Survey offers snapshot of what defines Canada

The survey by The Dominion Institute and Citizen and Immigration Canada was released on Monday, just ahead of Canada Day, in the form of a list of the top 101 things Canadians named.

Here are the top five:

Maple leaf
Hockey
Canadian Flag
Beaver
Canadarm

Though the list is broad in its content, ranging from Tim Hortons, ranking at number 58 on the list, to snow at number 61, it also showed a surprising amount of commonality among Canadians' priorities.

"The findings show citizens in Canada define their country largely in similar ways, regardless of where they're from," Marc Chalifoux, of The Dominion Institute, told CTV's Canada AM.

"Different regions will put different local elements in perspective and we'll include them in the list, but at the top of the list people define themselves in similar ways -- the beaver, hockey, the Canadian flag, Canada Day. These are key elements for Canadians to understand their country."

Perhaps more surprising than what was on the list, was what was missing, Chalifoux said.

Elements of aboriginal culture, for example, were completely absent from the top 101. And there was also a void in the area of arts and culture. Author Margaret Atwood, painter Tom Thomson and singer/songwriter Neil Young were all missing from the list.

But Celine Dion made the list, coming in at number 27 -- sandwiched between the Calgary Stampede at 26 and the Canadian National Railway at 28th on the list.

"She ranked ahead of John A. Macdonald which is a kind of surprising finding in itself," Chalifoux said.

"At The Dominion Institute we're very engaged in telling Canadians about their history, particularly young Canadians. So to find Celine Dion ahead of John A. Macdonald was a bit surprising, but we're happy to see a lot of historical elements make the list."

Confederation, for example, came in at 20th on the list. Vimy Ridge came in at number 30 and the repatriation of the constitution came in at 24.

Canadians can go to the website 101things.ca to vote on a list that is constantly in flux as votes are registered. That list had the following as its top five as of Monday afternoon:

Maple leaf
Queen Elizabeth
Confederation
Vimy Ridge
Hockey

Comments are now closed for this story

Richard
said

God save the Queen and Happy Canada day everyone.
When people think of getting rid of the monarchy in Canada, they should consider, what it would be like to have Stephan Dion as our President....NOT

Vince M
said

DW. Canada is terribly boring (look at that list!) and politically correct, and except for Alberta, way too liberal. It is like Switzerland without the watches. It also practices a large amount of two faced-ness with out neighbour to the south.

We feel so culturally superior to the US but watch more of their culture than of ours. We say our health care is better, then have our seniors wait two years in pain for a hip replacement. We complain about their warlike nature yet we were in WW1 and WW2 years before them. We talk about their treatment of the poor while our natives lead the world in suicides have no drinking water.

It gets better - didn't you read the story today on CTV "Canadians prefer Obahma to their own leaders"?

brh
said

SF:

I don't care what you _claim_ to be studying, practically everything you write oozes ignorance and lack of clear thought. Like your bit about 'the monarch of another nation'

Yes, we have a shared monarchy. So, what? I've got a news flash for you, maple trees grow in other countries besides Canada, Canada isn't the only country that does peacekeeping, we don't have a monopoly on hockey, there are other diverse/multicultral places and shock of shocks, many other countries also have comprehensive, government-paid health care. That doesn't exclude them as 'things Canadians should know about Canada'.

Vince M
said

At least they were kind enough not to mention Trudeau in the story.

That man remains the most hated and devisive man in the country as far as Westerners go, and the main reason the Liberal brand in Alberta is lower than that of a used car salesman - with apologies to used car salesmen.

James in Ottawa
said

Try and remember the survey has cumulative results. Not everyone agrees on what should top the list, but the items with the most votes move to the top.

So whether its the Queen, Hockey, Maple Syrup, the Metis, the Flag, Ottawa, Quebec City, Stephen Harper, or Pierre Trudeau it shows that these people, places and symbols are important FACETS of Canada for many Canadians. None of these items are necessarilly the most important to everyone, and not all these itmes are the sole facet of Canadian identity.

So whether you agree or not with people's choices. Be respectful. Being respectful does't mean you have to supress your opinion, it just means you should accept that people disagree with you with out insulting them, or being sarcastic or rude about their choices. THAT is what being Canadian is all about.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

David Blair
said

The main thing that defines us as Canadians is that we are not Americans. Well, maybe we are decaffinated Americans.

jon f
said

When will we ever grow up? Out with the Queen and monarchy. And what about our great lakes, rivers and outdoors...the true north.

Queen of Maple Leaves
said

Hello everyone - you can all vote for your own favourite 102 item, so go for it. There is lots missing and the list should be categorized next time. How can one rationally choose among the Rockies, the group of seven, hockey and the Constitution?

Happy Canada Day

p.s. to the young person under 50 who disparages Queen Elizabeth - hello - our national values, laws and character emerged from British and similar French values and culture. Read, dear young person, read. Do not yet let go of the monarchy, as all you will have left is the "culture of rights" (no obligations).

JD in Alberta
said

In my humble opinion:

1.High taxes.

2.Unfair and gender biased child support and child access laws.

3.Our weak kneed, spineless Liberal Criminal Code. That protects the criminal, not the victim.

4.The Gun Registry.

5.The NEP. (Thanks Pierre)

The Proud Canada I grew up in is long gone.... What an absolute shame what this country has become.

Norman E.Mc Niff
said

I do not believe the Poll about national leaders. The western provinces could not have been polled. It appears that TORONTO must have been the source of Polling

M. Cameron
said

What defines Canada to me is multiculturalism and peacekeeping.

Robert from rural Ontario
said

I searched and searched but I must have missed the number one commonality: a dislike of Toronto, the so-called centre of the universe.

KD
said

How about
1) Hypocritical
2) Arrogant (misbelieve that we are some how ethically superior to the rest of the world)
3) Insane taxes (for the woefully celebrated bureaucratic nightmare commonly referred to as universal health care)
4) Government pandering to special interest groups (some call it multiculturalism)
5) Irrational hatred of our number one trading partner and ally the US

Oh and why would native art or anything be on the list? The US and Mexico have handcrafted garbage too.

Canadian Muslim
said

Happy Canada day everyone!. My hopes and prayers for Canada to remain the same tolerant, multicultural, hospitable, and prosperous place it is!.

Ken Warren
said

To all you youngsters out there under the age of 35, the Canadian military, the RCMP, the Government (all levels), and many other areas in our country swear allegiance to the Crown, i.e., the Queen. Native Indians respected the Crown long before many of our immigrants arrived. Many thousands of our native Indians still do. And so do I.

James
said

Too bad Tim Hortons is no longer Canadian.

Sana
said

Democracy
Multiculturalism
Secularism

JR
said

I see no mention of our great Native History and Culture. I am not Native at all but I admire their art work, dance, and teachings.

WM
said

Love the Queen, she gives us history and class. Happy Canada Day!

FreakAlert
said

A lot of comments here about the Queen. If anyone knows their history, the the monarchy of England is subjugated by treaty to the Vatican.

SF
said

JF and Bayne:

You are both right about one thing: we live in a democracy and I am entitled to my opinion, which is one that is thoroughly informed. We just don't agree, and I think it's very sad that you feel you need to resort to name-calling ("naive") and implying that I lack intelligence because I am anti-monarchy. Is that the best you can do?

JF:

It would seem that I am being "politically incorrect" by opposing the monarchy, since the Queen tops the list, don't you think? I'm not sure how my opinion of the monarchy makes me naive? Why is it exactly that you're such a huge supporter anyway? Just because?

And Bayne, I'm doing my PhD in Political Science, specializing in Canadian Politics, so I read lots of books and I am well aware of the definition of "democracy" and how our system of government is structured.

Amar
said

Forte: Very well said :)

Happy Birthday Canada

Enjoy!
Besafe

Denise
said

Maybe they should have added "perennial dissatisfaction with how good we actually have it in Canada". It seems like no matter what the topic, there can always be people found who just want to complain that things aren't the way THEY want them. Can't we just forget about the whining and moaning for one day and enjoy what being Canadian means to each of us? And, yes, it will mean something different for almost everyone, that's what makes this country great! There are so many things that define Canada (and her people) that we have a lot to choose from!

b
said

Rod Salsman wrote:

"The maple leaf symbolizes our identity on earth"

Must be from Central Canada, out west we do not see pale trees.

Colin
said

Nothing about Newfoundland and Labrador?!? Deplorable!

Vanners
said

Grey Cup is on the list?
Must be Prairie folks voting on the poll. Here in Vancouver, more people love the Seahawks, not the Lions.
Toronto is just waiting for an NFL team too.

How about HIGH TAXES on the list?

Daniel
said

Happy Canada Day and God Save the Queen forever!!!! 35 and living in BC!

Gee Bee
said

We should thank our very existence for our veterans
who laid their lives on the line (many giving them)so we may debate such
cosmetic matters deemed to be "Canadian."

Anca Nedelcu
said

Happy birthday Canada! We love you!
Anca

Thanks for listed our national simbols. All defines Canada in different ways and make a complete picturesque image. I not like to forget our religions which are the spirit of our HighLights Country!
All the Best from Notre Dame, Saint Joseph Oratory, Saint Georges Orthoxian Toronto, Presbitherians Churches, Saint Paul Anglicans, all our Temples, Synagogoes...

Cam in BC
said

I'm a 22 year old living in BC and pleased that the Queen made it on the list. For all intents and purposes, she's the Queen of Canada who happens to be queen of other realms around the world.

Happy Birthday Canada and God Save the Queen.

Rod Salsman
said

Contrary to Mark's suggestion, I am over 50 and the thought of the Queen as a symbol of Canada never entered my mind. The maple leaf, symbolizes our identity on earth and the Canada Arm symbolizes our identity in the universe.

Mackinaw Dandy
said

I like/love Queen Elizabeth. I think she has been a very good Queen. She is a real class act. I worry a lot about what will happen when she leaves. Doubt that I will feel the same about Charles.

Surprised Terry Fox is not on the list.

teckmeier
said

Double J, vancouver
Perhaps we need to bring back Heritage Minutes.

I 100% agree and they should play on every television station during the highest viewing hours. Also I believe instead of viewing adds while trying to watch online contents heritage minutes should be played.

Jj
said

Looking at the entire list, it is clear that visibility is an issue, rather than people seriously considering these individuals and things to be defining Canada.

The Queen for instance: whenever she or a member of the royal family visits, there is huge media coverage. Television, the internet, the newspaper - name it, she/they're there. The more the media reports - and the more it is reported that she is *technically* Canada's monarch - the more people will associate her with Canada.

Same thing with Celine Dion. Surprising that she places ahead of the man who became Canada's first Prime Minister? Not terribly so. Even though John A. Macdonald's has contributed way more to the establishment of Canada than Celine Dion, she has simply been seen and heard about far more than him - especially by those who took this survey.

How much visibility has Atwood, Thomson, and Young received in these past years? How much has Celine Dion received? How much has the Queen received? Specific figures are things I don't have, but I strongly suspect the old adage is true: out of sight, out of mind. If we do not see or hear of other things Canadian, we are less likely to have them define Canada.

On another point: even if they surveyed over 3000 people, we have to remember that it a mere slice of the bigger pie that is Canada which, if you take Statistic Canada's population clock into account, stands at over 33 million people.

So for those that take issue with what has and what hasn't made the list, take heart: 3000+ people may look like a big survey pool, but it hardly can account for the diversity contained by 33+ million people.

Alberta Believer
said

"It says a lot about our country when the monarch of another nation makes it to the top five things we associate with Canada! I wonder how many French Canadians and Aboriginal people, as well as people under 30, cited Queen Elizabeth as a "Canadian" symbol? As a Canadian of British descent, the Queen never pops into my definition of Canada, except as a reminder of our colonial history - the Queen is British, not Canadian. I think it's time to remove her image from our currency and to eradicate all symbols of her power, including the Governor General. Monarchy should never be revered in a democracy. Can we say au revoir to this part of our history already?"

SF your comments says alot about your ignorance of this country which was created, legal system monetary system and yes the country itself by Great Britain. Too many leftists like you fail to realise (especially when slagging the US that without our allegiance to our British roots we are nothing but watered down Americans as much of our so called culture (hockey and beer and cold weather and Canadian Football) is American as well, and done by them and sometimes better.

Our country was formed as a result of the BNA Act 1867 which is essentially a contract between the provinces forming Canada each one having a separate Charter from the British Crown as is evident by the existence of Lieutenant Governors Generals and the provincial governing statutes and legislatures.

So yes the Queen, her ancestors as well as her heirs and successors are every bit Canadian as they too mark this holiday!

Jenn
said

I disagree with Queen Elizabeth. Someone is getting his England history mixed up with Canadian history!

What about replacing her with Pierre Trudeau person for getting back our constitution back from the British?

Also, never been a fan of Canadian art - no offence and don't equate it to my Canadian heritage. However, I am sure there are somethings that I am proud of that you disagree with!!

Steve
said

Perhaps we should add "ignorance" to list, especially as pertains to the comments on the role of the Queen in the Canadian democracy.

Listen up guys: the Queen is our head of state, and the Governor General is the Queen's representative. The Queen (or her representative) gives royal assent to all legislation passed by the two houses of parliament. It is not a reminder of our "colonial history"; it's one of our defining characteristics that differentiate us from American "colonial history" (yes, they have one of those, too).

Perhaps those that want to be rid of the Queen would rather have a president? Give me Queen Elizabeth over "Dubya" any day!

At least the list didn't have "health care" and "social programs" in the top five...

How we are defined today...
said

Too many Canadians are defined by the "political correctness" fallacy which has dragged this country down a path where free speech is no longer tolerated and in fact is opposed by federal and provincial Human Rights Commissions.

Too many Canadians have surrendered their moral and intellectual ground to a small cabal of black-robed Darwinian ideological extremist judges who have set the direction of this country instead of elected parliamentarians.

Canada used to be a great place in which to live and raise a family. Today, sad to say, that dream has been hijacked by the socialists.

Tony
said

Queen Elizabeth is an outdated symbol. Whenever I hear her name I am reminded by the moronic scandals of her family. A monarcy has no place in our village.

bobby
said

No surprises here. Canada has become a Europe wanna-be - socialist to the core and politically correct.

Authors and comedians, national magazines and bloggers - all are being hauled before Human Rights Commission Courts for the sin of "freedom of speech" - labeled an "American" concept by these Leftist bureaucrats.

There is little of the original Canada remaining that is worth celebrating. And we are taxed at the rate of 50% with little to show for it - except obtaining a place in line for our "free" health care.

Bill Smith
said

The queen of England? I guess not too many respondents were Canadian.

dwayne-ottawa
said

pierre elliot trudeau !!!! Wish we still had him

Doug BC
said

"Colonialism had vanished" !! Are you kidding me?? It's alive and well as the west continues to be viewed as colonies of Central Canada.
I think "Jason Dainiel Baker" could be right.As long as we resist the urge to return to the "welfare stat,or "nanny state" mentality.
And,I almost forgot,if we,at some time in the future actually teach Canadian history in ALL schools everywhere in Canada.In a nation with higher rates of immigration,I think this is crucial.If we fail to do that,rather than being populated by say,Canadians of Chinese descent,we will simply be populated by Chinese living in Canada.
A sovereign country needs common national goals,control of it's economy,and control of it's borders.
I take pride in what we have done so far,but continue to believe we have much more work to do.
And yes,First Nations People MUST be at the top of the list of cultures that need to be recognized,and included in a much bigger way.
And NO.I am not a First Nations citizen.I just think if we spent as much time working with them as we do with other countries,we would all be better served,and Canada would be a much more just society.

Collin Scott
said

Freedom
Democracy
Multiculturalism

DWB
said

It's not surprising a second rate pop singer comes ahead of the most influential Prime Minister in our history.

The Canadian teaching establishment has been trying to deny or diminish our European history and culture for a couple of generations.

Bayne
said

To SF
Read a book. Queen Elizabeth II's title is Queen of Canada. So technically, she is Queen Elizabeth I of Canada. Perhaps you should look up the definition of Democracy while you are at it. The Queen is our Head of State, and the Prime Minister is the head of our government. Our goverment is elected by regular Canadians, and we have these elected representatives make laws on our behalf, hence Canada is a democracy. btw, I am 26, and I would definitely identify the Queen as a symbol of Canada, seeing how our laws require Royal Assent.

Kris
said

Canada (Ka'-na-da): a beautiful country with inspiring, almost miraculous history and a proud tradition of using strength to defend the weak.
Severely damaged in recent decades by the selfish left with no regard for patriotism or civil liberties and complete ignorance of what made their country great. Currently being repaired by the young.

May God bless our land, and may she regain her former glory and freedom.

mark
said

It's too bad that most Canadians don't recognize the importance of Tecumseh and Joseph Brandt in their history and I guess Sam Steel, Stephen Leacock and Goldwyn Smith are lost as well as Frotennac, Champlain and Simon Fraser ...Canada at 141 is I guess the first totally globalized pseudo-Nation that doesn't understand or remember it's own history.
But strangely enough, no one cares anymore and the economy and government keep growing and more and more people keep coming and there is never a moment for retrospection and we like it that way.
So, Happy Canada Day everyone!

Josh in Ontario
said

I don't get it when they say "culture" isn't ranked high. What do you think hockey is? What about all of those other symbols? Just because a movie, singer, or piece of art were "made in Canada" doesn't mean that its Canadian culture. Culture is exactly what "the people" want it to be, no subsidized painters.

DW
said

Jeff S. says, "Canada: bland, boring, pathetically liberal and a silent inferiority complex to the USA."

Jeff, too liberal? Like universal health care? Inferior to the US? So are you saying the US is superior?

For those who feel this way, go ahead and take your attitude right down to Uncle Sam. You'd fit right in down there. There's profit to be made in people's health.

Oh, but I guess we will have to tally up all the health care bills you & your family have racked up in your life (at the going US 'market rate' of course) and put that back in our health care coffers before you go.

jj
said

This is a sad reminder how the Canada I grew up in has long since passed.

The beaver is #5? Is this a zoological list?

Jeffery
said

Don't worry about what is on the list or not. Something has been changed already, something is changing, something will be changed sooner or later.

MF
said

Ken W. I agree with you. Steve Nash, Ryan Smyth, and Perdita Felicien are Canadians that show how tough and recilent Canadians really are. As for the bland, boring, pathetically liberal comment - Jeff you need to experience Canada a little more.

Gary
said

Happy Birthday Canada!

Gary.
Kearny, NJ

JF
said

I am delighted the Queen is on the list. Unlike some politically correct and naïve people, I feel the Canadian Monarchy is still an important institution. Traditions are what define us, and it is very unfortunate that some people are so quick to call for their disposal.

Talk of abolishing ties to the ‘old colonial master’ is nonsense. Canada is fully independent and democratic! I wonder where those in favour of erasing our history would stop: shall we rename British Columbia? abolish our parliamentary democracy? what about the English language? Surely all these are uncomfortable legacies of our colonial past.

Assumptions made about monarchists are wildly unfair. First Nations have a strong relationship with the Crown, every Quebecois is not a republican, and not every monarchist is old. As it happens, I’m in my 20s and from Montreal.

Alexis in Victoria
said

Where are the Snowbirds on the list?

dusty b
said

I see Canadians from all walks of life. I think some of the comments are from people who never have left Canada, or if they did it was to a border town in the USA. Nothing wrong with Americans but to be a Canadian and go overseas and come back after a couple of years away, there were so many things that you miss and didn't realize it until you don't have it!! To our military serving overseas, I salute you, to Canadians here and abroad, Happy Canada Day!!!

Anti-Beaver
said

Who correlates this country with the beaver?? The beaver wouldn't even register in my mind if I'd been asked to list the things that come to my mind when I think of Canada.

Ridiculous.

Reuben
said

Ken, I'm glad they at least listed the Grey Cup.

Peter Rapsey
said

Having just come back from Europe, I was quite proud to be told that Canadians were the nice North Americans.
What defines us is that we are a bit of everybody around the world and we celebrate that. I do believe we need to elevate our aboriginal communities in our minds as far as everything we do. We need to learn from them as far as the environment is concerned.

Double J, vancouver
said

Perhaps we need to bring back Heritage Minutes.

Phil VT
said

The Montreal Canadiens should have been on the list! Most storied franchise in all of sports except for the Yankees. GO HABS GO!!!

Mark
said

Queen Elizabeth? I guess this survey was only filled out by people over 50.

Forte
said

The Queen is on top of the list?You have got to be kidding.Here I thought "colonialism had vanished.Time to retire the Crown,unless of course it's "Crown Royal".

Jeff S.
said

Canada: bland, boring, pathetically liberal and a silent inferiority complex to the USA. But we'd never admit it because we're too polite!

SF
said

It says a lot about our country when the monarch of another nation makes it to the top five things we associate with Canada! I wonder how many French Canadians and Aboriginal people, as well as people under 30, cited Queen Elizabeth as a "Canadian" symbol? As a Canadian of British descent, the Queen never pops into my definition of Canada, except as a reminder of our colonial history - the Queen is British, not Canadian. I think it's time to remove her image from our currency and to eradicate all symbols of her power, including the Governor General. Monarchy should never be revered in a democracy. Can we say au revoir to this part of our history already?

Ken Warren
said

I've seen the whole list and am surprised, even shocked, that Captain Canada (Steve Nash) isn't listed, along with another Canadian superhero, Superman! Also should bes are Norman Bethune, Wayne & Shuster, and 'In Flanders Fields'.

Political not correct
said

I disagree with this survey.... Queen Elizabeth is the top defining thing of Canada? So what happens when the Queen dies?! I think what defines Canada is: "extremely politically correct, hockey/beer-loving, huge" land

Andrew
said

It's quite sad, but I'm not surprised that neither Aboringinal culture nor Canadian art and culture in general were represented on the list. As a whole, we still seem more open to American culture than recognizing our own.

Jason Daniel Baker
said

Happy Birthday everyone! We've come a long way together!

The best is yet to come!