About the Team

The Canadian Studies Program (CSP) is a funding program of the Government of Canada that helps Canadians gain a better understanding of their country — its history, stories, people and systems of government. Specifically, the CSP supports the development of learning materials and activities that contribute to increasing Canadians’ knowledge about Canada.

Program Objectives:
To promote the study of Canada and to increase Canadians' understanding of its history and democratic institutions by:

  1. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of new quality learning materials and activities for use by Canadians;
  2. Building partnerships in the area of learning materials and activities on Canada through coordination of the federal government's efforts; and
  3. Promoting the development of knowledge on current trends and public policy related to learning about Canada.

The CSP has two funding components:

  • The Funding Competition encourages the research and development of quality learning materials; and
  • The Strategic Initiatives support the development of learning activities on Canada.

Strategic Themes

The CSP supports the development of learning materials and activities that address the following strategic themes. The five strategic themes were established through research undertaken to assess gaps in the availability of teaching media in Canadian history and civics.

  • Governance and Citizenship
    Helps Canadians gain a greater understanding of the processes and institutions involved in Canadian democracy and encourages greater civic participation and engagement.
  • Canada’s Official Languages
    Encourages the development of innovative and quality learning materials to help Canadians understand the evolution and place of official languages and official-language minority communities within Canada.
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism in Canada
    Facilitates a greater understanding of, and respect for, cultural differences and diversity in Canada.
  • Aboriginal Studies
    Helps Canadians gain a greater understanding and knowledge of Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
  • Canadian History Interpretation Skills
    Encourages the development of innovative approaches that help students and learners develop critical skills in interpreting our history and society.