Understanding Regionalism in Canada

If provincialism is the concept that an individual identifies more as an 'Albertan' or 'Newfoundlander' rather than a 'Canadian' individual, then regionalism would apply where an individual identifies themselves more as belonging to a broader region of the country, for example, a 'Maritimer' or a 'Western Canadian'.

Geographical Regions in Canada

From time to time, the press highlights this topic, focusing on dissatisfaction or grievances with the Federal Government and its policies in various regions. However, from my perspective, it is not as significant an issue in Canada as it is in many other countries. To illustrate, I live in Ontario but I never consider myself a 'Central Canadian'; and my employees in Alberta simply identify as Canadians, not Albertans.

Divisions are more pronounced in Quebec due to distinct historical, cultural, and linguistic factors. In Canada, our geography defines our regions. From west to east, they are: British Columbia (Pacific Ocean), the Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), Upper Canada (Ontario), Lower Canada (Quebec), and the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island).

The Landscape of Canadian Regions

There are seven distinct societies in Canada: Newfoundland, The Maritimes, Quebec, Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia. Within these regions, you will find sub-cultures. For instance, in Southern Ontario, you have Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), each with its unique characteristics - the 416 code for Toronto and the 905 code for the GTA. In Quebec, you have the 'Old City' and 'Inner Suburbs', and in Montreal, East Montreal, West Montreal, and the 'Banlieues'. These diverse cultural landscapes create a rich tapestry of regional identities.

Recent Federal Election Maps Reveal Regional Preferences

Examining the map of the most recent federal election results, we see a clear pattern in regional preferences. Blue represents the right-center Conservative party; red, the left-center Liberal party; orange, the further left New Democratic Party (NDP); and aqua, the Bloc Quebecois, a Quebec nationalist party. The map reflects significant regional divisions.

For example, Newfoundland typically leans towards the Liberal party, although it occasionally votes for more liberal Conservatives. The Maritimes lean left, predominantly supporting the Liberals and NDP. Quebec has a strong independent streak, but Montreal tends to align more with the rest of the country, either Liberal or NDP.

Southern Ontario generally votes Conservative, with exceptions in the cities and suburbs, which lean Liberal and NDP. Northern Ontario tends to vote for the NDP and Liberals, while the Prairies are largely Conservative, often with pockets of NDP and Liberal support. British Columbia is generally pro-Liberal and NDP.

Economic and Cultural Influences

These regional preferences are largely influenced by factors such as geography, economy, language, and even religion. For example, while Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario both speak English, Southern Ontario is primarily agricultural with a resource-extraction-oriented economy in the north. Northern Ontario’s harsher climate and exposure to First Nations communities contribute to its distinct socio-economic and political dynamics. These differences shape regional identities and political leanings.

The diversity within each region and the unique challenges faced by these areas highlight the complexity of regionalism in Canada. Despite the existence of these distinct regions, the broader Canadian identity remains strong, as evidenced by the consistent identification of many individuals as simply Canadian, rather than their more specific regional or provincial affiliations.