The Changing Face of Canada

Canada in the Post-War World: the 1950sThe Changing Face of CanadaPopulation boom!Baby boom: increased the birth rate (BR) in Canada and other countriesCanadas BR peaked in 19591950s: pop. peak for First NationsPost war immigration6.7 million children born b/t 1946 and 1961~ 1/3 of the pop.Immigration!1905-1960: somewhat restrictive imm. policyBritish and N. Europeans readily acceptedGment limited # of other immigrants~1 million vets returned homeMany married European women (war brides)War brides part of imm. wave165,000 displaced persons acceptedNew possibilities

Suburbs!1000s of new homesCheaper to live in the suburbsIncrease in econ. development supported suburban lifeBusiness and manufacturing boomingFewer than 6% of Canadians were unemployedTechnological innovations

Automobiles!1950s: 3.5 million boughtChanged Canadian neighborhoodsRepresented all elements of post-war eraFascination with technology, progress, and personal freedomLots of fuelIncreased dependence on oilAtmospheric pollution a problem (smog)

Women in the 50s!Suburban life centered on traditional middle-class familyStay-at-home mom at heart of this familyBreadwinner: mens rolePopular womens magazines: working mothers = delinquent childrenMany resented suburban lifeFelt isolated and trappedBy 1960s: looking for a different way of life

Teen culture!boomer generation influenced Can. culture and economy for decadesBoy Scouts, Girl Guides, other youth org.s flourishedGment built 1000s of new schools, arenas, and playgroundsManufacturers developed/made new productsMore time spent in schoolNo wars or economic hardshipsInnovation of the teenager

More teen culture!Rock n Roll: favorite of many teensBanned in many placesElviss hip swiveling seen as obsceneRacism was at the heart of society reflected in attacks on Rock n RollClose connection to African-American culture

Consumerism!1st TV shows in black and whiteColor TV to Canada: 1966Canadians watching American showsAdvertisers: consumption the way to happinessSelling the good lifeAdvertising: one of biggest areas of economic growth

The Massey Commission!Established in 1949 by Can. GmentVincent MasseyOfficial name: Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters and SciencesInvestigate the state of Can. culture1951: reported back

Massey Commission (cont)!Suggested:Can. TV used to promote natl communication and for cultural education in drama and musicCBC put in charge of development of TVNatl Film Board (NFB) strengthenedGment involved in funding universities and the artsCanada Council for the Arts created (awarded grants)

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)!1968Regulate the amount of foreign material broadcastImposed rules requiring Can. contentEncouraged growth of arts and culture in Canada