Canada is divided into four subregions—the Atlantic, Core, and Prairie Provinces, and the Pacific Province and the Territories. Each subregion possesses unique natural resources, landforms, economic activities, and cultural life.
A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE The Grand Banks, a shallow section of the North Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland, make up one of the earth’s richest fishing grounds. In fact, it was the abundance of fish—including cod, haddock, herring, and mackerel—that first attracted Europeans to the region centuries ago. Today, thousands of hardy Canadians make their living fishing in these coastal waters. One, Alex Saunders of Labrador, remarked that “fishing is a disease. Once you start, you keep at it, do what- ever’s necessary. I jeopardize my home, all my possessions just to keep this boat going and keep fishing.” The Grand Banks are part of the Atlantic Provinces, one of Canada’s four subregions.
The Atlantic Provinces
Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. Each has a unique population, economy, and resources. Eastern Canada is the loca- tion of the four Atlantic Provinces—Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
HARSH LANDS AND SMALL POPULATIONS As you can see on the chart below, the Atlantic Provinces are home to just 8 percent of Canada’s population. Of these people, most live in coastal cities, such as Halifax, Nova Scotia, and St. John, New Brunswick. The small popula- tion is due largely to the provinces’ rugged terrain and severe weather
For example, about 85 percent of the land in Nova Scotia cannot be farmed because of rocky hills and poor soil. In New Brunswick, forests cover 90 percent of the land. Newfoundland—made up of the island of Newfound- land, Labrador, and nearby islands—is visited by fierce storms that roar up the Atlantic seaboard.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES Despite the sometimes harsh conditions, the people of the Atlantic Provinces have learned to use what the land and the sea offer them. For example, New Brunswick’s dense forests provide the province with its largest industry—logging. This indus- try produces lumber, wood pulp, and paper products. The Gulf of St. Lawrence and coastal waters supply plen- tiful stocks of seafood for export. Also, there is mining for zinc, copper, lead, and silver.
Logging and fishing are mainstays of the economy of Nova Scotia, too. This province boasts one of the largest fish-processing plants in North America. In addition, shipbuilding and trade through the port of Halifax pro- vide more employment and revenue. Until the 20th cen- tury, fishing was the principal industry in Newfoundland. Today, the province also has healthy mining and logging industries. Moreover, its hydroelectric-power resources are part of a system supplying power to Quebec and parts of the northeastern United States.
The Core Provinces— Quebec and Ontario
In 1608, Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, built a fort, the first European structure in what is now Canada, at present-day Quebec City. Four centuries later, the lands he colonized are part of the country’s most dynamic region—Quebec and Ontario, Canada’s Core Provinces.
THE HEARTLAND OF CANADA Quebec and Ontario are often referred to as Canada’s heartland, and with good reason. Three out of five Canadians live there. Ontario is the largest province in terms of popu- lation, Quebec in land area. Most of the settlement in these inland provinces is found along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Each province is the core of one of Canada’s two major cultures. A large number of Canada’s English-speaking majority live in Ontario. For most French-speaking Canadians, Quebec is home.
CANADA’SPOLITICALANDECONOMICCENTER OntarioandQuebec are at the center of Canada’s political and economic life. Ottawa is the capital of the federal government. It is located in southeastern Ontario, right next to the border of Quebec province. Quebec has its own politi- cal importance as the heart of French Canadian life.
Ontario and Quebec also power Canada’s economy. Together, they account for more than 35 percent of Canadian agricultural production, 45 percent of its mineral output, and 70 percent of its manufacturing
Toronto, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, is not only the country’s most populous city but also its banking and financial hub. Montreal, located on the St. Lawrence River, is Canada’s second largest city. It is the center of economic and political activity in Quebec province.