Introduction

What Is the Canadian State?

Compose Your Thoughts

Canadian Army notice for an essay-writing contest, ca. 1918 [ Source ]

This document encourages Canadians to express their ideas on how to improve their country. What are the questions Canadians should discuss today regarding the country's future?

Official notice of public meetings to discuss the location of the border between Upper and Lower Canada, December 16, 1859 [ Source ]

This document records examples of Canadians hosting important public discussions at home. Is this kind of direct civic engagement still possible?

The Canadian state is many things. It is a territory with definite borders and established systems of government. It is a land occupied by people who identify themselves as Canadians. It is a set of political institutions, conventions, and ideals. You are the next leaders of the Canadian state.

The Canadian State Web exhibition encourages you to define, discuss, and document your own ideals for this complex country. By thinking critically about Canadian government, democracy, identities, law, and our role in the world, you can add to the history of "peace, order, and good government" aspired to in the Constitution Act, 1867.

Drawing on the rich documentary heritage collection at Library and Archives Canada, The Canadian State is an educational resource that offers both classroom activities and primary historical materials to support a broader understanding of government and politics in Canada.