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Home  About Canada People
> Population
> Canadian Multiculturalism
> Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
> Women in Canada
> Useful Links
Our PopulationIn 2000, Canada's population was 30.7 million. The leading Canadian cities are Toronto (4.68 million), Montreal (3.43 million), Vancouver (2.01 million), Ottawa-Hull - the National Capital Region (1.06 million). A large majority of Canadians, 77 percent, live in cities and towns. In 1998, the average family size was 3.1, including 1.2 children. According to the 1991 census, more than four-fifths of Canadians are Christian, with Catholics accounting for about 46 percent of the population and Protestants about 36 percent. Other religions include Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Some 12.5 percent, more than any single denomination except Roman Catholic, have no religious affiliation at all. In 1996, about 19 percent of the population reported "Canadian" as their single ethnic origin, with 17 percent reporting British Isles-only ancestry and 9 percent French-only ancestry. About 10 percent reported a combination of British Isles, French, or Canadian origin, with another 16 percent reporting an ancestry of either British Isles, French or Canadian in combination with some other origin. Some 28 percent reported origins other than the British Isles, French or Canadian.Canadian MulticulturalismCanada is internationally recognized as one of the most tolerant, open and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. In the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with about 16 percent of the nearly 30 million people who live here today being first-generation immigrants. Throughout our history, the reasons why people have migrated from their homelands to Canada are as diverse as their cultures. Some came to join family or to escape from poverty, overpopulation or religious persecution. Others were forced to leave because of environmental disasters, war or political unrest. And still others have come for the economic opportunities Canada offers. Whatever the reason, all immigrants crave a better life for themselves and their families. By providing this opportunity, Canada benefits tremendously from their valuable economic, social and cultural contributions ...more.Aboriginal Peoples of CanadaCanada's Constitution recognizes three distinct Aboriginal peoples: First Nations (Indians), Métis (people of both Aboriginal and European ancestry) and Inuit (Arctic people). Today, the Aboriginal population in Canada, which is growing at almost twice the rate ofthe overall population, accounts for about three per cent of all Canadians, or roughly 790 000 people. Of those, about 69 percent are First Nations, 26 percent are Métis and five percent are Inuit. Though each group is unique, all Aboriginal people share a deep sense of cultural pride, an intense spiritual relationship with the land, a great respect for all living creatures, and the fervent desire to attain their rightful place within Canadian society. As they have in the past, these deeply held beliefs will continue to enrich the fabric of this great nation now and in the future ...more.Women in CanadaWomen have a long history of active involvement in all aspects of Canadian life. In 1918, after a long struggle, they won the universalright to vote in federal elections. In 1929, they helped overturn a previous court ruling that barred women from appointments to theSenate on the grounds that they were not "persons" within the meaning of the law. There have been remarkable changes to society and tothe lives of Canadian women since then. In 1929, less than 4 percent of women worked outside the home. In 1999, 55 percent of women hadpaid work, compared to 67 percent of men. Women are marrying later and having fewer children, and more women are living independently...more.Useful Links > What is Multiculturalism? > Canadian Heritage Department > Aboriginal Awareness > Languages (stats) > Population reporting an Aboriginal identity, by mother tongue (stats) > Families, households and housing (stats) > Multiculturalism > Age Pyramid of the Population > 2001 Community Statistical Profiles > Aboriginal Canada Portal |
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