Canada's history

The history of Canada is a long and complex one, with a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Here is a brief overview of some key events in the history of Canada:
1000-1500: Indigenous peoples, including the Haida, Huron, and Inuit, inhabit what is now Canada.Show more

1497: Italian explorer John Cabot arrives in Canada, claiming the land for England.

1608: French explorer Samuel de Champlain establishes the settlement of Quebec City.

1763: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally transferring control of Canada from France to Great Britain.

1812: The War of 1812 is fought between the United States and Great Britain, with Canada caught in the middle.

1837-1838: The Lower Canada Rebellion and the Upper Canada Rebellion take place, as Canadians protest against British rule.

1867: The British North America Act establishes the Dominion of Canada as a self-governing country within the British Empire.

1867: Sir John A. Macdonald becomes the first Prime Minister of Canada.

1885: The North-West Rebellion occurs, as Indigenous peoples and Métis in the western territories protest against the federal government.

1885: The Canadian Pacific Railway is completed, linking the country from coast to coast.

1917: Canada declares war on Germany, entering World War I.

1917: The Conscription Crisis occurs, as conscription for World War I is introduced in Canada.

1920: Women in Canada are granted the right to vote in federal elections.

1939-1945: Canada enters World War II, fighting alongside the Allies.

1949: Newfoundland becomes the tenth province to join Canada.

1960: The Canadian Bill of Rights is enacted, protecting the rights of Canadians.

1971: Pierre Trudeau becomes Prime Minister, leading to significant social and cultural changes in Canada.

1976: The Montreal Olympics are held, showcasing Canada's athletic and cultural strengths on the international stage.

1980: The sovereignty movement in Quebec leads to the first of two referendums on Quebec independence.

1982: The Constitution Act is passed, patriating the Canadian Constitution and giving Canada full control over its own laws and government.

1988: Canada and the United States sign the Free Trade Agreement, leading to closer economic ties between the two countries.

1995: The Quebec sovereignty referendum takes place, with a narrow majority voting against independence.

1999: The Second Battle of Vancouver takes place, with protesters clashing with police over the World Trade Organization meeting.

2005: The federal government apologizes to Indigenous peoples for the harm caused by residential schools.

2006: The federal government apologizes to Indigenous peoples for the harm caused by residential schools.

2010: The Winter Olympics are held in Vancouver, showcasing Canada's winter sports capabilities.

2015: Canada legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide.

2020: The COVID-19 pandemic spreads globally, leading to widespread economic and societal disruptions in Canada and around the world.