Canada is known for being a diverse, beautiful, and safe destination, which is why millions of people from around the world visit the country every year. In fact, in 2016, as many as 20 million people travelled to Canada. This year will be even more exciting than usual, because Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday! From coast to coast, exciting events and activities will be held in order to commemorate this important milestone. With Canada’s birthday in mind, it’s a great time to reflect back on Canada’s past and look at just how much has changed since the country was born back in 1867.

Here’s a closer look at just three changes that have occurred, which your child will learn about at English summer camp.

1. During English Summer Classes, Your Child Will Learn that Multiculturalism Has Flourished

Canada is known around the world for being an extremely multicultural country. Canada’s culture has a reputation for embracing and welcoming people from all different nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. However, while immigration has been an important part of Canada’s history for a long time, Canada’s population wasn’t always as diverse as it is today. In 1871, just shortly after Canada was founded, over 80 per cent of Canadians who were born in other countries were from the British Isles. As of 2011, 140 years later, that number has shrunk to below 10 per cent.

Today Canada is very diverse, with over 13 different cultures now making up approximately 80 per cent of foreign-born Canadians. In fact, since 1971 multiculturalism has been an official government policy. This inclusive and welcoming stance is part of what makes Canada the perfect destination for your child to study English in Ottawa.

2. Canada’s Borders in 1867 Were Very Different Than They Are Today

Canada’s borders back in 1867 looked very different from how they do today. Back then, The Dominion of Canada only had three provinces, while today the country has a total of ten provinces and three territories. All three of Canada’s provinces in 1867 were located in the east of Canada. Today, Canada’s borders spread from the Atlantic Ocean in the East all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the West.

The three original provinces were New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada, which was split into two sections now known as Ontario and Quebec. Ontario is now the home of Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, and Destination Canada’s English summer classes.

Canada’s borders and provinces have changed significantly since 1867

3. During English Summer Classes, Your Child Will Learn that the National Anthem Has Changed

The Canadian National Anthem hasn’t always been what it is today, and it wasn’t until June 27th in 1980 that O Canada was officially recognized as the country’s national anthem.

Canada’s anthem, also known as O Canada, was performed for the very first time a hundred years earlier in 1880. However, it underwent several changes before it officially became the national anthem. The song was originally referred to as the Chant National and was written completely in French. Unfortunately, the original document with the lyrics cannot be found. The French lyrics to O Canada are believed to have stayed the same. However, the English lyrics to the anthem have changed several times, going through different versions such as the Richardson Version, the McCulloch Version, and the Weir Version before becoming the anthem your child will hear at summer camp.

Are you considering enrolling your child in an ESL summer program in Canada?

Contact Destination Canada today!