The Canadian people

Immigration has been a key part in Canadian society’s growth throughout our nation’s history.

Canada’s population of over 36 million people reflects a cultural, ethnic and linguistic mix that is unique in the world.

Canadian multiculturalism is based on the belief that all citizens are equal and that diversity makes us stronger as a country.

Founding peoples

The founding peoples of Canada include:

• Aboriginal peoples
• French Canadians
• English Canadians

Aboriginal peoples

Aboriginal peoples had family living in Canada before European explorers, pioneers and settlers arrived. There are three different groups of Aboriginal peoples:

• First Nations
• Inuit
• Métis

French Canadians

French Canadians are the descendants of French settlers and include:

• Acadians
• Quebecers
• people in smaller French-speaking communities across Canada

The Acadians are descendants of French colonists who settled 400 years ago in what is now the Atlantic Region.

Quebecers (“Québécois” in French) live in Quebec. Most are French-speaking descendants of French settlers from the 17^th and 18^th centuries who brought many French traditions with them.

Quebecers have a unique identity, culture and language. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament recognized the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada. One million English-speaking Anglo-Quebecers form an important part of Quebec society.

English Canadians

Most English Canadians are descendants of English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish people. These include settlers, soldiers and migrants who came to Canada from the 17^th to the 20^th century. Generations of these pioneers helped bring British political customs and traditions to Canada.

Newcomers

Most Canadians were born in Canada and came from the original founding peoples. But over the past 200 years, many newcomers have helped to build and defend this country’s way of life.

Today, many ethnic and religious groups live and work in peace as proud Canadians. Until the 1970s, most immigrants came from European countries. Since then, the majority have come from Asian countries.

About 20 per cent of Canadians were born outside Canada. In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, this number is over 45 per cent. Immigrants like you are a valued part of Canada’s multicultural society.

For more information on the Canadian people, read the Discover Canada guide.