The Impact of Scots Emigrants on Canada

• Farming


  It was farming that attracted large numbers of Scots to Canada, for example to the fertile districts of Ontario. Scots brought new ideas on farming with them, one being the introduction of crop rotation.
• Fur Trade


  The Scots' early arrival enabled them to make full use of their obvious entrepreneurial talents, no more so than in the fur trade with Scots - in particular George Simpson - dominating the Hudson Bay Company. The company recruited heavily from the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland.
• Politics


  Scots had a considerable impact on politics in Canada. For example John A. MacDonald emigrated from Scotland as a boy and rose to become Canada's first Prime Minister shaping Canada and contributing immeasurably to its character.
• Native Societies


  The traditional life of the Native people like the Metis was changed forever by contact with immigrants such as the Scots, some of whom saw them as uncivilised savages. As the number of immigrants increased natives were increasing pushed off their land which angered the Metis people.
• Education


  Scots influenced the development of Higher education in Canada. The world-famous McGill university was established with money from the estate of James McGill, a glasgow emigrant. Queen's university in Kingston, Canada was founded in 1841 by the Church of Scotland.
• Religion

  Scots contributed to the religious development of Canada through the development of the presbyterian Church of Scotland.
• Timbre Trade


  Timbre Businesses were set up by Scots, and others whorked in the industry, cutting down and preparing logs.
• Sport

  The Scottish sport of curling became a very prominent sport in Canada. Highland games also took place.
• Places


  Many place names in Canada were derived from Scotland. For example, Nova Scotia and Aberdeen.
• Banking


  Wealthy Scots were involved in setting up banks and investment companies. An example includes, George Srephn who was present in the bank of Montreal.
• Culture

  Scots retained and promoted aspects of their culture, for example Scottish country dancing and traditional music. They also embraced instruments like the bagpipes and celebrate burns night.
• Clubs and Associations


  Scottish settlers in Canada set up Scottish associations to retain and promote their Scottish cultural identity. For example, the Aberdeen was set up in Canada and often had a charitable function.
• Industry

  Scots with experience of industry from home were instrumental in the development of Canada's iron, steel, oil and gas industries.
• Entrepreneurs


  Scots were influential in the development of business in Canada, for example by the 1920s a quarter of Canadian business leaders were born in Scotland.
• Transport


  Scots had a major impact on the development of transport systems in Canada, for example in the Transatlantic Canadian Pacific railway. Prime Minister John A. MacDonald was a strong supporter and George Stephen at the bank of Montreal helped finance it.