What ideas of citizenship shaped Canada's western expansion?

Canada's western expansion was significantly influenced by ideas of citizenship that emphasized inclusion, loyalty, and the development of a national identity. The notion of "Dominion citizenship" sought to integrate diverse groups, including Indigenous peoples, settlers, and immigrants, under a unified national framework. Additionally, the promotion of agrarian values and the ideal of the "yeoman farmer" underscored the importance of land ownership and cultivation as key components of citizenship. These ideas aimed to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility among the population as Canada expanded its territories.