COUNTRY PROFILE: 
CANADA

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BBC.Friday, 27 July, 2001, 09:40 GMT 10:40 UK

Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. 
Its population is only about one-fifth of Russia's however. 
Nearly 90% of Canadians live within 200 km of the border with 
the United States, which means that Canada contains vast expanses 
of wilderness to the north.

OVERVIEW

| FACTS | LEADERS | MEDIA

The relationship to its powerful neighbour is a major defining factor for Canada. The US is by far Canada's main trading partner.

The North American Free Trade Agreement, involving Canada, the US and Mexico, has brought a trade boom for Canada. But it has also highlighted the higher labour costs in Canada, making foreign investment harder to attract.

The prospect of lower taxes and higher pay in the US has also led to a 'brain drain', with professional Canadians heading over the border for employment.

Canada is also worried about environmental pollution from US factories near the border, and from the exploitation of oil deposits in Alaska.

Canada has refused to support the US trade embargo on Cuba, which has led to tension with Washington.

Canada was also instrumental in promoting a worldwide ban on the production, export and use of anti-personnel landmines.

The separatist aspirations of French-speaking Quebec are still a major domestic political issue. The latest referendum in 1995 saw the advocates of an independent Quebec only narrowly defeated.

FACTS

Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, as head of the Commonwealth, represented by Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson

Prime Minister: Jean Chretien

Chretien is the leader of the Liberal party. He became prime minister 
in October 1993. The election brought an extraordinary defeat for the incumbent Progressive Conservatives, who saw their tally in the parliament collapse from 169 seats to 2. Chretien won further elections 
in 1997 and 2000.

Chretien is from Quebec but opposes any separatist ambitions in the province and is a strong supporter of national unity.

He visited the new US president George W. Bush soon after his inauguration. One major point of disagreement is Mr Bush's support for 
a National Missile Defence system. Canada has always opposed such a system.

Foreign Minister: John Manley National Defence Minister: Arthur Eggleton Finance Minister: Paul Martin

MEDIA

The Canadian media are free and able to provide their audiences with 
a complete range of views and opinions. The regulatory body, the CRTC, stipulates however that certain quotas of Canadian material must be carried by TV and radio channels. This is due to concerns about US material swamping Canadian culture.

Cable penetration in Canada is one of the highest in the world. The state broadcaster CBC enjoys the biggest weekly audience of all providers. Canada also has a public TV service for its indigenous people.

The radio market is mostly regional because of the size of the country. CBC is the biggest player.

The press

The Globe and Mail - Toronto La Presse - French-language National Post Vancouver Sun Toronto Star

CBC Canadian Television

Radio Canada/CBC Radio Radio Canada International

CP - Canadian Press

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