Unit 5- Writing an EssayPatrick McEachen

What does it mean to be A Canadian in the twenty-first Century?

Canadians lives are so different and have evolved greatly since the start of the

20th century. Most senior citizens can barely keep up with all the changes and

advancements that have led us into the 21st century. The Internet has reshaped

communication in ways that were unimaginable 20 years ago. Canadians today live in a

very diverse and multicultural environment where visible minorities are integral parts of

our society. We also experience exceptional security measures to help ensure our safety.

As Canadians living in the 21st century, we are part of a massive world

transformation which includes overpopulation, rise and fall of nations and new

technologies to name a few. “This transformation has led to a dramatic shift in the types

of threats that Canada has faced since the cold war. Since the attacks of September 11th,

threats to security seem to lurk around every corner” (Davis). In response to these new

security threats, we are now living with improved domestic and international policies that

affect every Canadian’s way of life. The most noticeable change has been extreme

increased security at our borders. A delicate balance has been achieved to ensure that our

border remains “open for business but closed to terrorists and criminals” (Government).

As such, Canadians face hour long line ups at border crossings and airports. Passports are

now required to enter the United States. There may even be repercussions in the pattern

of Canadian immigration in the near future.

“Instant messaging, "skyping", Google-talk, podcasts and blogs, all allow

Canadians to connect with one another and with people outside Canada to an

unprecedented degree” (Coyne). The Internet has redefined communication in the 21st

century. Our government is helping and committed to “make the information highway

available to all Canadians for learning, commerce, creative expression and for

communication” (Canadian). This commitment is allowing Canadians to do virtually

everything via the Internet: paying bills, reading news, taking university courses, playing

video games and shopping just to name a few. Canada is “the first nation in the world to

connect all our public schools and libraries to the Internet” (Government). Canadians

live in one of the most connected countries in the world.

Living in Canada in the 21st century also means living in a multicultural society.

Multiculturalism is part of our national identity. We live in one of the world’s most

diverse, tolerant, progressive and open societies. Cultural diversity was very evident in a

recent census in which more than 200 different ethnic origins were reported. “As a

result, visible minorities have also become an increasingly important part of our national

fabric” (About). Our multiculturalism has been described as a mosaic of world cultures.

It supports religious, racial and ethnic harmony and cross-cultural understanding. All

Canadians are encouraged to “integrate into their society and take an active part in its

social, cultural, economic and political affairs” (Government). Multiculturalism is what

makes this country rich and unique. One should feel very proud to be living in this

century.

We live in a very different society in this century, with immigrants moving in

from all parts of the world. With this in mind, homeland security measures have become

very thorough and in doing so could make it more difficult for people to enter our

country. Being a Canadian in the twenty-first century entails adjusting to our online

world, accustoming yourself to a multicultural society, and benefitting from extra

precautions to ensure our safety. It’s a privilege to be living in this century. There is no

better time to be Canadian!

Works Cited

“About Canada.” Multiculturalism in Canada. The Centre for Canadian Studies.

Mount Allison University. 31 May 2009. 3 June 2009.

<http://www.mta.ca/about_canada/multi/>.

“Canadian Way in the 21st century.” Prime Minister of Canada. Welcome to Canada’s

Future. 8/12/2003. 3 June 2009. <http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca>.

Coyne, Deborah. “Reinventing Canada for the 21st century.” Canadians Without

Borders: ideas for Canada. Notes for remarks for the University of

Toronto Lecture Series. 8 Mar. 2007. 3 June 2009.

<http://www.deborahcoyne.ca>.

Davis, Jessica M. “Canadian Security: Threats and Responses in the 21st Century.”

War Studies Programme, Royal Military College of Canada.

29 Oct. 2004.1 June 2009.

<http://www.cda-cdai.ca/symposia/2004/Davis,%20Jessica-Paper.pdf>.

Government of Canada Internet Guide. What is Multiculturalism. Connecting Canadians

to the Digital Economy. Smart Border Declaration and Action Plan.

4 June 2009. <http://www.canada.gc.ca>.