© Emond Montgomery Publications Limited
Geography, Gr. 9
Human Systems – SS2.02
Ethnicity Canada
Ethnicity refers to the racial or cultural origins of a person.
Canada is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic place.
We work and live together and enjoy our similarities and differences.
COMPLETE THIS TABLE (SS2.02) (Data from Statistics Canada, 2006 Census)
List at least TWO countries
Number of
Area of Ethnic Origin
that are included in this group
people
(use an atlas)
British Isles origins
UK, Ireland
2,548,330
French origins
France, Switzerland
1,256,905
Rank
(1= biggest
14 = smallest)
Southern European origins
1,439,445
Other European origins
2,287,210
Arab origins
315,995
West Asian origins
223,030
South Asian origins
1,089,100
East and Southeast Asian origins
1,854,090
African origins
251,060
Oceania and Pacific Islands origins
10,800
14
Latin, Central and South American
origins
196,670
13
Caribbean origins
335,230
Aboriginal origins
630,425
North American origins
More than one origin
Canada, United States
5,881,285
12,921,445
N/A
© Emond Montgomery Publications Limited
ETHNICITY IN CANADA
On a census form what would you write as your ethnic origin? ____________________________
What is the largest ethnic origin in Canada? ____________________
Did you expect this to be the answer? Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Europeans discovered Canada in 1497, around 500 years ago. Before this, what used to be the
largest ethnic origin in Canada?
______________________________
What is that ethnicity’s rank in Canada today? _________ out of 14.
Why is it no longer the largest?
All Canadians who do not have Aboriginal origins, come from somewhere else. Why do you think
people would say that their ethnic origin is “Canadian.” Explain.
What do you think “more than one origin” means?
People from different parts of the world bring so many wonderful things to Canada. One of these
is their cuisines or foods. Complete this table (with the help of the teacher):
Ethnic origin
Cuisine or Foods that originate from this culture
Italian
Fish & Chips, Scones, Sandwiches, Steak & Kidney Pie, Cheddar Cheese &
Custard
Chinese
Central and South
America
Cornbread, Turkey, Cranberries, Blueberries, Squash, Corn, Quinoa, Succotash
Naan, Curry, Samosas, Butter Chicken, Tandoori, Kebabs