363 - 369 Perspectives

Coms 369-02
Jill McConnell

               
With some of the world's finest ski resorts, natural wonders of the world, such as Niagara Falls and the Bay of Fundy, and perhaps its greatest invention: poutine, Canada is an extraordinary country. Canada is the second largest country in the world next to Russia and is known world wide for its stunning landscape and friendly people. Despite all the beauty that Canada has to offer, I believe that most Canadians don't appreciate the nation they live in. In general, Canadians would prefer to travel abroad rather than exploring their own country. People often forget what amazing landscape and culture exists within their own nation. Canada is an amazing country, and tourists from all over the world come to Canada to experience our culture, fresh air and friendly hospitality. I believe it is important that all Canadians get out into their own backyards and experience Canada.
           
From a very young age I had dreamed of going to Europe and traveling the world. My parents made it very clear however that before I could travel abroad I needed to travel in Canada and learn about Canadian culture. Every summer my family would pile into the mini van and vacation in British Columbia and then head east through Saskatchewan to Manitoba. Every couple of years my family would pick a province to travel to during summer break. As a result I have been to 9/10 of the provinces and I hope in the near future that I will be able to travel to Newfoundland and all three of the territories. Some of my best and most memorable vacations have been while traveling through Canada. I spent my sixteenth birthday in a French restaurant in Montreal; I built sand castles on the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island; I got to sail on a yacht on the Pacific Ocean along Vancouver Island; I have been to the very top of the CN Tower in Toronto and I even had the opportunity to stand in the Prime Minister's office while on a tour in Ottawa. All of these experiences have led me to have a greater appreciation for my own country and a greater sense of pride when I travel internationally.           Some of the reasons I believe that it is beneficial to travel within Canada are: economic, to learn about Canadian history, its safe, most Canadians already speak one of the two official languages, one can experience the diversity in Canadian culture, the Canadian wildlife is some of the most amazing in the world. Combined with breathtaking scenery it is no wonder that Canada is a popular destination for international tourists.        

Economically it makes sense to travel in Canada because Canadians are stimulating the market by putting their money back into the Canadian economy. With international travel it is required to purchase different currency. The current exchange rate implies that Canadians would have to pay more to get Euros, the British Pound, Australian Dollar, and Swiss Franc. When traveling within Canada there is no need to “buy” money because you already own it. Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) are the only real price changes that Canadians would have to deal with. PST and HST varies between province ranging from 5% in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, to the highest total tax in Prince Edward Island with 15.5% with Nova Scotia next with 15%. By traveling within Canada economic prosperity is able to happen because money is circulating within the country.
          
Officially Canada became a bilingual nation in 1969 with the Official Languages Act. Due to the Official Languages Act English and French became the primary languages in Canada. Everyone in our Coms 369 class is fluent in English and would have no problem conversing with many locals across Canada. Even in Quebec were the language is predominately French most Canadian students have some sort of French education and would be able to get by.                

Canada has a unique history, founded by the French and then taken over by the British in 1759. A result of this battle was a large English majority, however French Canadians continued to keep their traditions and culture rather than being assimilated by the British. Canada is a relatively new country in comparison to most. Despite Canada's age there is still historic sites to visit. By understanding Canadian history citizens can develop a greater understanding of their nations history and have a better understanding of issues within Canadian society such as the French-English divide.              

Canadian culture is so diverse it is difficult to define. With so many foreign influences such as the British, French, Irish and Scottish in the Maritimes, native influences, and Canada being a multicultural nation, Canada is full of unique traditions and practices. Each province is different in Canada from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies to central Canada. The food within Canada is different from province to province. Each province seems to have a “local delicacy.” In the Maritimes lobster and crab is a stable where as in Alberta beef is popular. Montreal is famous for their Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich and poutine has become known as a truly Canadian creation. No matter where one goes in Canada they are sure to find a diverse group of people with a distinct culture and a great menu full of local creations.                      

Canada is one of the safest nations to live in scoring 8th in the world. Whenever I have traveled in Canada I have always felt safe and secure. Unlike in Europe where I am constantly guarding my purse and belongings I feel completely comfortable and secure when traveling through Canada. Canada also has a secure democratic government, which makes travel easy and safe.                    

Canada has become known world wide for its impressive wildlife and scenery. Containing natural wonders of the world such as Niagara Falls and Dinosaur National Park, the beauty of Canada can be seen across the entire nation. There is beauty in every part of the Canadian landscape whether it is the flat farm land of Saskatchewan or the icebergs in Newfoundland. International tourists always seem to get a thrill when they spot a grizzly bear or see a big horned sheep. Canada is fortunate to have such a wide range of landscapes and animals. Wherever your travels take you within Canada I am sure that you will come into contact with a native animal living in a beautiful environment.             

If you have felt compelled to pick up your bags and travel across Canada some destinations I would recommend are: the Banff Springs Hotel, the Calgary Stampede, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the CN tower, the Parliament Buildings, Peggy’s Cove, and Anne of Green Gables House. Whatever your travel tastes might be I am positive that Canada will be one of the most memorable trips you ever have. Enjoy your travels! 


References:
Currency Exchange (X-Rates) (paragraph 4): http://www.x-rates.com/table/?from=CAD&amount=1
Harmonized Sales Tax and Provincial Tax (paragraph 4): http://www.thehstblog.com/2010/07/articles/recordkeeping/canadian-federal-and-provincial-sales-tax-rates/
Department of Justice: (paragraph 5): http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/O-3.01/
World's 10 Safest Countries to visit: (paragraph 8) http://www.divinecaroline.com/31/82437-world-s-ten-safest-countries-visit