Do Canadians Call the Region the Pacific Northwest?
The term 'Pacific Northwest' is often discussed in the context of North American geography, culture, and climate. Many people, both within and outside the region, are curious about how this term is used. Specifically, there is a common question: Do Canadians call it the Pacific Northwest? To address this query, we need to understand the scope of the term and its usage between different communities.
The Scope of the Pacific Northwest
Typically, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is used to describe the region encompassing parts of the states of Washington and Oregon in the United States. These areas are indeed recognized for their shared geography, culture, and climate, which are all closely linked to the Pacific Ocean.
However, the term’s use extends beyond these US states. In Canada, particularly in British Columbia (BC) and some parts of British Columbia, the term is sometimes applied with a slightly different connotation. For instance, some may refer to the southern parts of BC as the 'Pacific Northwest,' but this is not universally accepted.
Geographical Boundaries and Clarifications
The geographical boundaries of the term 'Pacific Northwest' are often a point of confusion. Southwestern British Columbia, particularly around Vancouver, is a region that sometimes sees itself as part of the Pacific Northwest. However, this is more colloquial and less formal. It is important to note that while the term is occasionally used, the official and commonly accepted definition of the Pacific Northwest excludes British Columbia.
Geographically, the term PNW is often seen as ending at the Rocky Mountains. In contrast, southern British Columbia, especially the Lower Mainland area, is more accurately termed the 'West Coast' or 'Wet Coast.' Some argue that strictly speaking, the term 'Pacific Northwest' excludes the part of BC that is not directly facing the Pacific Ocean.
Cultural and Linguistic Nuances
In addition to geographical misunderstandings, there are also cultural and linguistic nuances that add complexity to the use of the term. Canadians and Americans share many words and phrases, but sometimes these have different meanings or connotations. For example, terms like 'sheriff' (federal vs. provincial), 'bilingual government' (different levels), and even 'president' (USA vs. Canada) can have distinct uses.
This shared terminology can sometimes lead to confusion. For instance, the term 'Pacific Northwest' is seen differently in Canada and the USA. In Canada, it is more commonly used to refer to Washington and Oregon, rather than including British Columbia. This is also reflected in official government and popular discourse, where the region west of the Rocky Mountains (excluding British Columbia) is often referred to as simply 'West Coast.'
Frequent Use and Context
Despite the discrepancies, there are contexts where the term 'Pacific Northwest' is used by Canadians. For example, discussions about issues that affect both sides of the US-Canada border often use this term. When discussing something relevant to both areas, it is common to see the term 'Pacific Northwest' used, especially among residents of the SW corner of BC.
During times of such cross-border relevance, it is not uncommon to hear the term 'Pacific Northwest' used by Canadian residents. However, during periods of strict border control, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, the term becomes less frequently used.
Most recently, the term 'Wet Coast' has become an alternative, often used when referencing the SW corner of BC, as it holds a more positive connotation. However, the term 'Washed out Flooded Coast' has become more relevant due to recent weather conditions.
Ultimately, the term 'Pacific Northwest' is not universally used in Canada, but its usage does exist in certain contexts and regions. The area west of the Rockies, excluding British Columbia, is more commonly referred to as 'West Coast' or 'Wet Coast' by both Canadians and Americans.