Discover Canada VideoBook
Chapter 4: Modern Canada

Chapter 4 of the Discover Canada VideoBook explains how Canada changed after the Second World War into the prosperous, diverse country we know today. This Canadian Citizenship Test prep chapter covers postwar trade and economic growth, Canada’s social programs, Canada’s international role (NATO, NORAD, the UN, peacekeeping), Quebec’s Quiet Revolution, and major Canadian achievements in culture, sports, science, and invention.

Chapter Summary

After the Second World War, Canada experienced strong economic growth and rising living standards. Global trade expanded through agreements like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), now the World Trade Organization (WTO). The discovery of oil in Alberta in 1947 helped launch Canada’s modern energy industry. As prosperity increased, Canada expanded social supports, including health care standards and income supports, while publicly funded education continued to be provided by provinces and territories.

​

Canada also became more active internationally. During the Cold War, Canada joined with other democratic countries in NATO and worked with the United States through NORAD. Canada participated in the United Nations, served in the Korean War (1950–53), and became known for peacekeeping and other international security operations.

​

Within Canada, French-Canadian society and culture flourished after the war. Quebec’s Quiet Revolution in the 1960s brought rapid change, and the movement for Quebec sovereignty became a major issue. The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism led to the Official Languages Act (1969), supporting federal services in English and French across Canada. Sovereignty was defeated in referendums in 1980 and 1995, and the relationship between Quebec and Canada continues to shape the country.

​

Canada’s society also changed as voting rights expanded, education grew, and more women entered professional work. Canada welcomed refugees from major world events, and multiculturalism gained new momentum as immigration patterns shifted. Finally, this chapter highlights Canadian achievements in arts, sports, science, and technology - from the Group of Seven and Canadian literature to Terry Fox, the Canadarm, insulin, the telephone, and other discoveries and inventions.

Key Points to Remember

• Postwar Canada experienced strong prosperity and rising living standards.

• GATT helped expand trade; today it is linked to the WTO.

• Oil discovery in Alberta (1947) began Canada’s modern energy industry.

• Canada supports social programs and standards, including health care (Canada Health Act) and public pensions.

• Canada joined international organizations and alliances, including the UN, NATO, and NORAD.

• Canada took part in the Korean War (1950–53) and many peacekeeping missions.

• Quebec’s Quiet Revolution brought rapid change in the 1960s.

• The Official Languages Act (1969) supports federal services in English and French across Canada.

• Quebec sovereignty was defeated in referendums in 1980 and 1995.

• Canadians have major achievements in arts, sports, science, and invention (e.g., Terry Fox, Canadarm, insulin).