Against the background of current educational retrenchment and general economic crisis, this report traces the economic, social, political and educational influences that shape contemporary Canada. The instability of the economy and its domination by the United States, the transformation from a bicultural into a multicultural society, women's liberation, and the problems of regional disparity are identified as the major issues of the 1980s. Quebec nationalism and growing regional loyalties are, in fact, posing a threat to confederation. In tracing the structural history of the educational system, the author demonstrates that public opinion is playing an ever increasing role in decision-making. The historical development of educational programs and curricula reveals a progressive trend through the 1970s, although this has recently been decelerated to allow for decentralization of curriculum construction, which more adequately meets local needs. (WD)