Canada's Presence on the Global Stage since 1914

Marco Antonio Rubino

Since the beginning of World War 1, several countries around the world have developed

significantly. Countries have brought in larger artilleries, bulkier gross economies, and an overall

growth of their country. Canada's role on the global stage has expanded since 1914 because of

the G7, Pierre Trudeau’s cabinet as well as actions as the prime minister and the co-allegiance as

well support of the British Commonwealth. Discussion in the G7 as Canada was a member

allowed for intercountry discussions on world problems and business. Trudeau's time in office

helped set the stage for Canada for the many years of sovereignty

to come. Because of Pierre Trudeau, Canada did become its own country. And we cannot forget

about the British, as the commonwealth alongside the British the Empire did help Canada in the

shaping of its country in the very early 20th century

Canada remains part of the commonwealth of nations to this day, but as a solely

independent nation nowadays. That is not to say that Canada's partnership with Britain did not

have an impact on Canada's presence on the global stage. “ Canada and the UK work closely

together in many international organizations. Ours are the only two countries that are members of

NATO, the G7, the G20, and the Commonwealth. Through the United Nations, World Bank, and

other organizations, Canada and the UK continue to promote our shared values and commitment

to international development. We work very closely in areas like gender equality, health, and

education.” Canada and the UK work closely together in many international organizations.

We are the only two countries to be a part of NATO, the G20 as well the G7, and the

commonwealth. In these organizations, Canada and the UK work together to promote shared

values and commitment to international development. Gender equality, education and health are

some of the most important topics that arise when our countries collaborate. Canada and Britain

have fought together in every war and almost all conflicts around the world. Our allegiance in
 Rubino 2

times of war and conflict is a "brotherhood” would be. Canada joined WW1 to support Canada.

In sequence, Canada joined WW2 to also support Britain in supplying artillery and vehicles such

as planes. In World War 2, Canada and Britain helped form the Allies. The largest factor in

stopping the Axis. Canada's tenacious army gave Canada a larger global presence because of the

authority they could have when partnered with countries like France, the United States, but

mainly the United Kingdom. Canada and Britain share the same sovereign (Her Majesty Queen

Elizabeth II). Almost all things that high-ranking officials do have to go through the Queen.

Moreover, government officials and new citizens swear an oath under the Queen. She is more

known in the land of Britain but still has an important role in expanding Canada on the global

stage because she is such a prominent figure in the world.

In 1980, Trudeau announced plans to reform Canada's constitution (constitutional rights).

He accomplished this by making the Constitution Act of '82. This included the charter rights and

the independence of Canada from Britain. "For the past 35 years, the charter has helped build a

country where people from all over the world can come together as equals and create

opportunities for one another."1 The Trudeau government sought to abolish the Indian act and

instead help give land to first Nation peoples. Most knowingly Nunavut. Expanding on the global

stage does not have to be inter-continental. Creating more provinces and places for people to live

in your country adds up to a bigger picture. This goes the same for the act of 82’. Human rights

are the most important thing in a person's life. As a French-Canadian man himself, Pierre

Trudeau fought long and hard for unity between English and French Canadians. The official

languages act was placed on the books in 1968. This is concrete proof that Canada is a bilingual

1
“Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 35th Anniversary of the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms,” Prime Minister of Canada, accessed January 19, 2022,
[Link]
-canadian-charter-rights#:~:text=The%20Prime%20Minister%2C%20Justin%20Trudeau,create%20o
pportunities%20for%20one%20another.
 Rubino 3

country and that both languages in the country should be respected and not frowned upon. This

act is a step in the right direction for unity between the English-speaking and French-speaking

alike. The French-speaking and the French population rose in a study from 2011-2016. Quebec,

in particular, is a predominant province in Canada because of its largely French audience.2

Canada's multiculturalism policy 1971. Multiculturalism is more of a recognition of diversity

rather than a pitiful government policy. Immigration and refugee status rose in Canada. Citizens

of the world were going to Canada because something good was brewing in that country. P.M.

Trudeau was the mastermind in this process. He knew what he was doing and executed it very

well. Studies show that Immigration from 1970 to 1982 averaged 140 thousand people per year.

That's 1.7 millions immigrants from the span of Trudeaus ' time in office.3

The G7 is a powerful group that brings together some of the world's most powerful

countries to address global concerns and potential solutions.

At the time of discussions, the G7 allowed Canada to interact with leaders of important

countries regarding politics, social justice, and any current happenings. Because of the G7's

relevance, Canada is ready to broaden its position on the world scene. Cornwall hosted the most

recent meeting. The Covid-19 epidemic was, of course, the central theme. Leaders pondered how

to overcome the pandemic and establish a great outcome. In Canada, the G7's influence is

2
“This Article in the Census in Brief Series Shows the Recent Evolution of English and French in
Canada in Terms of Knowledge of Official Languages, Language Spoken at Home and Mother
Tongue. It Also Shows the Demographic Evolution of Official Language Minorities between 2011 and
2016 in the Provinces and Territories.,” Census in Brief: English, French and official language
minorities in Canada (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, August 2, 2017),
[Link]
[Link].

3
Statistics Canada Government of Canada, “150 Years of Immigration in Canada,” Government of
Canada, Statistics Canada, May 17, 2018,
[Link]
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sometimes overlooked. The association's additional six members include prestigious countries

such as Japan, the United States, and Russia. These are not to be taken lightly, as they have some

of the largest and most powerful economies. Canada is fortunate to be a member of the union.

Pierre Trudeau was one of the primary reasons Canada was welcomed to the G7. The existing

members of what was the G6 recognized his principles and thoughts on equality and inclusion.

This can be seen in the multiple acts and policies put in place under Trudeau that pushed Canada

to a higher platform on the world stage.

Since 1914, Canada has expanded on the global stage significantly. Trudeau's time in

office helped set the stage for Canada for the many years of sovereignty

to come. The Commonwealth alongside the British Empire did help Canada in the shaping of its

country in the very early 20th century. Whilst the G7 brought in ties with multiple countries to

discuss world problems. To this day Canada is in a constant state of expansion on the global

stage. We tend to compete on the global stage with the larger countries on the world stage such

as China, the United States, and Russia. Canada has and wants to keep the bravado of being a

large country on the global stage. It is certain that Canada will keep growing globally because of

the assets we hold within our country.

1. Branch, Legislative Services. “Consolidated Federal Laws of Canada, Canadian

2 .“Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.” Canadian Multiculturalism Policy, 1971

3. “Canada Act.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed

4. Canada, Global Affairs. “Canada and the Commonwealth.” GAC, June 11, 2021.
[Link]
ales/multilateral-multilateraux/[Link]?lang=eng.

5. “Canada Act.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed

6. Gerson, Jen. “How Exactly Does the Commonwealth Work Anyway?” nationalpost.
National Post, October 8, 2013.
[Link]
ay.

[Link] of Canada, Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada. Canada

8. “PM Pierre Trudeau Introduces Bill on Official Bilingualism - CBC Archives.”

9.“Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 35th Anniversary of the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” Prime Minister of Canada. Accessed December 9,
2021.