TrodPod: Canada

Oh gosh, Canada is vast and it is pretty sort of relevant in the world right now.

But where does its amazing history really start?

It's a good question.

So long, long, long before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous peoples, so including the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, they'd lived across the region for thousands of years, developing these rich cultures, these trade networks and systems of governance.

In fact, the first Europeans to reach Canada were Norse explorers around the year 1000.

And a permanent European settlement began much, much later.

Now, in the 16th and 17th century, French and British explorers arrived in search of trade routes and resources as well.

And France actually established colonies along the St. Lawrence River, creating New France in inverted commas, while the British developed settlements further east.

The fur trade quickly became central to the economy and shaped relations between Europeans and the indigenous peoples.

Now, during the 18th century, Britain and France fought for control of North America.

Britain emerged victorious after the Seven Years' War and France ceded most of its Canadian territories to Britain in 1763.

Despite this, French language and culture remained strong, especially in Quebec.

Now, Canada gradually evolved from a British colony into a self-governing nation.

Confederation took place in 1867 when Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united to form the Dominion of Canada.

Over time, additional provinces and territories joined, stretching the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific and eventually even into the Arctic.

The 20th century saw Canada emerge as an increasingly independent country.

Canadians fought in both world wars helping shape national identity and international standing.

In 1982, Canada fully patriated its constitution from Britain, giving it complete constitutional independence.

So I am amazed that Canada sort of is actually, in terms of its independent form, relatively recent.

It still, of as its head of state.

But it's, yeah, I mean, it's such a fascinating history.

Elle, where, I mean, Canada is beloved, I think, by everyone, primarily because every single Canadian seems to be the most wonderful person on earth when you meet them.

But what's your sense of where the country is right now and where it's heading?

It's very true.

So I think I mean, I think about Canada and I don't know if it's the same about you, but when someone says sum up Canada quickly, it's as you say, wonderful people.