Canada’s Distinction as a Country

A country is a nation or a state. However, a nation cannot be recognized as a country until it has accomplished something for it’s self and the world. This same principle applied to Canada, but Canada has proven itself through its military, social and economic acts. Canada’s distinction as a country can be confirmed from the Battle at Vimy Ridge, the Kyoto Accord and NAFTA.

Firstly, Canada’s distinction can be proven through Vimy Ridge, a very famous Canadian dominant battle held during the Great War. The capture of Vimy was more than just an important battlefield victory for the Allies, for the first time all four Canadian divisions had attacked together. This meant that soldiers from all regions of Canada had fought. This battle meant something for Canada. The Canadian troops accomplished what two larger countries could not do – win a battle against a very strong fortified area of German line. This war would be an inspiration for Canadians ever since. “Those who seek the foundations of Canada’s distinction would do well to begin here at Vimy”¹ Upon hearing that Vimy Ridge, the most fortified point on the Western Front, had been captured, a French solider exclaimed “C’est impossible!” When he learned the Canadian forces had accomplished it, he replied “Ah! Les Canadians! C’est possible!” From this battle, Canadians gained confidence as a nation and also a sense of pride in themselves. A high ranked officer declared after the war at Vimy, “In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation.”² This battle became a pillar for the rest of the accomplishments Canadians would achieve to prove their distinction as a country. Overall, the battle at Vimy Ridge distinguished Canada’s distinction as a country and as a great nation of hero’s.

Secondly, Canada’s distinction as a country can be seen through the Kyoto Accord. The Kyoto Accord is the most significant environmental treaty every negotiated, informally known as Earth’s Summit. Its aim was to reduce emissions of gases that contribute to global warming. “The purpose of Kyoto is to establish an international mechanism for dealing with global warming by taking the first tentative steps towards a difficult goal; overpowering global warming”. Canada, being the third worst polluter of the world (after Australia and the United States) decided to take action against climate change; the most challenging environmental issue facing the world this century. “The analysis of Kyoto has shown large net benefits to the economy and to Canadian citizens from a set of targeted domestic policies. Lower energy bills, increased jobs, pollution reduction and technology progress can be enjoyed over the next decade if such policies are implemented”³The Kyoto Accord benefited (and will continue to) Canadians greatly. Due to this treaty, the Canadian economy is financially stronger than the U.S; who refused to act according to the treaty. To sum up, the Kyoto Accord distinguishes Canada’s distinction as a country since it provides economical boost and shows what Canada can do being a G8 Power while others at the same status choose not to.