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Jan 1, 1001
First Contact Between Europeans and Aboriginals
It is believed that the first contact between a European and Aboriginals happened around 1001 CE, when Leik Erikson tried to set up a colony, but failed because of the local climate and fiece opposition from the Aboriginals. I think this is an important event in Canadian History because even if it was not as significant as when Christopher Columbus discovered America, it sparked interest in exploration nevertheless. -
May 10, 1534
Jacques Cartier claims land for King of France
Jacques Cartier with his crew of 61 men arrive at the West Coast of future Newfoundland and claims the land for the King of France, Francis I. This is a significant event in Canadian History because it was the first time that there was an attempt to alliances with the First Nations for future projects. -
New France and the Fur Trade
French Explorer Samuel de Champlain set up a settlement, known as New France at the time, in current day Quebec City. This was the first habitation (building) created for settlement from abroad, and would give the French easier access to trading with the First Nations. This is an important event in Canadian History because it would lead to bigger feats like New France and a growing Fur Trade Business. -
The Hudson's Bay Company
Two Frenchmen discovered the Hudson's Bay, and discovered that the are was rich with beaver activity. This made London jealous, so they encouraged wealthy english merchants to invest in the fur trade. Eventually, in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company was formed. This would give the British a much easier time in collecting and processing furs as all the rivers connected to the Hudson Bay flowed into it. This is a significant event because it would lead to intense rivalry between France and Britain. -
Canada's First Newspaper
Canada's First Newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, was first published in 1752. However, it never made its way into New France due to opposition of setting up printing presses in the colony. This marks the first step into Canadian media as we know it today. -
7 Years War
The 7 Years war broke out in 1755 between imperial powers France and Britain over supremacy in North America. At the end of the war, France lost and had to give control of New France over to Great Britain. The aftermath of this event would lead to the first crucial steps in the development of the country we know today as Canada. -
Treaty of Paris
After Britain won the 7 Years War, the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763 between Britain, France, and other countries. Specific to North America, France had to return much of the land that it had occupied before and during the war. In exchange France was given fishing rights off Newfoundland and two small islands, Saint Pierre and Miquelon. -
North West Company Formation
The North West Company is formed by local merchants in Montreal in response to the success of the Hudson's Bay Company. This would allow them to break the Hudson's Bay Company Monopoly which meant higher competition and furs. -
The War of 1812
On June 18, 1812. the United States declares war against Great Britain (in which current day Canada was the battleground) for many reasons including trade restrictions and holding back expansion. The War lasts for two years and finally ends on February 16, 1815. This war is the most well known war in Canadian history because if the Americans had won, then Canada would not have existed today. -
The Total Abolishment of Slavery
In 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which abolished slavery in all of Britain's colonies at that time. This meant that Canada would outlaw slavery, as it was part of Great Britain at the time. This is a significant moment in the history of Canada because it would eventually be recognized as a safe haven for slaves that were trying to escape from the US, where slavery was still practiced. -
Confederation
The BNA (British North America) Act is passed in the British Parliament on July 1st, 1867, in which Britain's North American Colonies unite to form the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A. MacDonald becomes Canada's first Prime Minister. This is the most important moment in Canadian History because for the first time in history Canada could operate and make its own decisions by itself. -
The TransContinental Railroad is finished
On November 7, 1885, the last spike is driven in by Donald Smith, marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. It takes nearly 14 years to build the railway, which is still operational today. This railway leads to British Columbia joining Canada as another province, and unites people from coast to coast, which eventually leads to much greater settlement across the western parts of Canada. -
Anne of Green Gables is published
Anne of Green Gables, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is published. Over the next ninety years, the book sells over a million copies, garnering attention from all over the world. Canada gets into the spotlight of the world because of the runaway hit of the novel. -
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into effect on April 17, 1982 as part of the Constitution Act of 1982. It recognized Canadian's fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights, and equality rights. This was in important step towards making Canadians feel safe and free, no matter what their background was. -
Apology over Indian Residential Schools
On Wednesday June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a formal apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools.
