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Canada is situated in North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the East, to the Pacific Ocean in the West, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world’s second largest country by total area, with the world’s longest coastline. Its border with the United States of America is the world’s longest international land border.
It also shares land border with Greenland (and hence the Kingdom of Denmark) to the Northeast, and a maritime boundary with France’s overseas islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the Southeast. The country’s capital is Ottawa, while the largest city is Toronto. The official languages are English and French. Canada has a human population of 40,528,396, with immigrants as the main drivers. It has one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world. For instance, 405,000 immigrants were admitted into the country in 2021.
In terms of ethnicity, the major groups are Europeans, 52.5%; North American, 22.0%; Asian, 19.3%; Indigenous North American, 6.1%; African, 3.8%; Latin, Central and South American, 2.5%; Caribbean, 2,1%; Oceanian, 0.3%; others, 6%. The country is a multi-religious society, with Christianity as the dominant faith. The religious configuration is as follows; Christianity, 53%; Atheism, 34.6%; Islam, 4.9%; Hinduism, 2.3%; Sikhism, 2.1%; Buddhism, 1%; Judaism, 0.9%; indigenous spirituality, 0.2%.
Brief Modern History
Canadian contemporary history dates back to 1867 when it gained independence from Great Britain. Technically, it continued under British rule until 1931. It is still a part of the British Commonwealth under King Charles of Great Britain. However, the King does not interfere in Canadian self-governance making his role only ceremonial.
God’s Canvass in Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world, after Russia. By land area alone, it ranks fourth, but the remaining space consists of fresh water lakes. Average winter and summer temperatures vary from region to region, while winters are harsh in many parts of the country. Canada comprises 15 terrestrial and five marine ecozones, encompassing thousands of species of fauna and flora. Unique aspects of the eco-diversity are presented below.
Fauna
The country’s fauna consist of 200 mammal species, over 460 native bird species, 43 amphibian species, 43 reptile species, and 1,200 fish species. Some animals native to the country are shown below.
Flora Canada is home to 17,000 species of trees, herbs, ferns, mosses and other flora. Some of them are presented below
Beaches
Culture
The Canadian culture embodies the artistic, culinary, literature, humour, musical and social elements of its diverse ethnicities. This has been influenced first by the indigenous traditions, and later by those of Europeans, mostly British and French. In its broadest sense, Canadian culture is a mixture of British, French and American influences.
Traditional Attire
Canadian consumer fashion trends are linked to the legacy of its history. The ‘blanket jacket’, for example, is possibly the country national identity. The ‘parka’ is another traditional form of functional fashion. In addition, various headwear developed in the country carry cultural and historical significance. The Calgary white hat is a more contemporary example; a garment of symbolic importance for the city of Calgary, Alberta, rooted in the traditional ranching and farming culture of the area. Some of the unique attires of Canadian people are shown below.
Cuisine
Canadian food has a lot to offer, with both unique indigenous dishes and cuisine influenced by other cultures. Some of them are presented below.
Status of Christianity in Canada
Despite its large Christian population, Canada thrives on liberalism, just like neighbouring America. This has implications for all aspects of life in the country, with many people increasingly embracing the liberal culture that promotes hatred for God and His ways. In recent times, many churches have been set ablaze in parts of the country by arsonists linked with the progressive movement. It is also important to note that the Catholic Church, which is the dominant Christian denomination in the country, does not actively engage in evangelism. The situation underscores the need for believers everywhere to intercede for unsaved souls in Canada, using the under-listed prayer points or as the Holy Spirit leads them. A nation where over 30% of its people claim to be atheists needs serious intercessory prayer.
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would have mercy on the entire country and pour out His Spirit on them as He promised in Joel 2:28.
- Ask the Father to judge the principalities and powers operating in Canada and uproot them from their strongholds.
- Pray that He would destroy their influence in the lives of all Canadians.
- Ask God to remove the veil of darkness from the eyes, hearts and minds of Canadians that they might receive the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Pray that the Father would send labourers into His harvest in the country.
- Ask the Father to destroy all faulty foundations laid in the lives of all Christian believers through heretic teachings and doctrines of demons.
- Pray that He would purge believers that have been polluted by their interactions with the world and people of other faiths that do not honour Him.
- Ask the Father to sanctify all believers with His word, which is the only eternal truth.
- Pray that He would fill them with the Holy Spirit for the ministry of the word and prayer.
- Ask the Father to protect believers as they evangelise the unsaved in the country.
Intercession Checklist
From the political map of Canada provided in the text, select a town, city or region for focused intercessory prayer. Present the chosen geographical space to the Father and tell Him that you are claiming its people for Christ as His ambassador. The anchor Scriptures are Psalm 2:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:20. ****Some materials sourced from Canada, https://www.en.m.wikipedia.com; A Taste of Canadian Food, https://www.familysearch.org.