101 Things Canadians Should Know About Canada

In the spring of 2008, the Dominion Institute commissioned Ipsos Reid to undertake a major national survey to uncover what Canadians believe are our most defining cultural touchstones. Over 3,000 Canadians as well as educators and Order of Canada recipients from coast to coast to coast participated. The result is a ranked list of 101 people, places, symbols, events and innovations that respondents believe define our country.

On Canada Day, the Dominion Institute released the results of this survey and invited Canadians to log on to new website to have their say. Over 5,000 Canadians logged on to cast a vote for the one thing they thought should have topped the original list of 101, suggest what they thought should be number 102 and join an open debate.

On October 20 2008, in collaboration with Key Porter Books, the Dominion Institute released the publication 101 Things Canadians Should Know About Canada. The book contains reflections on the list of 101 things by some of Canada’s leading authors, actors and historians including Roch Carrier, Tomson Highway, Rick Mercer and Paul Gross.

101 Things Canadians Should Know About Canada was generously sponsored by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, The Aurea Foundation, Canadian Heritage and Key Porter Books.

This project has been supported in part by the Canadian Studies Program, Department of Canadian Heritage; the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.

The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest independent organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Launched in September 2009 through the amalgamation of The Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute, our mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca to learn more about our ongoing educational programs.