About Canada

About Canada

Before you arrive: Get to know Canada

Canada may be very different from your home country, which means there is a great deal to learn about and explore before you arrive here. These pages will introduce you to important features of this country, such as the Canadian climate and lifetyle practices.

Land and climate:

- Canada is the second largest country on earth and has three ocean borders:
- the Pacific Ocean in the west
- the Atlantic Ocean in the east
- the Arctic Ocean to the north.
Canada also borders the United States in the south and in the northwest regions
Canada has many different types of landscape. There are areas with high mountains, different types of forests, prairie grasslands and arctic tundra where the ground is permanently frozen. Canada is also home to many rivers and lakes.

Seasons

In Canada, there are four different seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall) and winter.

The Canadian people

Throughout history, immigration has been an important part in the development of Canadian society.

Founding Peoples
Aboriginal peoples are people whose family lived in Canada before the arrival of European explorers, pioneers and settlers. There are three different groups:
- First Nations
- Inuit
- Metis
French Canadians are the descendants of French settlers and include Acadians, Quebecers and people in smaller French-speaking communities across Canada.

Government:

Canada has three levels of government:
-Federal
-Provincial or Territorial
- Municipal

Canadian Law and Justice:

In Canada, the law applies to everyone, including:
- the police
- the government
- public officials
Canadian laws recognize and protect basic rights and freedoms, such as liberty and equality.

Human rights:

Canadian citizens and residents have rights. It is important for you to learn about your rights and duties in Canada. You should also understand the importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and how it reflects Canadian values and beliefs.

Provinces and Territories:

Alberta (AB)
British Columbia (BC)
Manitoba (MB)
New Brunswick (NB)
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
Northwest Territories (NT)
Nova Scotia (NS)
Nunavut (NU)
Ontario (ON)
Prince Edward Island (PE)
Quebec (QC)
Saskatchewan (SK)
Yukon (YT)