Relations between French-speaking QuΘbΘcois and the English-speaking majority in Canada have been the dominant ethnic issue of the past 25 years. The QuΘbΘcois feel distinct from the rest of Canada; their wish to preserve their culture and language from further anglicization has been reflected in the growth of secessionism. Support for pro-separatist parties has increased in the 1990s, mainly because of the failure of the provinces to deal with QuΘbec's demand to be recognized as a "distinct society." However, any referendum on the issue is still likely to produce a "no" vote, as it did in 1980 û ending the violent separatism that had characterized the 1970s.
More than 65% of the population still lives in the 5% of Canada taken up by the Great LakesûSt. Lawrence lowlands. However, Canada's ethnic mix has changed significantly in the past 20 years due to a move from a restrictive immigration policy to one which welcomes those with money or skills. Significant numbers of Asians have moved to Canada. The government promotes a policy that encourages each group to maintain its own culture. Canada is now officially a "Community of communities."
Canada has a long tradition of state welfare more akin to Scandinavia than the USA. Unemployment compensation and health care, supported by high taxes, are still generous, despite recent cutbacks. The government has sought to end inequalities. Measures include "pay-equity" laws which aim to make pay rates for jobs done mainly by women û like receptionists û equivalent to similar jobs for men. Women are well represented at most levels of business and government.
Aboriginal Peoples of Canada account for around 4% of the population. There are some 50,000 Innuit, 213,000 MΘtis (French-Indian) and 800,000 Canadians of native Indian descent. Around 43,000 live in the north, in the Northwest and Yukon Territories. In 1992, the Innuit successfully settled their longstanding land claim with the Canadian government, paving the way for other indigenous groups. In 1999, the Innuit Nunavut area will become a territory, and the first part of Canada to be governed by Aboriginal Peoples of Canada in modern history.
