European Canadians

European Canadians are the largest ethnic group in Canada, with over 25 million people identifying as European Canadian, according to the 2016 Census. They are predominantly of British, French, Italian, German, and Polish descent, with significant numbers of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and Russian Canadians. Many European Canadians have ancestors who immigrated to Canada from Europe during the 18th century, 19th century, and 20th century, including UK immigrants such as Winston Churchill, who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, and Pierre Trudeau, who was Prime Minister of Canada during the October Crisis.

Demographics

The demographics of European Canadians vary across the country, with the largest populations found in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. According to the 2016 Census, the majority of European Canadians identify as Christian, with significant numbers of Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. Many European Canadians also identify as Jewish, with significant communities in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Notable European Canadian communities include the Ukrainian Canadian community, which has a significant presence in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Greek Canadian community, which has a significant presence in Ontario and Quebec.

History

The history of European Canadians dates back to the early 16th century, when French and British explorers and settlers arrived in what is now Canada. Many European Canadians have ancestors who fought in significant battles, such as the Battle of Quebec, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, and the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Notable historical figures include Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec City in 1608, and Pierre-Esprit Radisson, who played a key role in the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company. Other notable figures include Laura Secord, who played a key role in the War of 1812, and George-Étienne Cartier, who was a key figure in the Canadian Confederation.

Culture

The culture of European Canadians is diverse and reflects the many different ethnic and national groups that make up this community. Many European Canadians celebrate traditional holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, and participate in cultural events, such as the Toronto International Film Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Notable cultural institutions include the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Royal Ontario Museum. Many European Canadians also participate in traditional folk dances, such as the waltz, the polka, and the tango, and enjoy traditional foods, such as poutine, tourtière, and butter tarts.

Notable people

Many notable people are of European Canadian descent, including Pierre Trudeau, who was Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984, and Brian Mulroney, who was Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. Other notable figures include Wayne Gretzky, who is widely considered the greatest ice hockey player of all time, and Celine Dion, who is a world-renowned singer and songwriter. Notable European Canadian actors include Ryan Reynolds, Jim Carrey, and William Shatner, while notable European Canadian musicians include Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, and Avril Lavigne. Other notable figures include Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, and Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin.

See also

For more information on European Canadians, see Canada, Canadian culture, Multiculturalism in Canada, Canadian identity, Quebec nationalism, and Western Canada. Notable events and institutions include the Canadian National Exhibition, the Calgary Stampede, and the Just for Laughs festival. Other notable topics include Canadian history, Canadian geography, and Canadian politics, which are all closely tied to the history and culture of European Canadians. Category:Ethnic groups in Canada