Peace & Justice Global Network and Sharing Stories

Following is a brief history of Canada. Any one can add in this summary of events.

The earliest discovery of the New World was made by Norse seafarers known as Vikings.

In AD 1000 Leif Ericson became the first European to land in North America (see Ericson).

In 1497 an Italian named John Cabot sailed west from Bristol, England, intent on finding a new trade route to the Orient for his patron, King Henry VII of England. This voyage led to the rediscovery of the eastern shores of Canada.

The first Parliament of the new Dominion met on Nov. 6, 1867, with Macdonald as prime minister.

By the Deed of Surrender of 1869, Canada purchased the vast Northwest Territories from the Hudson's Bay Company. The company was permitted to retain trading rights in the area and a small percentage of the prairie lands.

The year 1967 marked the 100th anniversary of the British North America Act, which had been proclaimed on July 1, 1867, and established the basis for the modern state of Canada. A giant birthday party on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

A highlight of the year was the Universal and International Exhibition, known as Expo '67, held in Montreal. Also to mark the centennial, Winnipeg, Man., was host to the fifth Pan-American Games, and the Order of Canada was instituted to reward Canadians for outstanding merit and service.

In 1982 the British North America Act was replaced by a new constitution for the government of Canada.

Queen Elizabeth visited Parliament Hill to proclaim the document. This completed the transfer of constitutional powers from Great Britain to Canada.

In October 1987 Canada and the United States reached agreement on a trade pact to eliminate all bilateral tariffs over a ten-year period beginning Jan. 1, 1989.

The two countries signed a Great Lakes water-quality agreement in November 1987. Both countries agreed to track and clean up sources of pollution.

In January 1988 abortion was legalized in Canada.

Victories by Mulroney and his Conservative party in the November 1988 elections guaranteed passage of the free-trade agreement.

The socialist New Democratic party chose Audrey McLaughlin, the member of Parliament from the Yukon, as its leader in 1989--the first woman to head a major Canadian political party.

While the international political climate became more conservative, the party began to dominate Canadian leadership in the early 1990s. New Democrats were elected premiers of the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

"About Canada" Links

Statistics Canada - Canada's national statistical agency

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

CIA - The World Factbook -- Canada

Health Canada's Web site

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA

Canada Post

Environment Canada's Green Lane

Industry Canada

VIA Rail Canada

Parks Canada

Canadian Tourism Commission