High School Social Studies World Geography Unit 04 Exemplar Lesson 04: Canada - U.S. Relations

Transcription

1 World Geography Studies Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Suggested Duration: 2 days High School World Geography Unit 04 Exemplar Lesson 04: Canada - U.S. Relations This lesson is one approach to teaching the State Standards associated with this unit. Districts are encouraged to customize this lesson by supplementing with district-approved resources, materials, and activities to best meet the needs of learners. The duration for this lesson is only a recommendation, and districts may modify the time frame to meet students needs. To better understand how your district may be implementing CSCOPE lessons, please contact your child s teacher. (For your convenience, please find linked the TEA Commissioner s List of State Board of Education Approved Instructional Resources and Midcycle State Adopted Instructional Materials.) Lesson Synopsis This lesson investigates the relationship that exists with our northern neighbor, Canada. TEKS The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) listed below are the standards adopted by the State Board of Education, which are required by Texas law. Any standard that has a strike-through (e.g. sample phrase) indicates that portion of the standard is taught in a previous or subsequent unit. The TEKS are available on the Texas Education Agency website at WG.1 WG.1A History. The student understands how geography and processes of spatial exchange (diffusion) influenced events in the past and helped to shape the present. The student is expected to: Analyze the effects of physical and human geographic patterns and processes on the past and describe their impact on the present, including significant physical features and environmental conditions that influenced migration patterns and shaped the distribution of culture groups today. Readiness Standard WG.5 WG.5A Geography. The student understands how political, economic, and social processes shape cultural patterns and characteristics in various places and regions. The student is expected to: Analyze how the character of a place is related to its political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics. Readiness Standard WG.8 WG.8A Geography. The student understands how people, places, and environments are connected and interdependent. The student is expected to: Compare ways that humans depend on, adapt to, and modify the physical environment, including the influences of culture and technology. Readiness Standard WG.10 Economics. The student understands the distribution, characteristics, and interactions of the economic systems in the world. The student is expected to: WG.10D Compare global trade patterns over time and examine the implications of globalization, including outsourcing and free trade zones. Last Updated 04/26/13 page 1 of 20

2 Supporting Standard World Geography Studies Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Suggested Duration: 2 days WG.13 Government. The student understands the spatial characteristics of a variety of global political units. The student is expected to: WG.13A Interpret maps to explain the division of land, including man-made and natural borders, into separate political units such as cities, states, or countries. Eligible for Dual-coding on STAAR WG.14 Government. The student understands the processes that influence political divisions, relationships, and policies. The student is expected to: WG.14C Analyze the human and physical factors that influence the power to control territory and resources, create conflict/war, and impact international political relations of sovereign nations such as China, the United States, Japan, and Russia and organized nation groups such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). Readiness Standard WG.15 Citizenship. The student understands how different points of view influence the development of public policies and decision-making processes on local, state, national, and international levels. The student is expected to: WG.15A Identify and give examples of different points of view that influence the development of public policies and decision-making processes on local, state, national, and international levels. Supporting Standard WG.16 Culture. The student understands how the components of culture affect the way people live and shape the characteristics of regions. The student is expected to: WG.16D Compare life in a variety of urban and rural areas in the world to evaluate political, economic, social, and environmental changes. Supporting Standard WG.18 Culture. The student understands the ways in which cultures change and maintain continuity. The student is expected to: WG.18D Evaluate the spread of cultural traits to find examples of cultural convergence and divergence such as the spread of democratic ideas, US-based fast-food franchises, the English language, technology, or global sports. Skills TEKS Supporting Standard WG.21 Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. The student is expected to: WG.21A Analyze and evaluate the validity and utility of multiple sources of geographic information such as primary and secondary sources, aerial photographs, and maps. Eligible for Dual-coding on STAAR WG.21B Locate places of contemporary geopolitical significance on a map. Eligible for Dual-coding on STAAR WG.22 Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms. The student is expected to: WG.22C Use geographic terminology correctly. Eligible for Dual-coding on STAAR WG.22D Use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. WG.23 Social studies skills. The student uses problem-solving and decision-making skills, Last Updated 04/26/13 page 2 of 20

3 World Geography Studies Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Suggested Duration: 2 days working independently and with others, in a variety of settings. The student is expected to: WG.23A Plan, organize, and complete a research project that involves asking geographic questions acquiring, organizing, and analyzing information answering questions communicating results. GETTING READY FOR INSTRUCTION Performance Indicators High School World Geography Unit 04 PI 04 Create a brochure about Canada to teach others about the relationship between the U.S. and Canada focusing on political, economic and social connections. Standard(s): WG.1A, WG.5A, WG.8A, WG.18D, WG.23A ELPS ELPS.c.3E Key Understandings Countries connect and become interdependent through political, economic, social and cultural factors. How are the political boundaries and governmental structures similar between Canada and the United States? How are Canada and the United States interdependent? Could or should the United States strengthen its relationship with Canada? Vocabulary of Instruction province prime minister import export Materials Prezi presentation Attachments All attachments associated with this lesson are referenced in the body of the lesson. Due to considerations for grading or student assessment, attachments that are connected with Performance Indicators or serve as answer keys are available in the district site and are not accessible on the public website. Handout: Facts: Canada and U.S. Handout: Canada and U.S. Similarities Teacher Resource: Canada and U.S. Similarities KEY Teacher Resource: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart KEY Resources Last Updated 04/26/13 page 3 of 20

4 World Geography Studies Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Suggested Duration: 2 days CIA World Fact Book: U.S. Department of State: Introduction to the Government of Canada Official Website: Advance Preparation 1. Become familiar with content and procedures for the lesson, including geography terminology. 2. Refer to the Instructional Focus Document for specific content to include in the lesson. 3. Select appropriate sections of the textbook and other classroom materials that support the learning for this lesson. 4. Preview available resources and websites according to district guidelines. 5. Prepare materials and handouts as needed. 6. Gather information on Canada for students to use in their brochures. 7. Make a sample brochure for students to use as an example. Gather material for making the brochures. Encourage students to bring their own materials from home. Background Information Many students know very little about our northern neighbor, Canada. Canada is one of our primary trading partners. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES Instructional Procedures ENGAGE Canada and the U.S. 1. Display images or a powerpoint presentation about Canada s geography, demographics, government, economy and history. 2. Questions for discussion based on the Prezi are as follows: How has geography influenced Canadian and U.S. interaction? Compare and contrast (based on images) metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. Compare and contrast government influences and interactions. Notes for Teacher NOTE: 1 Day = 50 minutes Suggested Day 1 10 minutes Purpose: Students compare and contrast the U.S. and Canada through images and engaging questions. TEKS: WG.1A, WG.5A, WG.13A, WG.16D, WG.18D, EXPLORE/EXPLAIN Canada and U.S. relations 1. As an introduction to Canada s rich history, geography, economy and government, students begin by sitting with a partner and reading the Handout: Facts: Canada and U.S. 2. Student partners proceed to complete a comparison chart using the Handout: Canada and U.S. Similarities. 3. Student partners join one other set of student partners to create a group of four. 4. Each group is assigned one of the topics from the Teacher Resource: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy. 5. After reading their policy information (card) from the Teacher Suggested Day 1 continued 30 minutes Attachments: Handout: Facts: Canada and U.S. Handout: Canada and U.S. Similarities Teacher Resource: Canada and U.S. Similarities KEY Teacher Resource: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart KEY Last Updated 04/26/13 page 4 of 20

5 Resource: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy, groups proceed to answer the required information using the Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart. (Note: groups, at this point are only required to answer based on the policy the group read about and evaluated.) 6. After groups complete the designated part of the chart, groups present their information on their policy to the rest of the class. At this point, all other students are expected to write notes on their chart about all the policies. 7. The end product for each student is a fully answered chart. (Handout: Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy) 8. Each student writes a short statement explaining which of all the policies is the most important and justify why. ELABORATE Canada s Government and Economy 1. Students answer the following questions: What geographic and economic characteristics make Canada dependent on Global trade and imports from America? Why must both Canada and America import oil and manufactured goods from China and Mexico? TEKS: WG.1A, WG.5A, WG.8A, WG.13A, WG.14C, WG.15A, WG.16D, WG.18D, WG.21A, WG.22A, WG.23A Purpose: This activity enhances student research skills while exploring various components of Canada. Students work cooperatively and share their knowledge about Canada with other class members. Instructional Note: Additional information may be added from the following links: Suggested Day 1 continued 10 minutes Purpose: This activity reveals to the students Canada s dependence on global free trade, as well as concerns about cultural and national identity TEKS: WG.1A, WG.5A, WG.8A, WG.13A, WG.14C, WG.15A, WG.16D, WG.18D World Geography Studies Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Suggested Duration: 2 days EVALUATE High School World Geography Unit 04 PI 04 Create a brochure about Canada to teach others about the relationship between the U.S. and Canada focusing on political, economic and social connections. Standard(s): WG.1A, WG.5A, WG.8A, WG.18D, WG.23A ELPS ELPS.c.3E Suggested Day 2 50 minutes Instructional Note: If students have access to a computer lab, the brochure may be created using publisher. If students do not have access to a computer lab, the brochure may be created as a pamphlet such as a three column folded paper organizer. Last Updated 04/26/13 page 5 of 20

6 Facts: Canada and U.S. World Geography Canada Background/History A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the U.S., its neighbor to the south across the world's longest unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment. Natural resources: iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower Land use: Arable land: 4.57% Permanent crops: 0.65% Other: 94.78% (2005) Irrigated land: 8,550 sq km (2003) Environment Current issues: Air pollution, resulting in acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming United States Background/History Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War ( ), in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the U.S. remains the world's most powerful nation state. Since the end of World War II, the economy has achieved relatively steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology. Natural resources: coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, rare earth elements, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber Note: the U.S. has the world's largest coal reserves with 491 billion short tons accounting for 27% of the world's total Land use: Arable land: 18.01% Permanent crops: 0.21% Other: 81.78% (2005) Environment Current issues: Air pollution, resulting in acid rain in both the U.S. and Canada; the U.S. is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; limited natural freshwater resources in 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 1 of 6

7 contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities Environment International Agreements: Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution- Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation Geography Second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and U.S. via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the U.S. border Ethnic groups: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26% Languages: English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6% (2006 Census) Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census) Languages: English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6% (2006 Census) World Geography much of the western part of the country requires careful management; desertification Environment International Agreements: Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol Geography World's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point on the continent Ethnic groups: White 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate) Note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the U.S. Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the U.S. who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total U.S. population is Hispanic. Languages: English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo- European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census) Note: Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii. 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 2 of 6

8 Population: 34,300,083 (July 2012 est.) Population: 313,847,465 (July 2012 est.) World Geography Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census) Net migration rate: 5.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 Urbanization: urban population: 81% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 1.1% annual rate of change ( est.) Government type: A parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional monarchy Constitution: made up of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial decisions, and traditions; the written part of the constitution consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April 1982, which transferred formal control over the constitution from Britain to Canada, and added a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as procedures for constitutional amendments Religions: Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.) Net migration rate: 3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 82% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change ( est.) Government type: Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition Constitution: 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789 Economy Overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the trillion-dollar class, Canada resembles the U.S. in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the U.S. as its principal Economy Overview: The U.S. has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $48,100. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. U.S. business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 3 of 6

9 trading partner. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with the U.S., which absorbs about three-fourths of Canadian exports each year. Canada is the U.S. s largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and electric power. Given its great natural resources, highly skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993 through Buffeted by the global economic crisis, the economy dropped into a sharp recession in the final months of 2008, and Ottawa posted its first fiscal deficit in 2009 after 12 years of surplus. Canada s major banks, however, emerged from the financial crisis of among the strongest in the world, owing to the financial sector s tradition of conservative lending practices and strong capitalization. Canada achieved marginal growth in 2010 and 2011 and plans to balance the budget by In addition, the country s petroleum sector is rapidly becoming an even larger economic driver with Alberta s oil sands significantly boosting Canada s proven oil reserves, ranking the country third in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.414 trillion (2011 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $1.737 trillion (2011 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2.5% (2011 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP): $41,100 (2011 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.9% agriculture: 1.9% industry: 27.1% services: 71% (2011 est.) World Geography foreign firms face entering U.S. markets. U.S. firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage, and other benefits. In 2008, soaring oil prices threatened inflation and caused deterioration in the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, which peaked at $840 billion. In 2009, with the global recession deepening, oil prices dropped 40% and the U.S. trade deficit shrank, as U.S. domestic demand declined; but in 2011 the trade deficit ramped back up to $803 billion, as oil prices climbed once more. Total spending on health care - public plus private - rose from 9.0% of GDP in 1980 to 17.9% in Longterm problems include inadequate investment in deteriorating infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable current account and budget deficits - including significant budget shortages for state governments - energy shortages, and stagnation of wages for lower-income families. GDP (purchasing power parity): $15.29 trillion (2011 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $15.09 trillion (2011 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.7% (2011 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP): $49,000 (2011 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.2% industry: 19.2% services: 79.6% (2011 est.) 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 4 of 6

10 Labor force: million (2011 est.) Labor force: million World Geography Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2% manufacturing: 13% construction: 6% services: 76% other: 3% (2006 est.) Unemployment rate: 7.5% (2011 est.) Population below poverty line: 9.4% Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 24.8% (2000) Agriculture Products: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; fish; forest products Industries: transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas Exports - commodities: motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum Exports - partners: U.S. 73.7%, U.K. 4.2% (2011) Labor force - by occupation: farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7% manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3% managerial, professional, and technical: 37.3% sales and office: 24.2% other services: 17.6% Unemployment rate: 9% (2011 est.) Population below poverty line: 15.1% (2010 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 30% (2007 est.) Agriculture Products: wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products Industries: highly diversified, world leading, high-technology innovator, second largest industrial output in world; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining Exports - commodities: agricultural products (soybeans, fruit, corn) 9.2%, industrial supplies (organic chemicals) 26.8%, capital goods (transistors, aircraft, motor vehicle parts, computers, telecommunications equipment) 49.0%, consumer goods (automobiles, medicines) 15.0% Exports - partners: Canada 19%, Mexico 13.3%, China 7%, Japan 4.5% (2011) Imports: $459.6 billion (2011 est.) Imports: $2.314 trillion (2011 est.) 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 5 of 6

11 World Geography Imports Commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods Imports Partners: US 49.5%, China 10.8%, Mexico 5.5% (2011) Imports Commodities: agricultural products 4.9%, industrial supplies 32.9% (crude oil 8.2%), capital goods 30.4% (computers, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicle parts, office machines, electric power machinery), consumer goods 31.8% (automobiles, clothing, medicines, furniture, toys) Imports Partners: China 18.4%, Canada 14.2%, Mexico 11.7%, Japan 5.8%, Germany 4.4% (2011) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $132.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) The world factbook. (2012). Retrieved from , TESCCC 04/10/13 page 6 of 6

12 World Geography Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Canada and U.S. Similarities Identify the similarities between Canada and the United States on each of the following categories. History/Culture Geography/Natural Resources Standard of Living/Education Government Economy/ Imports and Exports 2012, TESCCC 11/1/12 page 1 of 1

13 Canada and U.S. Similarities: KEY World Geography Unit: 04 Lesson: 04 Identify the similarities between Canada and the United States on each of the following categories. The purpose of this activity is to find similar generalities in each category. Along with a general description, students may also list specific data, such as shared natural resources and specific import and export items. History/ Culture Possible response Both nations share a historical and cultural connection with Great Britain. Both nations have a large population of English speaking people with Christianity as the majority religion. Both nations also have a growing immigrant population and a declining birth rate. Geography/Natural Resources Although Canada has less farmland and arable land, both nations share the same mountain range and other geographic regions such as plains, lakes and forests. Both nations have large deposits of coal, lumber and oil (Canada s oil is locked in shale). The natural resources for both countries allows for heavy industrial and machinery industries. Standard of Living/ Education Both nations have evolved to enjoy a similar high standard of living. Low infant mortality rate, high literacy rate, high life expectancy and large investments in health and education. Government Both governments are similar in that they share a common law tradition inherited from Great Britain. Each nation has a three branch government system, but Canada is still traditionally connected to Great Britain and does not share the same direct election process of the executive branch as the U.S. Also, unlike the U.S., Canada does not have a written constitution but instead an unwritten custom. Economy/ Imports and Exports Both the U.S. and Canada have a service-based high technological economy that is dependent on a highly educated workforce. Although exports include raw materials and heavy machinery, both nations are dependent on manufactured goods produced in China, India and Mexico. Both nations consume a large amount of oil and energy and are dependent on large amounts of oil imports. 2012, TESCCC 08/07/12 page 1 of 1

14 Canada-U.S. Relations: Policy World Geography Teacher Directions: Cut each of these cards and distribute one to each group. Each group reads the information and fills in the chart. NORAD In 1958, Canada and the United States signed the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement. The continental air defense pact monitors U.S. and Canadian airspace and encourages joint efforts in aerospace technologies. In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, there were discussions of deepening military cooperation along the NORAD model, in the context of the newly created U.S. Northern Command, to include land and sea forces. But some Canadians were concerned that such a move might impinge upon Canada s sovereignty, and in August 2002, the Canadian government announced that its land and sea forces would not be participating in the command. In December 2002, however, the two countries signed a new accord creating a bi-national planning group (BPG) based at NORAD to coordinate responses to terrorist attacks and other crises. The BPG issued its final report in March 2006; the panel put forward numerous recommendations, including that the two countries develop a common security vision and improve interoperability through joint military planning, training, exercises, and information sharing. In August 2004, Canada and the United States amended NORAD to permit it to share information on incoming ballistic missiles. Ottawa and Washington also agreed to expand the scope of the agreement to encompass nautical surveillance. In February 2008, the commanding generals of the U.S. Northern Command and its Canadian counterpart, Canada Command, signed a bi-national Civil Assistance Plan. Under the plan, the armed forces of each country, after appropriate consultation with civilian authorities on both sides of the border, may come to the support of the other country s military in the event of civil emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, or the effects of a terrorist attack. In May 2011, NORAD leaders noted that changes in the Arctic specifically, ice melt and commercial development would likely lead to a need for increased activity in the high north. 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 1 of 5

15 World Geography NATO Canada has been engaged in the debate over NATO s future. It supported the 1999 and 2004 rounds of enlargement and announced that it would participate in the NATO Response Force, which the alliance agreed to at its November 2002 Prague summit. At the April 2008 Bucharest summit, Canada endorsed the addition of Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia; in addition, it supported the proposal to offer Membership Action Plans to Georgia and Ukraine. Finally, as noted above, Ottawa has maintained troops in Afghanistan since 2002, and its military leaders have served in a command capacity. In April 2003, then Foreign Minister Graham, along with the Dutch and German governments, requested that NATO take over command of ISAF. In a 2009 speech in the U.K., Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay cautioned that NATO was being tested in the crucible of Afghanistan, and urged more equitable burden sharing. Although it has no troops stationed in NATO territory in Europe, Canada in recent years contributed several hundred troops to the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in the Balkans. Canada also supplied 200 troops to NATO s mission in Macedonia. Canada cooperated wing-to- wing with the United States in Operation Allied Force, the NATO campaign of air strikes against targets in Serbia and Kosovo, contributing 18 CF-18 fighter aircraft and providing two rotations of approximately 1,500 troops each to KFOR. In addition, Canada has supported non-nato peacekeeping operations; it has provided 600 to the initial U.N. peacekeeping mission in East Timor and has also sent 500 troops to maintain stability in Haiti. In 2011, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates lauded Canada for its contributions to the alliance missions in Afghanistan and Libya. In March 2012, however, it was reported that, as a part of its wide-ranging budget retrenchment efforts, the Canadian government had notified the alliance that it would halt its participation in the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program; the government estimates savings at C$90 million. 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 2 of 5

16 World Geography Border Security In the wake of the attacks on New York and Washington, U.S.-Canadian relations came to the fore. In particular, the issue of U.S.-Canada border security was brought into sharp focus. The issue first became a matter of urgent concern in December 1999, when U.S. border officials, acting on a tip from Canadian authorities, stopped Ahmed Ressam at the U.S.-Canadian border as he was attempting to smuggle explosives into the United States; it was later discovered that Ressam had planned to bomb the Los Angeles airport, and that he had received terrorist training from Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that none of the 19 September 11 hijackers entered from Canada, the attacks sparked renewed debate over Canadian laws regarding the treatment of immigrants seeking refugee status or political asylum. By February 2002, Ottawa had already made steps to tighten immigration and refugee policies, including more rigorous screening of people who claim refugee status and stepped up detentions and deportations of claimants suspected of being security risks. Some American policymakers pointed to the Ressam case as proof that the United States must tighten its borders with Canada. Skeptics, however, note that such measures might seriously impede commerce by creating long delays at border crossings, and that determined terrorists and criminals would at best be inconvenienced, not stopped, in traversing the two countries 5,500- mile border. About 80% of U.S.-Canada merchandise trade crosses the border by truck; many of these shipments are just-in-time deliveries; their delay at border crossings can seriously disrupt manufacturing in the United States and Canada. Both sides have strong incentives to strengthen security but keep goods flowing. Since the September 11, 2001, attacks, Ottawa and Washington have taken numerous steps, separately and jointly, to improve border control. The 2011 agreement focuses on information sharing and joint threat assessments to develop a common and early understanding of the threat environment; infrastructure investment to accommodate continued growth in legal commercial and passenger traffic; integrated cross-border law enforcement operations; and integrated steps to strengthen shared cyber-infrastructure. 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 3 of 5

17 World Geography Bilateral Trade Issues The United States and Canada enjoy the largest bilateral commercial relationship in the world; total two-way cross-border trade amounted to over $1.3 billion per day in Over the past twenty years, U.S.-Canada trade relations have been governed first by the 1989 U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement and, subsequently, by the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. These agreements, along with the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the creation of the World Trade Organization, contained mutual concessions on commercial trade barriers, and, more importantly perhaps, established binding dispute settlement mechanisms. While these agreements have resolved some of the sharp differences from the past, questions regarding the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanism remain. Meanwhile, several trade issues some old, some new have yet to be completely resolved. Many of these disputes involve long-running battles over agricultural commodities or natural resources, including softwood lumber and farm goods. Some analysts attribute the longevity of these conflicts to the inherent incompatibility of the two countries different natural resource and agricultural programs, others to the political sensitivity of the commodities under negotiation. 2012, TESCCC 04/10/13 page 4 of 5

18 World Geography Environmental Issues The United States and Canada, which share a common border that stretches 5,500 miles, cooperate extensively on environmental matters. Since they signed the Boundary Waters Treaty in 1909, the two countries have, through the International Joint Commission, worked together on protecting and maintaining border waterways, especially the Great Lakes. In 1978, the two signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. In 2002, Canada ratified the Kyoto Agreement; in 2006, however, the government announced that emission targets had been exceeded. The Harper government has established a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020, mainly by increasing reliance on hydro- and nuclear power, and by increasing carbon abatement in the oil sands, but it has also declared that it would coordinate its greenhouse emission strategy with the United States. In December 2011, Canada announced that it was withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol, after having declined to take on a second phase commitment in June The long feud over Pacific salmon one of the more prominent bilateral disputes in recent years had both environmental and commercial aspects. Canada contended that American fishermen were taking more than their equitable share of the migratory fish; the United States, on the other hand, maintained that its fishing was in accordance with the 1985 Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) and with sound conservation practices. Finally, the two sides continue to monitor the progress of the 1991 Canada- United States Air Quality Agreement. On January 7, 2003, Canadian and U.S. officials announced a new Joint Border Air Quality Strategy; under the initiative, pilot programs to reduce air pollution will be developed involving stakeholders at the state, provincial, and local levels. Ek, C., & Fergusson, I. F. Congressional Research Service, (2012). Canada-u.s. relations (96-397). Retrieved from website: , TESCCC 04/10/13 page 5 of 5

19 Canada and U.S. Relations: Policy Chart World Geography Directions: Explain how the similarities between Canada and the U.S. influenced the different shared policies and treaties. Also, explain the role of technology in implementing each policy or treaty. NORAD Use of Technology: NATO Use of Technology: Border Security Use of Technology: Bilateral Trade Issues Use of Technology: Environmental Issues Use of Technology: 2012, TESCCC 08/06/12 page 1 of 1

20 Canada-U.S. Relations Policy Chart: KEY World Geography Directions: Explain how the similarities between Canada and the U.S. influenced the different shared policies and treaties. Also, explain the role of technology in implementing each policy or treaty. (Possible responses) NORAD U.S. and Canada both share the same air space due to their proximity. It is in the best interest of both countries to share military information and response in defending the entire North American continent. Use of Technology: Latest advancement of radar, military computer software, military telecommunications network NATO Both counties share an integrated economic infrastructure that requires stability abroad. NATO allows for military alliances with some European nations who share similar interest of global stability. Use of Technology: Latest military technology and latest weapons systems, computer software and telecommunications network Border Security In the wake of 9/11, both nations have pledged to cooperate in order to secure their borders to prevent further terrorist attacks. Use of Technology: Latest technology on border security, computer software, telecommunications network Bilateral Trade Issues Throughout the years, both nation s economies have integrated for the mutual benefit of both and both nations believe it to be in their best interest to integrate further into the future. Use of Technology: Latest economic data, computer software, telecommunications network Environmental Issues Because of many years of high industrialization for both nations, pollution, global warming and other issues related to industrialization are a main concern for both nations. Use of Technology: Latest scientific knowledge on environmental issues, computer software, telecommunications network. 2012, TESCCC 08/06/12 page 1 of 1