What was the primary goal of residential schools in Canada?

The primary goal of residential schools in Canada was indeed the assimilation of Aboriginals into Western culture. These institutions were established with the intent to “civilize” Indigenous children by disconnecting them from their families and communities, effectively erasing their cultural identities and languages. The philosophy behind this system stemmed from a belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and that children should be trained to adopt Euro-Canadian values and ways of life.

The mandate of these schools was not focused on integrating Aboriginals into urban life in a manner that honored their cultures, nor was it aimed at preserving those cultures, which aligns with the incorrect choices. While some proponents of the schools might have claimed to provide educational opportunities, the education offered was often substandard and did not equip children with the skills needed to succeed in society outside their communities, further highlighting the schools' primary intention of cultural assimilation rather than genuine education.