Discover
The identity of the nation
Canada is the world’s second largest country by territory, but it is home to a relatively small population of about 41 million people, concentrated in a narrow band near the southern border. It is a bilingual nation, English and French speaking, marked by the coexistence of British heritage, Quebec’s French heritage, and the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land for millennia.
Historically Christian, the country has undergone one of the fastest secularizations in the world in recent decades. The churches that once shaped public life have emptied out, and the share of Canadians with no religion is growing sharply, especially among the young and in the big cities. The majority still identify as Christian, but for many, faith has become mere cultural heritage, far removed from practice and commitment.
At the same time, Canada is reinventing itself as one of the most multicultural nations on Earth. Immigration has transformed Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal into mosaics of peoples, languages, and religions: Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities grow side by side with vibrant immigrant churches. The nations have come to Canada, and with them many peoples who have never heard the gospel in their own language.
This is Canada’s spiritual paradox: a nation of Christian roots whose inherited faith is cooling, even as it receives within its borders peoples from all over the world who still do not know Christ. The mission field is no longer just the far North and the Indigenous peoples on reserves; it has also become the newly arrived neighbor from another continent.
The call over Canada is twofold: to rekindle the dormant faith of a people who knew the gospel and drifted from it, and to reach the unreached peoples God has brought within its borders. There is hope in a church that learns to see the harvest at its own doorstep.
- For millennia, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples inhabit the territory.
- 1497 John Cabot reaches the Atlantic coast in the service of England.
- 1534 Jacques Cartier claims land for France; New France is born.
- 1608 Founding of Quebec City by Samuel de Champlain.
- 1763 After the war, France cedes the territory to Great Britain.
- 1867 Confederation unites the first provinces and forms the Dominion of Canada.
- 1931 The Statute of Westminster recognizes the country's autonomy.
- 1982 The new Constitution Act completes independence from the British crown.
- Today A multicultural and prosperous nation, of inherited Christian faith that is rapidly moving away from religion.
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Englishofficial, mother tongue of the majority and the country's common language
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Frenchofficial, predominant in Quebec and French speaking communities
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Indigenous languagesdozens of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis languages, many endangered
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Immigrant languagesMandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic, and Tagalog among the most spoken
Canada is the world's second largest country, spanning nearly 10 million square kilometers, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and up to the Arctic. It has 10 provinces and 3 territories, with forests, the Rocky Mountains, prairies, thousands of lakes, and the vast tundra of the north. Most of the population lives near the southern border, leaving the immense interior sparsely inhabited.
Major cities
- TorontoLargest city and financial hub, intensely multicultural
- MontrealFrench speaking heart, Quebec's culture and cuisine
- VancouverPacific port, between the sea and the mountains
- OttawaNational capital, seat of government
- CalgaryEnergy hub and gateway to the Rocky Mountains
Climate and temperature
Poutine
Fries with curd cheese and gravy, the signature dish born in Quebec.
Tourtière
Meat pie seasoned with cinnamon and cloves, a traditional Quebec Christmas dish.
Butter tart
Sweet tart of butter, brown sugar, and eggs, a Canadian classic.
Maple syrup
Syrup extracted from the maple tree, a national symbol served over pancakes.
Canadian bacon
Cured, sliced pork loin, served at breakfast.
Atlantic lobster
Specialty of the maritime provinces, cooked and served fresh.
Understand
Culture and spirituality
2a · The culture
Multiculturalism
Diversity is seen as a national value; many cultures coexist side by side.
Bilingualism
English and French shape national identity and mark tensions between Quebec and the rest of the country.
Education and courtesy
Politeness, apologizing, and respect for personal space are valued traits.
Outdoor life
Hockey, skiing, lakes, and forests are part of daily life and identity.
Indigenous reconciliation
The country faces its past with Indigenous peoples and seeks redress.
- Confusing Canadians with Americans Canadians value their own distinct identity.
- Ignoring French in Quebec The French language and culture are a source of pride and identity.
- Treating faith as a trivial topic In a secular environment, religion is a sensitive and personal matter.
- Minimizing Indigenous history The wounds of Indigenous peoples remain deep and current.
- Generalizing about immigrants Each community has its own history, faith, and culture.
2b · The field
Areas of spiritual battle and cultural captivity to cover in prayer. Tap each point to understand:
Inherited faith cools, and many live as though God made no difference.
Prosperity and comfort occupy the central place that belongs to the Creator.
Personal autonomy is exalted, weakening bonds of community and faith.
For many, Christianity is only heritage, without life or commitment.
The idea that all truth is personal dilutes the uniqueness of the gospel.
Entire communities live in the country without ever hearing of Christ in their language.
Abandonment and historical trauma keep Indigenous peoples away from faith.
The search for meaning shifts toward consumption, career, and entertainment.
The climate and urban pace fuel isolation and loneliness.
Many congregations are shrinking and losing younger generations.
Canada guarantees broad religious freedom, and Christians can live and express their faith without fear of violence or state persecution. The country ranks among the lowest risk in the world for the church, and Christian communities gather and operate freely.
The challenges are of a different kind: the pressure of an increasingly secular environment, where public faith is viewed with suspicion and expressing Christian convictions on moral issues can lead to social marginalization. No blood is shed, but there is the temptation toward silence and accommodation. The greatest risk to the Canadian church is not the sword, but indifference.
The persecution score runs from 0 to 100: the higher it is, the greater the pressure on Christians.
Canada brings together dozens of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, many with little access to the gospel in their own language, along with immigrant communities from every continent. Immigration has brought unreached peoples from around the world into the country, making the major cities a diverse and strategic mission field.
- 2.9M Unreached 7,2%
- 86K Minimally reached 0,2%
- 10.7M Superficially reached 26,8%
- 4.9M Partially reached 12,2%
- 21.4M Significantly reached 53,6%
- 56 Unreached 22,7%
- 4 Minimally reached 1,6%
- 29 Superficially reached 11,7%
- 79 Partially reached 32%
- 79 Significantly reached 32%
Source of people group data: Joshua Project (joshuaproject.net). Estimates, may vary.
Japonês
Árabe catarense
Birmanês
Northern Yemeni Arab Frontier
Litvish Jews Frontier
Sudanese Arab Frontier
Árabe Egípcio Muçulmano
Source: Joshua Project. Estimates, may vary.
Pray
Intercede for this nation
Every nation carries a redemptive purpose. Marks that seem woven into the identity God desires to restore:
Go
Practical details for those who want to go
Local time
Cost of living
rises sharply in Toronto and Vancouver
Cost by city
Reference values (source: Numbeo). Confirm before traveling.
Practical points for those who go
- Prepare for the cold: winter is long and harsh across most of the country.
- In Quebec, value French: even a few words are well received.
- Be mindful of the cost of living: Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive cities.
- Respect cultural diversity: the country welcomes many peoples and religions.
- English opens doors almost everywhere, except in the French speaking heartland.
Send and sustain
Not everyone goes, everyone takes part
Not everyone goes. Everyone takes part.
Behind every worker among these peoples stands a network of people who pray without ceasing, care for the family left behind, and faithfully sustain the work. Sending is mission too.
Start with your church: introduce this nation, adopt it in ongoing prayer, and walk alongside those God is raising up to go.