Which of the following groups was one of the first to settle in Canada and significantly influenced its culture?

The French were one of the first groups to settle in Canada and had a significant influence on its culture. In the early 1600s, French explorers and settlers began to arrive in Canada, primarily focusing on the St. Lawrence River region. Key figures such as Samuel de Champlain established Quebec, which became a vital center for French culture, governance, and trade.

The French influence is evident in many aspects of Canadian life today, including language, education, cuisine, and religious practices. French remains one of Canada's two official languages, reflecting the lasting impact of this early settlement on the nation’s identity. The cultural contributions of the French settlers helped shape regional customs and traditions, especially in areas like Quebec, where French heritage is central to the local culture.

Other groups, such as the British, Spanish, and Portuguese, came later or had less of an influential role in the foundational cultural development of Canada during its early formation. Their impacts were significant in different contexts, but the French settlers laid the groundwork for many enduring cultural aspects that characterize Canada today.