Part One: Discussion
- Arrange the class into a circle of chairs so that you are all facing each other.
- After watching the five-part Nature Labs lesson story ‘Canadian Sovereignty’ and reflecting on what you watched, discuss as a class the concept of sovereignty how it impacts our our country and our world.
- Your teacher will stay out of the conversation; they are just there to observe. Do not direct any questions to them.
- It’s not necessary to raise your hand during the discussion, just have a conversation with your peers. Let it flow naturally.
- When someone asks a question, or provides an observation, build your discussion around that comment first before starting a new idea.
- At the end of the conversation, summarize what you discussed.
- Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Strategies for Classroom Discussion
Questions to get you started:
General Understanding of Sovereignty
- When you hear the word “sovereignty,” what comes to mind first?
- Why do you think sovereignty is important for Canada today?
- Which moments in Canadian history do you think most shaped our sovereignty? Why?
- How has Canada’s relationship with Britain and the United States influenced its independence?
- How do Indigenous perspectives challenge or expand our understanding of Canadian sovereignty?
- Do you think the Northwest Passage should belong entirely to Canada or be open to all nations? Why?
- How should Canada respond to other countries challenging its Arctic claims?
- Does owning and controlling more territory always make a country stronger?
- Which do you think is more important to protect right now: Canada’s land and waters, or its digital information?
- Should Canada allow more foreign companies to own resources here if it boosts the economy? Why or why not?
- How might climate change create new challenges — or new opportunities — for Canada’s sovereignty?
- Can Canada stay fully sovereign while being part of organizations like the UN, NATO, or NORAD?
- Is it ever worth giving up a little sovereignty to solve a global problem like climate change or security threats?
- How much should Canada rely on allies like the United States for defense?
- If you were in charge of protecting Canadian sovereignty, what would be your top priority?
- How do you think sovereignty will change in the next 50 years?
Part Two – Activity: Sovereignty Scenarios
Instructions:
- Divide into groups of 4-5 students
- Select a scenario from the options on the right.
- Work in these small groups to decide how Canada could respond, considering law, diplomacy, economy, and environment.
- Present your reasonings to the rest of the class and discuss the results!
Scenarios:
The Northwest Passage Showdown
- As Arctic ice melts, more ships want to pass through the Northwest Passage. Canada says it’s part of our internal waters, but several countries call it an “international waterway.” A foreign supertanker has just entered without asking permission.
Arctic Resource Rush
- Scientists discover a massive oil deposit under the Arctic seabed in an area Canada claims — but another country has submitted its own claim to the United Nations. Environmental groups are protesting any drilling in the region.
Data Servers Abroad
- A major Canadian government department stores sensitive information in cloud servers located in another country. That country has passed new laws giving its government access to all data stored within its borders.
The Beaufort Sea Boundary Dispute
- Canada and the United States both claim rights to an overlapping area of the Beaufort Sea, which is believed to have valuable fisheries and oil reserves. A U.S. company has started drilling there.
Northern Military Flyover
- An unannounced foreign military aircraft flies over Canada’s Arctic territory, claiming it was “just passing through” international airspace. Canada says it crossed our sovereign airspace without permission.
Indigenous Nation–to–Nation Negotiations
- An Indigenous Nation announces it will begin managing its traditional territory independently, including controlling resource projects and issuing fishing permits — without federal approval.
Foreign Ownership of Key Resources
- A company from another country wants to buy a Canadian mining operation that extracts rare earth minerals critical for technology and defense. The Canadian government must decide whether to approve or block the sale.
Climate Refugee Settlement
- Climate change has forced tens of thousands of people from a Pacific island nation to seek refuge in Canada. Some international voices say Canada should give them land to govern themselves.
Digital Border Breach
- Hackers from another country shut down a Canadian hospital network and demand payment in cryptocurrency. The attack seems to be state-sponsored, but the foreign government denies involvement.
Fishing Rights in Disputed Waters
- Canadian fishers are clashing with boats from another country in an area near the coast where boundaries are unclear. Both governments are sending patrol vessels to “protect their citizens.”
Answer the following individually, in written form: What is the biggest threat of Canadian sovereignty? Explain your position.
Part Three – How does this relate to your class?
*Select your course and choose ONE option*