Political Alliance
Canada and Great Britain have been connected since Canada was founded in 1867 as a dominion of the British Empire. The country of Canada was initially made up of three British colonies, and Britain has had a strong presence in the country since then. This connection is most visible in the political arena. Canada and Great Britain both work together in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to promote peace and security around the world, and they are both part of the Commonwealth of Nations, an international alliance of nations that have historically been connected to the British Empire.
The Canadian Prime Minister is often invited to the annual meetings of the British-Irish Council, a forum for exchanging views and ideas between the governments of UK, Ireland and several other British-affiliated countries, such as Canada. Canada and Great Britain also work together within the Commonwealth to promote economic and social development in developing countries and to address issues of climate change and global poverty.
The countries also have strong diplomatic and military ties. Ottawa and London maintain close defence cooperation through defence attachés and joint military exercises, and they are also part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, a system of spying on foreign countries that share intelligence information. Furthermore, they are both members of the United Nations (UN) and the G7.
Technology and Industry
Canada and Great Britain have also been connected by technology and trade. Canada is Britain’s most important trading partner outside of the European Union and the two countries have a strong trade relationship. Canada is also a major supplier of natural resources, such as lumber, to Britain.
Canadian technology companies often partner with their British counterparts to develop innovative products and services. For example, the Canadian company OpenText recently partnered with the British firm NetCracker to develop a new cloud-based network traffic analysis platform. Also, the British company ARM designs and licenses many of the most advanced microprocessors in the world and it has partnered with a number of Canadian tech companies, such as Blackberry, in the development of its products.
Popular Culture
Canada and Great Britain are connected through popular culture as well. British television shows are enjoyed by Canadians, some of whom even consider them classic works of art. Some of the most popular British television shows are Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and Sherlock, all of which are widely viewed in Canada.
In the music industry, Canadian acts have often collaborated with British acts. For example, in 2015 the Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara released a collaboration with the British band Disclosure titled “The Good Things”. She has also collaborated with other British acts, such as Bastille, James Bay, and Snakehips.
Cultural Exchange
The close relationship between Canada and Great Britain is also evident in the large number of Canadians who travel to Britain and British people who travel to Canada. Canadians often take advantage of the frequent cheap flight deals to Britain, while British tourists flock to Canada to enjoy the vast landscapes and vibrant cities.
These tourists often take part in cultural exchanges, where they learn about each other’s cultures and exchange ideas and experiences. For example, Canadians visiting Britain learn about the British way of life, such as the pubs and their traditional cuisine, while British tourists to Canada learn about the country’s landscapes, its various cultures, and its unique style of politeness.
Historical Connections
The connection between Canada and Britain goes back centuries. The two nations share the same language, institutions, legal systems, and culture, all of which are reminders of their shared British history.
In terms of physical connections, the rideau canal in Canada was designed by British engineers and is a living monument to Canadian-British collaboration. The iron-hulled steamship SS Albert is also a reminder of the close connection between the two countries. This steamship was built in 1873 in England and powered by a Canadian-built engine, making it one of the first ships powered by a Canadian-built engine.
Cultural Influence
Canada and Great Britain have a strong influence on each other’s cultures. This influence can be seen in a variety of ways. For example, the British love of tea is evident in the number of tea rooms found in many Canadian cities, while the Canadian appreciation of British music is evident in the success of British acts in Canada.
The British influence can also be seen in Canadian literature, which has been heavily influenced by British authors. Canadian authors such as Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, and Michael Ondaatje have all taken inspiration from British writers like Virginia Woolf and J.R.R Tolkien.
Symbology
The connection between Canada and Britain is also evident in the symbology that is shared by the two countries. For example, the Union Jack, also known as the “British Flag”, is a common sight in Canada. The flag of Canada was inspired by the British flag, and the Canadian national anthem makes frequent references to Britain. The Canadian currency also has a strong British influence, with coins featuring the “Royal Portrait” of the monarch.
This symbology serves to remind Canadians and British people of the strong relationship between the two countries. It also illustrates the shared history between Canada and Britain, showing how the two countries have been connected for centuries.
Language Link
Another way in which Canada and Great Britain are connected is through language. English is the official language in both countries, and in fact, it is the most common language spoken in both countries. However, there are dialectical differences between the two countries that can be observed in terms of pronunciation, grammar, and accent.
The Canadian English language has many British influences, such as the use of British spellings of words, such as colour rather than color. Canadian slang words have also been influenced by British slang, such as taking the mickey and knackered.
Language can be seen as a bridge between the two countries, thus showing the strong connection between them.
Economic Ties
Furthermore, Canada and Great Britain have a strong economic connection. The economies of the two countries are highly intertwined, with the British economy accounting for a large portion of Canada’s exports and imports.
The two countries also share common investment opportunities. Canada is an attractive destination for British investors, due to its stable economy, its proximity to the United States, and its abundance of natural resources. Likewise, many Canadian companies have invested in the British economy, such as Blackberry, OpenText, and Bombardier.
This strong economic relationship between the two countries serves to illustrate the strong connection that has been formed between Canada and Great Britain.
Social Engagement
The connection between Canada and Great Britain also extends to the social realm. Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, are used by people of both countries to connect with each other and to share ideas and experiences.
This engagement serves to further strengthen the connection between the two countries. These platforms allow Canadians and British people to communicate and exchange insights, show their support for one another, and showcase their shared culture and history.
Education Exchange
The connection between Canada and Great Britain is further exemplified through the exchange of education. Canadian students often study in Britain, while British students often study in Canada.
For example, a number of Canadian universities have exchange programs with British universities, such as the University of Toronto and the University of Bristol. These exchange programs allow students to experience different cultures and learn from experts in their field of study.
This educational exchange serves to exemplify the strong connection between Canada and Great Britain, as it allows for the sharing of knowledge and understanding between two countries with a shared history.
