1. Study the words of O Canada and suggest why it is a national anthem. What are the key images, metaphors, and symbols that give it a national appeal. Using O Canada as an example, discuss the reasons for a national anthem.

2. The two major players in the recent debate were the Reform Party and the Bloc Québécois. Review the News in Review programs and resource guides “Western Alienation,” (December 1990), “Parizeau”s Plan: Blueprint for Separation,” (February 1995), and “Quebec Separatism: Campaign Stalled?” (May 1995). Write a comparison of these stories or do an oral presentation, with suitable short clips from the videos, in which you discuss the issue of a sense of identity. What are the similarities and difference in the programs? Are there common issues expressed in each?

3. Canada is a multicultural society that is officially bilingual but unofficially multilingual. How does this demographic fact affect Canadian nationalism? For further information visit the Internet site www.sil.org/ethnologue/countries/Cana.html.

4. Discuss the difference between appealing to the electorate’s patriotism or sense of nationalism and attempting to manipulate the electorate.

5. By using the resources at your library or from the Internet, locate images of the Canadian provincial and territorial symbols. Write a research report on a province or territory of your choice, comparing and contrasting the federal and provincial or territorial symbols and their heraldry.

6. Visit the “Showing the Flag: A Canadian Photo Album” Web site at
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/english/flag/menu.htm. View the pictures at this site. Record your reactions to each one.

7. Locate a copy of the article “Multiculturalism in Canada: Context and Current Status” in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science. Use the findings of the article to write a personal critique of the recent debate in the House of Commons. Bear in mind that a critique includes positive as well as negative comments and that you do not have to agree with the authors of the article—but you must provide information countering them if you disagree.

8. Recently there was a “flag flap” in the United States regarding the flying of the State flag in Albany, Georgia. A portion of the flag contains the Confederate flag from Civil War days, and that offended some African Americans. Develop your research skills by locating information regarding the incident and prepare a comparison on the United States and Canadian flag issues.

9. Compare the etiquettes for the United States Stars and Stripes and the Canadian maple leaf flag. Are the flags treated differently? Are the rituals in which the flag is involved different?

10. Canadians are often portrayed as being quiet, polite, reserved and not prone to outbursts of emotion. Does this mean that Canadians cannot be “flag-wavers?” Are a reserved national character and the expression of nationalistic feelings incompatible?

11. Locate a copy of Speaker Gilbert Parent’s “Draft Statement on the Point of Order Raised by the House Leader of the Bloc Québécois, the Hon. Member for Roberval (Mr. Gauthier) on February 26, 1998, Concerning Disorder During Question Period.” It can be found in Hansard at many public libraries or on the Internet at www.parl.gc.ca/cgi-bin/36/pb_chb_hou_deb.pl?e. Present a summary of this statement to the class.