The Canada Survival Guide

Scheduled for opening/completion (sub-pages):
March, 2012.

Welcome to the Canada Survival Guide.

Below is information that applies to the country as a whole. In other words, it is information not specific to each province.

Due to the vast size of Canada and the numerous differences of regions throughout it, each province and territory has been given its own page for survival information specific to that region.

It is recommended to at least skim through this page as some laws and factors including firearm laws apply throughout the country.

Just click on the province you want specific survival information on (directly below when you are ready to proceed.

ALBERTA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

MANITOBA

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NOVA SCOTIA

NUNAVUT

ONTARIO

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

QUEBEC

SASKATCHEWAN

YUKON TERRITORY

Population and Background Information

According to the (July) 2011 Census, the population of Canada is approximately 34,030,589*. Of this number:

15.7%* are 14 years old or younger.
68.5%* are between the ages of 15 and 64
15.9%* are 65 years old or higher

Canada shares a border only with the United States (including Alaska). It is the longest unfortified border in the world. Canada is the second largest country in the world (only Russia is larger) and the largest country that only borders one other country.

Canada's official languages are English and French. Approximately 58.8% of the population speaks English and 21.6% speak French.

81% of Canadians live in cities. Almost all Canadians (over 99%) have access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. The literacy rate is also approximately 99%.
The Capital city of Canada is Ottawa, Ontario. The most populated city is Toronto, Ontario with over 5 million inhabitants. The most populated region (province or territory) of Canada is the province, Ontario.

Helpful Skills/Preparations

There are many skills/abilities and preparations that would be very helpful for those planning to flee to Canada in the event of a zedpoc scenario or other major disaster. This section will give/explain some of the most important/beneficial abilities and preparations for those intending to head to Canada.

Firstly, people heading to Canada would benefit greatly from fluency in English and French. These are the 2 official languages of Canada and at least 1 is spoken by a vast majority of the population (over 80%). Proficiency in French is particularly important for survivors heading to Quebec as a large portion of its population speaks French.

An important preparation would be, especially during the winter months, proper items and supplies to survive in cold weather. No, Canada is not freezing cold all year long like implied in the countless stereotypes. Yes, however, it gets VERY COLD in the winter; especially as you move up toward the territories. It is thus wise to stock up on supplies to protect you from the cold if you intend to come to Canada during the winter months or if you believe you could be staying there for a long time.

Military

The Canadian Forces are divided into the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Navy, and Canada Command (national security).

The minimum age required to join the regular force is 17 whilst the minimum age requirement for the reserve force is 16.

Almost 16 million Canadians are considered available for service (ages 16-49). Of this number, just over 13 million are considered fit for service.

Canada's regular force consists of almost 70,000 soldiers. Canada has an additional 47,000+ troops in the reserves. In addition, over 950 Canadian soldiers (regulars) are currently deployed.

Structure of the Canadian Army (Land Forces only). Click for larger picture.

Firearm laws/Restrictions (Federal)

Classes of Firearms: Non-Restricted, Restricted & Prohibited

How firearms are classified (characteristics of each class):

Typically most rifles and shotguns are classed as "Non-Restricted", with some exceptions however. Restricted firearms are handguns with a barrel length over 105 mm (4.1") and certain rifles (Including AR type rifles, M1 Carbines, Short Barreled rifles, shotguns, etc) The next class is currently impossible to get; in order to get it you needed to own the firearm before December 1, 1998. Another way is to be a close relative of someone with this class. Firearms in this class are handguns with a barrel length of less than 105mm (4.1"), fully-automatics, converted full autos, AK type (Including Saiga shotguns, Galil rifles, etc (Note: 3 Variants of the AK made by Valmet are considered Non-Restricted due to the fact they are considered hunting rifles)

Examples of each class:

Unrestricted (NR):

Mini-14, Remington 870 (With an overall length at or greater than 477mm)

Restricted (R):

Glock, 1911, XD (As long as they have a barrel length of 105mm or greater) AR type rifles, M1 Carbines, rifles less than 477mm overall length.

Prohibited (Prohib.):

AK type, FAL type, G3 (Including semi-auto variants and MP5 variant

Licensing Requirements (PAL):

Simple, you need the license to own the firearm. In order to get a firearm that is considered NR, you need to go to a firearms instructor and get certified for that class of firearm. In order to get a firearm considered R you need to go through training and testing for the R class. Same rule applies for Prohib. firearms (But you need to meet certain other criteria).

Licenses and/or Training required for each class of firearm:

Testing and certification is similar for all classes, with much of the material repeated in all types of training handbooks. However, when doing the written and practical testing the focus is on that specific class (NR will focus on rifles & shotguns, R will focus on handguns, personally I have never taken the prohib course so I cannot say what that has in the course material - if you have knowledge of this course please message Junedragon3)

Transportation Laws:

**ALL FIREARMS**
Firearms left unattended in a car must be locked in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment. If the vehicle does not have a trunk or compartment, the firearm must be placed out of sight inside the vehicle and the vehicle must be locked (same rules apply for transport of replica firearms)

**NR FIREARMS**

Non-restricted firearms must be: transported unloaded (with the exception of muzzle-loading rifles, which can be transported loaded between hunting sites so long as the firing cap or flint is removed).

**R FIREARMS**

Restricted and prohibited firearms must be: unloaded, made inoperable with a secure locking device, and locked in a sturdy container, bolt(s) or bolt-carrier(s) must be removed, if removable.

Storage Laws:

**NR FIREARMS**

Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and:

made inoperable with a secure locking device (such as a trigger lock); OR
have bolt(s) or bolt-carrier(s) removed; OR
securely locked in a sturdy container, cabinet or room that cannot be easily broken into
except if: (1) in areas where it is legal to fire a gun, non-restricted firearms needed for predator control can temporarily be left unlocked and operable, but they must be kept unloaded and all ammunition must be stored separately, and (2) in wilderness areas, non-restricted firearms can be left unlocked and/or operable, but must be left unloaded (ammunition may be kept nearby).

**R FIREARMS**

Restricted firearms must be unloaded and:

made inoperable with a secure locking device (such as a trigger lock) and securely locked in a sturdy container, cabinet or room that cannot be easily broken into; OR
locked in a vault, safe or room that was built or adapted for storing these types of firearms
for automatic firearms, the bolt(s) or bolt-carrier(s) must be removed, if removable, and stored in a separate locked room that cannot be easily broken into

**AMMUNITION**

must be kept in a location where it is not available for loading the firearm, unless both the firearm and its ammunition are securely locked up

Suppliers:

May vary; online suppliers include, but are not limited to: Marstar, Wolverine Supplies, Trade-Ex Canada, P&D, Cabelas Canada.

Gun stores that I know of include, but are not limited to: Wholesale Sports, Bass Pro Shops, Canadian Tire (Yes, really, I know of ONE Canadian Tire location that sells true firearms)

**PLEASE NOTE** Certain air guns (With a velocity exceeding 500 fps) ARE considered firearms by the Canadian government, and MUST be registered. Being caught with an un-registered air gun with a velocity greater than 500 fps is a chargeable offense under the Criminal Code of Canada AND the Firearms Act. The class of air rifles is determined based on overall and/or barrel length.

Geographical Information

The total area of Canada, including its claims of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, is 9,984,670 square kilometers. Its total land area is approximately 9,093,507 square kilometers. Canada (also) has approximately 202,080 kilometers of coastline.

Canada has a wide range of natural resources. These natural resources include
Iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and hydro-power.

The terrain of Canada varies greatly throughout the country. Western Canada is a very mountainous area (includes the Rocky Mountains). The prairies (mainly Saskatchewan and Alberta) are mostly flat fields covered in wheat. Southern Ontario and Quebec are also mostly flat with hills and several large bodies of water. Northern Ontario and Quebec are rocky areas (part of Canadian shield) with numerous forests and some mountains. The territories are largely arctic tundra with sparse vegetation.

Approximately 415,573.27 square kilometers of Canada are considered to be suitable for agriculture (arable). This figure/area amounts to approximately 4.57% of the total land area of Canada.

Canada has a vast supply of fresh water. Throughout Canada, there are over 3000 cubic kilometers of fresh water available. The largest source of fresh water is the Great Lakes of southern Ontario

The capitol city of Canada is Ottawa, Ontario.

Largest Metropolitan Areas (by population) *:

1) Toronto, Ontario (inc. Mississauga) ------------------------------------------------5,113,149
2) Montreal, Quebec (inc. Laval) --------------------------------------------------------3,635,571
3) Vancouver, British Columbia (inc. Surrey and Burnaby) ----------------------2,116,581
4) Ottawa, Ontario ----------------------------------------------------------------------------1,130,761
5) Calgary, Alberta ---------------------------------------------------------------------------1,079,310
6) Edmonton, Alberta -----------------------------------------------------------------------1,034,945
7) Quebec# (inc. Levis) -----------------------------------------------------------------------715,515
8) Winnipeg, Manitoba -------------------------------------------------------------------------694,668
9) Hamilton, Ontario (inc. Burlington) ------------------------------------------------------692,911
10) London, Ontario ----------------------------------------------------------------------------457,720

Canada - Major Metropolitan Areas

This map, accompanied by the data in the table, gives a good idea of the major urban centers of Canada.

Transportation

Air Transportation:

There are over 1400 airports in Canada. Of these, over 500 have paved runways. Canada also has 12 heliports.

Land Transportation:

Overall, there are 46,552 kilometers of railway throughout Canada (5th most of any country). There are also approximately 1,042,300 kilometers of road throughout the country. Almost half of this road (length) is paved. Canada has approximately 17,000 km of expressways (part of the 1,042,300 total km).

Water/Sea Transportation:

Canada has approximately 636 km of seaways and shares an additional 3600+ with the US. The majority of this comes in the Saint Lawrence Seaway which stretches from the Great Lakes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Canada also has 184 merchant ship. This number consists of primarily of 66 bulk carriers and 64 passenger/cargo ships as well as 14 chemical tankers, 12 cargo ships, and 12 petroleum tankers.

Canada has nine ports. These ports include/are located in the Fraser River Port, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Port-Cartier, Quebec City, Saint John (New Brunswick), Sept-Isles, and Vancouver.

Economy

Canadian Currency

One cent coin: "Penny"
Five cent coin: "Nickel"
Ten cent coin: "Dime"
Twenty-five cent coin: "Quarter"
Fifty cent coin: "50 Cent Piece"
One Dollar Coin: "Loonie"
Two Dollar Coin: "Toonie"

Canadian Coins (Currency)

Canada also uses paper money. Canada circulates:

-5 dollar bills
-10 dollar bills
-20 dollar bills
-50 dollar bills
-100 dollar bills

Note: Canadian bills will soon be replaced by new polymer bills (same values but on a plastic material rather than paper). The 100 dollar bill has already been replaced and the new 5, 10, 20, and 50 dollar bills will soon also be released.

Canadian Bills (currency)

Economy/Market/Trade

Canada is a "high-tech industrial society in the trillion-dollar class". Canada's economy, like that of the US, is market oriented. Canada is also known to have high/affluent standards of living.

Canada is a largely industrial country. Canada's agricultural production/resources is large but its economy is mainly based on industries. Canada is also very urbanized. In fact, over 80% of Canadians live in cities and other urban areas. This prominence of industries and urbanization (urban population) plays a major role in the economy of Canada.

Canada has a large surplus in trade with the United States. Due partially to the North American Free Trade Agreement as well as the geographical positions of the countries, the US is Canada's primary/largest (by quantity of trade) trading partner. Over 75% of Canadian exports go to the US.

In 2009, Canada experienced the first deficit in over 12 years. This was caused by the economic crisis that was felt (and is still felt) around the world. However, Canada's banks came out of the crisis as some of the strongest in the world due mainly to their lending practices and capitalization.

Canada's GDP is 1.3 trillion dollars, the 15th highest country in the world in this regard/statistic. The GDP per capita is $39,400 (in US dollars), making it the 22nd highest in the world.

Canada's labor force currently includes 18.53 million workers*. Over two thirds of these workers are engaged in the service sector. In addition, 13% are in the manufacturing sector, 6% are in the construction sector, and 2% are in the agricultural sector. Canada's unemployment rate is 8%.

Culture

Canada has a very diverse culture. Numerous ethnic groups have influenced Canadian culture with elements of their own society/culture. Canada is thus a very multicultural country in both its society/traditions and its policies.

Canada's predominant ethnic groups/backgrounds include:

British Islands - 28% of the population
French - 23% of the population
other European countries - 15%
Other - 6%
Aboriginals/First Nations - 2%
Mixed Background - 26%

These ethnic groups have all contributed to the rich, diverse culture of Canada that varies throughout the country.

Canadian History (from 1867)

This section is a brief (in no way detailed) summary of Canada's history. It is not essential for the purpose of surviving in Canada, but will give, to those who plan to go to Canada in case of a disaster or zedpoc scenario, a better understanding of the country and its foundations.

Formation as a Dominion of Britain/Nation

On July 1, 1867, after multiple conferences, the Dominion of Canada was formed by the Constitution Act. The name Canada came from the Iroquois First Nations' word, "Kanata", meaning village. At its formation, Canada consisted of four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Sir John A. MacDonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada.

canada 1867

Expansion

Canada acquired Rupert's Land (the large area around the Hudson Bay) as well as the Northwest Territory.

Ruperts land

Rupert's Land.

The Northwest Territories (first territory) was formed soon after Confederation and consisted of the newly acquired Rupert's Land, most of Northern/Arctic Canada, and most of the prairies. Manitoba (province) was formed in July 1870 directly to the west of Ontario. British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, then joined the Confederation as a province in 1871. In 1873, Prince Edward Island also joined the Confederation as a province. After these additions, the appearance of Canada had changed greatly:

Canada in 1873

During the Gold Rush, the Yukon Territory was created in 1898.

In the early 20th century, immigrants were encouraged to settle the west (prairies). Immigrants were given grants of land in the prairies and transportation from Europe to Canada to encourage western settlement. In addition, the construction of three transcontinental railways allowed for significantly faster transportation of people and supplies across the country. As a result of this new settlement and transportation, the provinces Alberta and Saskatchewan were formed in 1905.

Canada in 1905

The only current province which was not formed by 1905 was Newfoundland and Labrador, which still chose to remain a colony of Britain at this time. Newfoundland and Labrador did not join Canada until 1949. Nunavut (Territory) was formed 50 years later in 1999 with a large portion of land from the Northwest Territories. This would be the last region (province or territory) added to Canada.

1914-Today

Canada's armed forces grew significantly over the 20th Century.

Canadian forces played a significant role in the First World War. Canadian troops played key roles in successes at the Second Battle of Ypres, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and in the final Allied offensive in 1918. Over 600,000 Canadians took part in the war. Of these, almost 60,000 were killed and over 140,000 were wounded. Canada established itself as a military power.

<---The Vimy Ridge Monument in France

Canada experienced a major economic boom in the 1920's. This was brought to an end by the Stock Market Crash in/of 1929. Canada was hit hard by the Great Depression throughout the 1930s.

In 1939, with the breakout of World War II, Canada declared war on Germany. Canadian forces again played major roles at the Battle of Hong Kong, the Raid on Dieppe, D-Day (Canadian forces landed at "Juno" Beach), Operation "Husky" (invasion of Italy - most notably participated in the Battle of Ortona), the Liberation of the Netherlands, and in the Allied push on Germany.

The Royal Canadian Air Force also participated in numerous battles on bombing missions and expanded greatly throughout the war.

The Royal Canadian Navy grew rapidly and played a major role in escorting convoys of supply ships across the Atlantic (escorted over 25,000 convoys, destroyed 27 U-Boats, and sunk or destroyed over 40 ships over the course of the war). By the end of the war, Canada had the third largest navy of the Allied countries behind only the United States and Britain.

Canadian Troops would also participate in the Korean War. Some Canadian soldiers also volunteered for the US army and fought in Vietnam.

In 1982, the Constitution Act brought Canada's constitution home from Britain (replaced/took over from the British North America Act).

Canada's relations with the US grew throughout the Cold War. Multiple defensive installations were built throughout Canada as part of NORAD and Canadian military cooperation with the US greatly deepened/improved. Canada also developed strong(er) economic ties with the US over this time. This trend of increasing ties with the United States continued into the 21st century and played a large part in the development of Canada as it is today.

Sources

CIA World Factbook - Canada
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca.html

Wikipedia (articles: Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, List of Metropolitan Areas in Canada...)

Notes

* = based on 2006 census
# = Southeastern area of Quebec including several cities/municipalities

junedragon3	Latest page update: made by junedragon3 , Jan 10 2012, 7:59 PM EST (about this update About This Update Edited by junedragon3 76 words added 5 words deleted view changes - complete history)
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randomknife666

Calling All Canadians.

Apr 22 2012, 4:29 PM EDT by irishboy76

Thread started: Feb 9 2012, 2:20 PM EST Watch

Simply put, we should start to work on this, I'm currently gathering and compiling information for my home-region, Northern Ontario. But I would like a format to put it in properly.

Do you find this valuable?

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