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Physical Human Geography Physical geography, which focuses on natural Earth systems and processes, and human geography, which examines the spatial patterns of human activity and their relationship with the environment. Demography: The statistical measurements of humans. One example is population density. Regions: A broad area with defined characteristics and boundaries. Provinces, territories and major cities in Canada- Province Capital Largest / Major Cities Ontario Toronto Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London Quebec Quebec City Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil British Columbia Victoria Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Kelowna Alberta Edmonton Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge Manitoba Winnipeg Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson Saskatchewan Regina Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw Nova Scotia Halifax Halifax, Sydney, Truro New Brunswick Fredericton Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton Newfoundland and Labrador St. John's St. John's, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Prince Edward Island Charlottetown Charlottetown, Summerside Territories (3) Territory Capital Major Communities Yukon Whitehorse Whitehorse, Dawson City Northwest Territories Yellowknife Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik Nunavut Iqaluit Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay Largest Canadian Cities by Population Toronto Montreal Calgary Ottawa Edmonton Mississauga Winnipeg Vancouver Brampton Hamilton Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories, for a total of 13 first-level political divisions. 2. Canadian Culture and Identity Immigration is the legal process of moving to a new country to live, work, or study. Countries set annual limits and evaluate applicants using a point-based system, evaluating factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience Push Factors Reasons people leave a country: War Poverty Lack of jobs Political persecution9 Pull Factors Reasons people move to a country: Safety Better jobs Education Healthcare Freedom Mosaic vs Melting Pot Canadian Mosaic Different cultures keep their traditions. Diversity is encouraged. American Melting Pot Different cultures blend into one common culture. Canadian Identity Influenced by: Multiculturalism Indigenous cultures Geography Language Shared values Citizenship Assimilation- When a minority group gradually adopts the majority group's culture, it may lose its own traditions. 3. Who’s Who (2026) Head of State King Charles III King’s Representative in Canada Mary Simon Prime Minister Mark Carney Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew Mayor of Winnipeg Scott Gillingham Major Federal Political Parties Liberal Party Conservative Party New Democratic Party (NDP) Bloc Québécois Green Party 4. Canadian Governance How Canada Is Governed Canada is a: Constitutional Monarchy Parliamentary Democracy Federal State Political Spectrum Left ←→ Right Left More government involvement More social programs Centre A mix of both Right Less government involvement Lower taxes Elections- Federal Elections Must occur at least every 4 years. By-Election An election held to fill one vacant seat between general elections. Majority Government A party wins more than half the seats in the House of Commons. Minority Government A party wins the most seats but less than half. Riding (Constituency) A geographic area represented by one Member of Parliament (MP). Platform A political party’s plan and promises. Mandate Permission given by voters to govern. Parliament- Bicameral: Bicameral describes a government or organisation with two legislative chambers or branches. The term originates from the Latin prefix bi- (two) and camera (chamber). Canada has two chambers: Senate (Upper House) Age: You must be at least 30 years old, and you must step down at age 75. Citizenship: You must be a Canadian citizen. Residency: You must live in the province or territory you want to represent. Property: You must own at least $4,000 worth of real estate in your province or territory. House of Commons (Lower House) Question Period The time when opposition parties question the government. Government Party in power. Opposition Parties that challenge and scrutinise the government. Cabinet Senior ministers chosen by the Prime Minister. Shadow Cabinet Opposition members who monitor government ministers. Caucus All elected members of a political party. How a Bill Becomes Law First Reading Second Reading Committee Stage Report Stage Third Reading Senate Review Royal Assent Becomes Law Branches of Government Legislative Make laws. Parliament Executive Carries out laws. Prime Minister Cabinet Governor General Judicial Interprets laws. Courts Judges Levels of Government Federal Provincial Municipal Defence Education Roads Immigration Healthcare Transit Currency Driver licensing Garbage collection International affairs Natural resources Recreation Human Rights and Constitution Universal Declaration of Human Rights UN document stating that all people have basic rights and freedoms. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Protects: Freedom of speech Freedom of religion Mobility rights Democratic rights Equality rights Legal rights Constitution Written Parts Constitution Act 1867 Constitution Act 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms Unwritten Parts Traditions Conventions Court decisions 5. Justice System Two Main Goals Maintain order Deliver justice Criminal Law Cases involving offences against society. Civil Law Disputes between individuals or organizations. Crown Government lawyer prosecuting criminal cases. Plaintiff Person bringing a civil lawsuit. Defence Lawyer representing the accused. Burden of Proof Responsibility to prove a case. Prosecution The side trying to prove guilt. Restorative Justice Focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. Fundamental Legal Rights Presumption of innocence Right to a lawyer Fair trial Protection from unreasonable search and seizure 6. Media Literacy Information Pollution False or misleading information spreading online. Misinformation False information shared unintentionally. Disinformation False information shared deliberately to deceive. Lateral Reading Checking other sources before trusting information. Vertical Reading Reading only the source itself. Agenda A goal or purpose behind a message. Bias Favoring one viewpoint over another. AI and Media Benefits: Fast information Increased access to knowledge Risks: Deepfakes Fake news Spread of misinformation 7. Current Issues (Know at least 3 well) Immigration Helps population growth Fills labour shortages Creates housing and service pressures Healthcare Long wait times Staff shortages Provincial responsibility Inflation Rising prices of food, housing, and services Reduces purchasing power Artificial Intelligence Regulation Balancing innovation with privacy and safety Natural Resource Development Economic benefits Environmental concerns Indigenous Reconciliation Addressing harms from residential schools Implementing Truth and Reconciliation recommendations Memorise These Definitions Physical Geography, Human Geography, Demography, Push Factor, Pull Factor, Mosaic, Assimilation, Majority Government, Minority Government, Riding, Platform, Mandate, Bicameral, Charter, Constitution, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Plaintiff, Crown, Burden of Proof, Restorative Justice, Misinformation, Disinformation, Bias, Agenda. This covers nearly everything on your review sheet and aligns with Manitoba’s Grade 9 Social Studies outcomes on geography, citizenship, governance, justice, rights, and current issues.

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