Work and Unions (Le travail et les syndicats)
Work is a fundamental part of our lives. But the nature of work has changed from the labour of one individual who produces a completed product or result to piecework in large impersonal factories and to more and more work done by machines. This has led to the creation of unions to protect workers' interests. Unions themselves have undergone transformations and their position has weakened over the years in the face of increased unemployment due to mechanization, greater contracting out of work by employers, and by government imposition of wage controls. New concepts of profit-sharing, "quality circles", and greater democracy in the workplace are now under experimentation. 

Aging and the Canadian Population (Le vieillissement de la population canadienne)
Greater life expectancy due to improved health care has created an ever-increasing population of senior citizens. Many see the elderly as a burden to society, who will require more long-term, expensive care at public expense. In recent years the phenomena of aging has been studied and novel ways have been adopted to keep seniors as independent as possible with a variety of support systems. It is increasingly acknowledged that seniors have a great deal to contribute to society as volunteers, counsellors and citizens. 

Innovation in Canada (L'innovation au Canada)
The concept of innovation is defined, followed by a number of examples of innovations developed in Canada. The steps of taking an idea from its inception to the marketplace is traced; the risks involved in this process and the need for government support in encouraging innovation are discussed. It is feared that a high technology trade deficit and a low level of industrial research and development may endanger the economic competitiveness of Canada in the world market. 

Poverty in Canada (La pauvreté au Canada)
The need for a clear definition of poverty is essential to a discussion of its causes and consequences. The degrees of poverty, pockets of poverty, and the relativity of poverty based on location are explained and comparisons with poverty in other countries are made. The need to dispell myths about the lack of motivation of the poor, the discontinuation of programs of disincentive, and research on the "culture of poverty" are suggested as elements of a solution that lifts people from their condition rather than merely maintains them in it. 

Multiculturalism in Canada (Le multiculturalisme au Canada)
Attitudes toward multiculturalism and immigration policy have altered over time. Immigration is traced from early aboriginal migration, through French and British settlers, to the more generalized arrivals of new Canadians from all over the world. Economic factors have often determined immigration patterns. As immigrants become more culturally diverse, the challenges of assimilation become greater. Creating policies to insure racial tolerance and respect for cultural differences along with a continued emphasis on citizen integration and national unity are the challenges of a growing Canadian ethnic diversity. 

Canada at the Movies (Le Canada au grand l'écran)
Films are meant to entertain but can also serve to represent to a society its culture. Canada has consumed a great deal of American culture through Hollywood films and television. Realization of a need to depict and preserve Canadian identity led the Canadian government to financial support and encouragement of movies and TV programming with greater Canadian content. The high cost of film production and the tremendous competition from below the border have made this a difficult challenge, nevertheless, Canadians regularly produce films that receive world recognition. 

The Changing Canadian Economy (La transformation de l'économie canadienne)
The computer is offered as an example of how a new technology can dramatically change an economy and indeed a society because of the way in which it alters work patterns. The history of the effects of the steam engine, electricity, and the internal combustion engine is outlined. Obsolescent job displacement and delayed economic benefits to workers and society often accompany the introduction of new technology. Finding new ways to deal with these old phenomena are required. 

Defending Canada (La défense du Canada)
Recent changes in the world balance of power have affected the focus and mandate of Canada's military. Though Canada has never been in direct danger of invasion, it has always allied itself with great military powers for a variety of reasons -- historic, patriotic, and economic. Canada is well-respected for its peacekeeper image and has acted as mediator in many conflicts. Recent international conflicts, where a clearcut enemy has not been present, have led to major challenges to the design and deployment of our military forces. 

Canada's Native Peoples (Les peuples autochtones)
The presence of Native peoples long before the white man and the diversity of their environment and culture are outlined. Aboriginal relationships with white inhabitants of Canada, both positive and negative, are traced to the present. The renewal of cultural and spiritual heritage is discussed with emphasis on trends toward greater autonomy and self-determination. 

Canada's Fishery (La pêche au Canada)
Canada's rich east coast fishing stocks have attracted fishers for centuries and have contributed to the settlement of our country. But advanced fishing technology and lack of serious regulation of quotas has decimated fish stocks. On the west coast there have been cultural clashes over disputed Native claims to tribal fishing rights. The east coast economy is suffering the consequences of overfishing and the challenge of enforcing strict limits to save species from extinction has brought fishing nations to the edge of conflict. 

Canada's Legal Tradition (La tradition juridique au Canada)
There are three traditions of law in Canada based on the nation's historical roots: the common law of British tradition; the Québec civil code, tracing its roots back to ancient Roman law and French custom; and Native law, based on tribal custom, practiced for centuries. The division of powers between public and private law are also discussed. The origins and implications of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are explored and compared with the American Bill of Rights and its administration. 

Canada's Cities (La ville au Canada)
Key Canadian cities are examined to determine reasons for the development, success, or failure of urban centres. Historical origins, location, resource bases, economic strengths, and changing ethnic make-up all combine to create a city's character. Factors such as development of effective mass transportation, pollution and waste, and depersonalization of community structure are all challenges to be faced by modern Canadian cities.