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Every year thousands of people come to Canada to
begin a new life. They come with many different skills and the hope of
contributing to their new society. Your interest in Scotland may arise
from your involvement in the HOST Program, which provides assistance
to newcomers. You may have Scots colleagues at work or Scottish students
at your school. This website will introduce you to Scotland and its
culture.
The Scots have been immigrating to Canada since
the 17th century. The name of the Canadian province Nova Scotia means
"New Scotland," because many Scots settled there. Scottish immigrants,
particularly men from the Orkney Islands, were recruited to work for
the Hudson's Bay Company in its early days. In the 19th century,
the Scots dominated Canadian banking, fur trading, logging and railway
management. Many of Canada's early political leaders were born in
Scotland or descended from Scots families. Today, most Scottish people
come to Canada to work or to study at a Canadian university. |
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The decision to make a new home in a different
country is not an easy one. People must leave family, friends and familiar
surroundings. Scots who come to Canada will want to know the same things
you would if you moved to a new place. Where can I find a place to live?
Which school will my children attend? How will I get around in my new
community? How do I find a job? You can help new immigrants by answering
their questions. You can also learn from them.
Although this cultural profile provides insight
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from
Scotland. |
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Did you know? |
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Canada's first two prime ministers, Sir John A. MacDonald
and Alexander Mackenzie, were born in Scotland.
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Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official Name |
Scotland |
| Capital |
Edinburgh |
| Type of Government |
Constitutional Monarchy |
| Population |
5 million |
| Area |
78,000 sq. km. |
| Major Ethnic Group |
Scottish, Irish, English, East Indian, Italian, Polish |
| Languages |
English, Gaelic |
| Religions |
Protestantism, Roman Catholicism |
| Unit of Currency |
Pound sterling |
| National Flag |
A white diagonal cross on a dark blue background |
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Did you know? |
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In the early 19th century, Gaelic, the language of the
highland Scots, was the third most common European language spoken in Canada.
Today, Gaelic is still spoken in parts of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
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