [[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]] | ||
Revision as of 03:19, June 8, 2008
Canada is the largest country in North America, and the second largest in the world behind Russia. It also has the longest coastline of any nation. Canada borders the United States to the south and northwest. Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have d==
Canada was officially created by the signing of the British North America Act, which came into force on July 1, 1867. The BNA Act was an Act of the British Parliament, and is also referred to as the Constitution Act of 1867. The first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, was a member of the Liberal-Conservative Party. The BNA Act . The new flag was imposed by the Liberal government in an effort to appease socialists and Quebec Nationalists. The Liberal government refused to hold a referendum on the subject; instead the public was invited to submit designs.[1] The introduction of the new flag was not without controversy. from Diefenbaker’s personal files he wrote:
The Pearson flag is a meaningless Flag. There is no recognition of history; no indication of the existence of French and English homes and the debate does reemerge into the public domain occasionally. [2]The Canadian national anthem, 'O Canada', was written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier as a poem, to which music, composed by Calixa Lavallée, was later added, in 1880. The original was composed in French, and was first translated into English by Dr. Thomas Bedford Richardson of Toronto, Ontario, in 1906. However, it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1980.[3] It is important to At the time of Confederation, Canada was comprised of four provinces: Upper Canada (now Ontario), Lower Canada (now Québec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Since that time, six additional provinces have joined Canada or have been created. From west to east, the provinces are British Colmbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada, in 1949. The A Lieutenant-Governor represents the Queen, similar to the Governor General. Canada has three territories: the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Territories have only have those powers delegated to them by the federal government
Contents
- 1 Government
- 2 Secession movements
- 3 Culture
- 4 Religion
- 5 /faq1e.will refund GST/HST to eligible tax payers in quarterly installments on the fifth of the month in July, October, html#Taxation Department of Canada also has a national sales tax, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on all purchases. Some provinces add an additional percentage in the form of a Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or a combined Harmonized Salservices which the governments funds. Canada also has managed to run without a budget deficit for a number of years. EqualizatiTaxation
Government
The government of Canada is split into two orders, federal and provincial, as outlined by the BNA Act. Each has very specific responsibilities, with some overlap. For instance, universal health care is mandated by the Federal Government, but it is administered by the. The Governor General is the official representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. The Governor General is, in the absence of the Queen, Canada's Head of State, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces. The Prime Minister of Canada is the head of Government of Canada, acting as the Minister of the Crown, based on the British system. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that holds the largest number of seats in the House of Commons, but it is not necessary that the Prime Minister actually have won a seat in that house.
All provincial legislatures are unicameral. The legislative process for provincial legislation is the same as for federal legislation, except Currently, the Prime Minister is The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, while Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean is the Governor General. At present Canada is governed by a minority government. In 2005 the city of Vancouver, British Columbia was voted "the world's best place to live".[4] Canada's population is increasingly urban, with 6 cities recording a population over 1 million (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa-Gatineau, Calgary, Edmonton); these 6 cities represent over 45% of Canada's population. Canada is becoming an increasingly multicultural country, with most new immigrants settling in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Toronto is the world's most multicultural city, and by 2010, over 50% of Toronto's population is expected to be a visible minority.[Citation Needed] Right Honourable Pierre Elliot Trudeau, enacted the Canada Health Act. This act was based on the five principles of "universality, accessibility, portability, comprehensiveness, and public administration"[5]. This public health care system is run in partnership by Health Canada and provincial Ministries of Health, who both contribute tax revenues. The federal government sets policy, while the provinces are responsible for actual administration. In 1995, the Canada Health and Social Transfer was created to replace existing systems for the transferal of tax funding to the provinces to administer social programs. The rationale behind the system is to allow all Canadians equal access to equal treatment, regardless of socio-economic status.
The current state of Canada's public health care system is gathering increasing media attention due to rising wait times. David Gratzer wrote:
... government researchers have provided the best data on the doctor shortage, noting, for example, that more than 1.5 million Ontarians (or 12 percent of that province’s population) can’t find family physicians. [6]Most that Canada already does have a two-tier health care system as the very wealthy can go to the United States for treatment. The argument for allowing private health care is twofold. The first reason is that competition improves the quality of products and services, while the increase in options will allow those with the means to access privof the blame for the current state of affairs has been placed on successive government mismanagement. This represents a failure of the federal government to properly regulate the level of service being offered in the provinces. People regularly have to wait between four and eight months for necessary surgeries depending on the nature of the surgery, and province of residence.[Citation Needed] The median wait time for an MRI across Canada is 10.3 weeks in 2006.[7] In fact, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien campaigned on a promise to shut down private MRI clinics because it creates a two tier system, regardless of the demand for more facilities.
In recent years, there has been suggestion from lobby groups that Canada should adopt a two-tier health care system. However, the government under the Liberal Party was aggressively opposed to this. Some argue ate health care and relieve some of the burden off the public system. Critics argue that health is a right, and that everyone should have access to the same standard of care.
Recently, in Québec, a provincial judge has ruled that private health care providers must be allowed to compete with the government-run health care system.
Secession movements
There are separatist movements lobbying for independence from Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, and Québec. The only movement of real significance is in Québec, where the province has twice voted on whether or not to separate from Canada, once in 1980 and again in 1995; the vote in 1995 failed by just 1 percent. On November 27, 2006, the Federal Government passed a motion declaring Québec a nation "within a united Canada". [8]
Culture
Due to its colonial past, Canadian culture has historically been heavily influenced by British and French cultures and traditions. In more modern times, Canadian culture has been greatly influenced by United States' culture, due to the proximity and the migration of people, ideas, and capital. Amidst this, Canadian culture has include hockey, curling, lacrosse, and football. Canada generally does not do well in the Summer Olympics: in 2004 Canada only collected 12 medals (3 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze). This is especially astonishing when taken in comparison with countries that usually perform very well, such as Australia, which, although it has 12 million fewer people, collected 49 Olympic medals (17 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze). However, given the nordic nature of the country, it is no surprise that it finished third overall in the Torino Winter Olympics, with a total of 24 medals, one less than the United States and 10 developed some unique characteristics, and many Canadian movies, authors, television shows, and musicians are equally popular in United States.
Canada tends to reflect more liberal ideals than the United States. Two such examples are the legalizing of gay marriage in June, 2005[9] and, in some regions, the decriminalization of medicinal marijuana and small amounts of other psychoactive substances.
Notable sports which are enjoyed throughout Canada more than next-place Sweden. The next winter Olympics, to be held in 2010 will be held in Vancouver and Whistler.
Religion
For the total population, approximately 44% of the population of Canada is Catholic, with a another 29% being Protestant (all denominations). However, while 16% of the total population has no religious affiliation (including atheists and agnostics), 20% of the population under 25 has declared no religion, congruent with the world-wide trend of increasing secularism in young demographics. [10]
/faq1e.will refund GST/HST to eligible tax payers in quarterly installments on the fifth of the month in July, October, html#Taxation Department of Canada also has a national sales tax, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on all purchases. Some provinces add an additional percentage in the form of a Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or a combined Harmonized Salservices which the governments funds. Canada also has managed to run without a budget deficit for a number of years. EqualizatiTaxation
The average tax rate in Canada is much higher than in the United States. In 2003, Canada's tax burden equals about 33.8% of GDP placing it in the middle of the G7 countries, with Japan lowest at 25.3% and France highest at 43.4% [11]. The US rate is roughly 25.6%; this discrepancy is consistent with the differing levels of social payments. Additionally Quebec, the most populous of the "have not" provinces, receives the largest payments.
Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan) . This is to ensure that reasonably uniform standards of services and taxation are kept between the richer and poorer provinces.[12] These payments have not been without controversy as provinces begin to make more revenues from natural resources they do not want to give up the Equalization es Tax (HST) combining GST and the Provincial Sales Tax. Based on actual income, and a number of other factors, the government January, and April.
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- ↑ Birth of the Canadian Flag
- ↑ PM wants Red Ensign to fly at Vimy, sources say
- ↑ National Anthem: O Canada
- ↑ Vancouver is "best place to live"
- ↑ History of Canada Health and Social Transfer
- ↑ The Ugly Truth about Canadian Healthcare
- ↑ http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/shared/readmore.asp?sNav=nr&id=753
- ↑ http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Pub=hansard&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=1&DocId=2544166&File=0#OOB-1799206
- ↑ CBC news article on passing of gay marriage law
- ↑ Statistics Canada - Cat. No. 97F0022XCB2001002
- ↑ payments, worth 11.7 billion Canadian dollars are made by the federal government to the provinces from richer provinces (currently Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia) and the poorer provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Finance Canada: FAQs
- ↑ Budget 2007 [1]