TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

NZ Services Current Affairs Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 4, 2 April 1945, Page 15

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Do you think that the differences in outlook between the English-speaking and the French-speaking Canadians will in time disappear ? To-day they live side by side and at peace ; they work in logging-camps, in mines, in factories without friction. Yet each has preserved a separate culture. Has this been to Canada’s advantage ? Which culture will in the end prevail ? What effect do you think the war has had on breaking down the barriers ?

2. The French-Canadian birth-rate has so far exceeded the English that by 1971 it is estimated that the French-speaking people will be in the majority. What effects, if any, might this have on Canadian domestic and foreign policy ? Is the increase in the French birth-rate likely to continue ? Is it possible that by the time the French population becomes the majority its outlook will have become that of the English-speaking minority due to the need for commercial and technical education rather than professional. Remember that the emphasis in the French education system has been professional and cultural. They now find themselves at a disadvantage in a commercial and mechanical society.

3. Here in New Zealand we have- encouraged the Maori to adopt a European form of life. In Canada the French were protected in their own culture, language, religion, and laws. Which policy do you think the wiser ?

4. Because of the war Canada’s economy has altered and now she manufactures many articles which previously she imported. In a lesser degree the same situation exists in New Zealand. But we are not faced with the necessity of finding export markets for our new manufactures because the home market can absorb them. Will Canada (and New Zealand) be able to find work for the employees of wartime industry when peace comes ? Will she find markets for her goods and where ?

5. Compare the Canadian system of government with that of the United States (vide C.A.8., Vol. I, No. 19, Democracy in America What advantages and disadvantages do you see in

both (a) when compared with one another, (£) when compared with our own ? What difficulties face the Canadian political parties which are not met by political parties in New Zealand ?

6. The war has brought about increased Canadian co-operation with the United States. Will this continue after the war, and on what basis ? Is there any possibility of Canada uniting politically with the United States (A Fortune poll in June, 1942, showed 23-3 per cent, of the Canadian voters favoured political union). Because of the close economic connection between the two countries (aided by geography), is it likely that the United States will dominate Canada’s economy, and perhaps her foreign policy ? Or is Canada strong enough to withstand possible American pressure ? Remember that the cost of the Alaskan Highway, financed by the United States, has been repaid to the American Federal Treasury by Canada.

7. What will be Canada’s future interest in the Pacific ? In what sphere ? Canada is at present exporting wheat, &c., to New Zealand. Before the war she sent us textiles, paper, machinery, motor-vehicles, &c., and we sent her apples, wool, sausage-casings, skins and hides, &c. Both countries exchange High Commissioners. How do you consider our future trade and diplomatic relations will develop ?

8. What will be Canada’s post-war place in the British Commonwealth ? Consider the change of trade relations between Canada and Great Britain as pointed out in the last section of the bulletin and the closer co-operation of Canada with the United States. Where will Canada sell her staple products, such as wheat, after the war ? Mr. McKenzie King has indicated that Canada wants something more than power blocs to ensure world security. Canada has given evidence of her independence as well as her collaboration within the Empire. Will her age-old ties with Europe prove stronger than her new bonds with America ?