The Scots in Canada made their mark as explorers, fur traders, soldiers, business leaders, prime ministers and more. Ex-pat Paul Cowan marks their journey from his native land to the New World.

French explorers first came to the New World seeking uncharted lands and unprecedented wealth. What they brought with them, however, was a unique culture that would eventually emerge as one of Canada's most dynamic and influential societies. Seven million Canadians from coast to coast identify themselves as having French or French Canadian ancestry. They have contributed to every aspect of life in our country-language, government, business, education, cuisine, media and the arts. Fierce battles were fought and wars waged by early colonists and Quebecois seeking autonomy. Nonetheless the country remains united, with French Canadian spirit and participation contributing to the development of Canada-born under two languages and two flags, adding richness and depth to this country's cultural fabric and to our collective Canadian identity.

How the Chinese Created Canada provides an in-depth look at the triumphs and struggles of one of Canada's most vibrant communities. Chinese culture has permeated the fabric of Canadian society with bold, exciting cuisine, art, music and alternative approaches to medicine and healing. Talented and creative individuals have made these concepts an integral aspect of everyday Canadian culture. Regardless of the hardships they endured--hazardous work conditions on the railway line, the government-sanctioned racism of the head tax, the lack of suffrage in a country where they were supposedly citizens--the Chinese persevered and forged a new chapter in our collective legacy. And some of Canada's most influential and interesting people have emerged from the families of Chinese immigrants--Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General; Norman Kwong, lieutenant-governor of Alberta; Alfred Sung, fashion designer; Stephen Yan, chef and TV host of Wok with Yan; Patrick Chan, Canadian figure skating champion and so many more.

The Scots in Canada made their mark as explorers, fur traders, soldiers, business leaders, prime ministers and more. Ex-pat Paul Cowan marks their journey from his native land to the New World.

French explorers first came to the New World seeking uncharted lands and unprecedented wealth. What they brought with them, however, was a unique culture that would eventually emerge as one of Canada's most dynamic and influential societies. Seven million Canadians from coast to coast identify themselves as having French or French Canadian ancestry. They have contributed to every aspect of life in our country-language, government, business, education, cuisine, media and the arts. Fierce battles were fought and wars waged by early colonists and Quebecois seeking autonomy. Nonetheless the country remains united, with French Canadian spirit and participation contributing to the development of Canada-born under two languages and two flags, adding richness and depth to this country's cultural fabric and to our collective Canadian identity.

How the Chinese Created Canada provides an in-depth look at the triumphs and struggles of one of Canada's most vibrant communities. Chinese culture has permeated the fabric of Canadian society with bold, exciting cuisine, art, music and alternative approaches to medicine and healing. Talented and creative individuals have made these concepts an integral aspect of everyday Canadian culture. Regardless of the hardships they endured--hazardous work conditions on the railway line, the government-sanctioned racism of the head tax, the lack of suffrage in a country where they were supposedly citizens--the Chinese persevered and forged a new chapter in our collective legacy. And some of Canada's most influential and interesting people have emerged from the families of Chinese immigrants--Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General; Norman Kwong, lieutenant-governor of Alberta; Alfred Sung, fashion designer; Stephen Yan, chef and TV host of Wok with Yan; Patrick Chan, Canadian figure skating champion and so many more.