B1. Application: Industrial Development and the Environment
Specific Expectations
B1.1
analyse some of the general ways in which the natural environment of regions in Canada has affected the development of industry (e.g., how the characteristics of the Canadian Shield made possible the development of mining and smelting, forestry, fresh water fisheries, pulp and paper; how the characteristics of the Maritime provinces made possible the development of fisheries, coal mining, agriculture, off-shore oil drilling; how the topography and climate of the Prairies make the region suitable for large-scale farming and ranching)
- What industries might develop in a forested area? Do all forested regions have the same types of industries? What accounts for the difference?
- Why do some industries need to be near water?
- What makes the Western Cordillera a good location for mining and smelting as well as forestry-based industries? What other types of industries have developed in this region? Why?
B1.2
assess aspects of the environmental impact of different industries in two or more physical and/or political regions of Canada (e.g., hydroelectric development in Quebec, the development of the oil sands in northern Alberta, fishing in Atlantic Canada, steel production in Nova Scotia, forestry and fishing in British Columbia, coal-powered electrical plants in Ontario, smelting in northern Ontario, shipping in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region)
- How has the increase in mining in the North affected the environment?
- What are the Sydney Tar Ponds? How were they created? What impact have they had on the environment?
- What is “clearcutting”? Why is that practice used by forestry companies? What is its environmental impact?
B1.3
describe some key actions taken by both industries and citizens to address the need for more sustainable use of land and resources (e.g., controlling industrial tailings; putting solar panels on houses or other buildings; ensuring responsible hunting and fishing practices; consulting with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit communities about resource development in their territories), and assess their effectiveness
- What are some things that the forestry industry has done to help manage forests? Are these actions enough to preserve forests for future use? If not, what else do you think should be done?
- What are some of the things you and your family can do to live in a more sustainable way?