15 Important Dates in Canadian History

  • Jun 24, 1497

    John Cabot Reaches Newfoundland

    John Cabot Reaches Newfoundland
    During a voyage underwritten by Bristol merchants, John Cabot claims Cape Breton Island or Newfoundland or Labrador for Henry VII of England
  • Period: to

    Samuel de Champlain

    Samuel de Champlain and the sieur de Poutrincourt found Port Royal (Annapolis, N.S.). 1608 Champlain founds Québec, creating in effect the first permanent European settlement.1609 Champlain supports the Algonquins against the Iroquois at Lake Champlain.
  • Canada's first census

    Canada's first census
    The result of Canada's first census is 3215 non-native inhabitants.
  • The Hudson's Bay Company

    The Hudson's Bay Company
    The Hudson's Bay Company is founded by royal charter and, underwritten by a group of English merchants, is granted trade rights over Rupert's Land -- i.e., all territory draining into Hudson Bay
  • Canada's First Newspaper

    Canada's First Newspaper
    Canada's first newspaper, the weekly Halifax Gazette, appears.
  • The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company

    The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company amalgamate, creating unemployment for a substantial proportion of their Métis workforce.
  • Charlottetown Conference

    Charlottetown Conference
    Originally designed to discuss Maritime union, the Charlottetown Conference takes the first steps toward Confederation. The Québec Conference identifies 72 resolutions that set basis for union.
  • British Columbia joins Confederation

    British Columbia joins Confederation
    British Columbia joins Confederation as its 6th province
  • 1893 The National Council of Women of Canada is founded.

    1893 The National Council of Women of Canada is founded.
    The National Council of Women of Canada is founded. It was an organization based in Ottawa aimed at improving conditions for women, families, and communities.
  • Alberta and Saskatchewan are formed.

    Alberta and Saskatchewan are formed.
    Alberta joined Confederation along with Saskatchewan in 1905, when the two new provinces were created out of a section of the Northwest Territories.