Research Library: Canada
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Last Updated Sep 25, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Canada has been self-governing since 1867, although it retains ties to the United Kingdom through the Commonwealth system. Canada is a federation and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state (but represented by a governor general). The prime minister is the head of government and is responsible for many more duties. A bicameral parliament makes up the legislative branch.
- The current leader is Prime Minister Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party. He came into office in February 2006, ending 12 years of Liberal Party rule. The general election, held Oct. 2008, saw the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history. The Conservatives now hold 143 seats and the Liberals have 77 seats in the Canadian Parliament. The separatist Bloc Quebecois (BQ) has a majority, with 49 seats, of the Quebec Parliament's 75 seats, but this party only exists in Quebec. The New Democratic Party has 37 seats.
Political Stability
- The status of Quebec remains a contentious point, with many Quebecois advocating the creation of a separate state. In referendums in 1980 and 1995 Quebec rejected independence. Although separatist aspirations are currently muted, the separatist Action Democratic Party is the third most popular in Quebec. Many Quebec voters still desire a sovereign state. In late 2006, Canadian Parliament approved a largely symbolic motion to recognize Quebec as a "nation within Canada."
- Currently, Canada is relatively politically stable.
Current Government Policies
- Since his inauguration, Harper has remained consistent with his agenda to promote national unity, expand accountability and ethics in government, and cut the federal value-added sales tax. The current leadership is also focusing on combating urban crime as well as raising the profile of Canada's role around the world. In recent years, Canada has also introduced some more liberal social policies, such as the legalization of medical marijuana and same-sex marriage.
International Reputation
- Canada is a member of several international and regional organizations such as NATO, IMF, International Labor Organization (ILO), the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Organization of American States (OAS). Canada is a G8 state and very active in UN affairs. Canada has also given significant foreign aid and military assistance to Afghanistan since 2002. Strict human rights laws, high social tolerance, and relatively open immigration policies have elevated the status of Canada around the world. Canada's strongest foreign ties are with the U.S, with whom they have the world's largest trading relationship.
Economics
- Roughly $1.5 billion worth of goods are traded on average every day between Canada and the U.S., making the U.S. by far Canada's largest trading partner. Their trading relationship is also the largest in the world. Roughly 80% of Canada's exports go to the U.S., and Canada is also the U.S.'s largest supplier of foreign energy. In 2007, Canada experienced growth and relatively low inflation. Unemployment rates were also lower than they had been in three decades. Canada's economy has been growing at a steady space since World War II, and the implementation of NAFTA in 1994 has seen an increase in Canada's trade numbers.
- The global economic downturn of 2008 slowed growth considerably, due in part to the close relationship with the US economy. But its economy remains strong, sustaining a low unemployment rate of 6.2% as compared to other nations suffering from the recession. Canada has a wealth of natural resources and overall a very skilled workforce. While the federal budget has been balanced every year for over a decade, there exists debate over the distribution of federal funds to each province.
Foreign Aid
- Canada is a net donor of official development assistance, with roughly C$4.4 billion given annually. For more information see the
OECD Aid at a Glance chart.
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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