The volatile global economy, Canada’s role in Afghanistan, and immigration into our country are some of the topics that high school and university students tackled recently in the Great Questions of Canada Essay Competition.

From coast to coast, students penned thought-provoking essays expressing their views on six key debates about Canadian history and culture. Topics ranged from founding concepts, to identity revolution, Canada and the world, heroes and symbols, after unity and does history matter.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our winners. This year’s entrants showcased remarkable talent from impassioned young Canadians,” said Jeremy Diamond, Director at The Historica-Dominion Institute. “We are proud to partner with Canada’s History to generate national dialogue among a new generation of Canadian thinkers.”

Matthew Piva, from St. Ann’s Academy in Kamloops, BC, penned an award-winning essay on Canada’s Superhero Dilemma. In his essay, Piva relates Canada’s political and cultural heroes to the likes of "Superman." Piva writes, “We as Canadians often sympathize with foes, practice appeasement and experience conflict within ourselves.” In contrast, Piva believes the Unites States tends to produce "Batman-like figures" who battle foes, overcome obstacles and are celebrated as mavericks.

Caroline Beaulieu, from Université du Quebec à Chicoutimi in Quebec asserted that depending on where you live in Canada, your economic, cultural and historical views will vary. Beaulieu's essay, L'unité canadienne est une utopie, also addresses the integration of Aboriginal communities and immigration into Canada’s identity and concludes that the reformation of Canadian institutions would be a positive step towards respecting diverse voices while fostering Canadian unity.

About the award

The Historica-Dominion Institute is challenging young Canadians across the country to express their views on some important issues facing Canadians today. Using the articles on the Great Questions of Canada website, students are asked to write an essay on one of the six Great Questions debate topics. Each winning entry (one English, one French) will receive a $1,500 cash prize, have their essay published on the website and win a trip to Ottawa for the award ceremonies in 2011.

For more information please visit The Great Questions Essay Competition.