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Acadians are exiled from their homes
The British forcefully removed the Acadian people, French-speaking settles, from their land and homes, due to their refusal to pledge allegiance to the British in times of conflict with France (1755-1763). This is important to Canadian identity because it highlights one of the conflicts that stemmed from colonialism in Canada, allowing for the acknowledgment of past injustices and contributing to the linguistic and cultural diversity Canada’s identity. -
The Conquest (Battle on the Plains of Abraham)
A battle during the Seven Years’ War in which British forces defeated French troops, leading to British control over Quebec. Important to specifically Francophone identity as it represents a significant turning point in their history; symbolizes a historical conflict to preserve their cultural identity within a predominantly English-speaking Canada, showing that some may believe being a Canadian means being anglophone. -
The Royal Proclamation determines that First Nations are sovereign
This proclamation established the foundation for the governance of territories surrendered by the French to Britain in the Treaty of Paris. It also reserved the purchase of land from First Nations to only ‘the Crown’. Important because it is viewed as the first steps for Indigenous peoples journey to self-determination (as it recognized Indigenous rights) and established them as a part of Canada. -
Lord Durham’s report encourages the assimilation of the Francophone colonists
Lord Durham was sent to investigate the rebellions in Lower & Upper Canada; led to a report that supported the unity of these two colonies, however, he was biased against French Canadians (Lower Canada) and wanted to assimilate them through this unity. Important for Canadian identity because it laid the groundwork for the assimilation and violation of French (and Indigenous) identities in Canada, which led to actions that are still affecting Canada’s identity today. -
BNA Act 1867
Now known as the Constitution Act, was the law that created the Dominion of Canada (uniting Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada), outlining the structure of government and distribution of power in the new country. Important for Canadian identity because it marked the beginning of Canada, laying a foundation for national identity, and introduced a system of government that is still shaping Canadian identity today (by balancing regional diversity with national unity). -
Creation of North West Mounted Police
Force created prior to the RCMP; Was created to assert Canadian sovereignty, and maintain order, in the Western territories (and prepare it for settlement). Important to Canadian identity because it acts as a symbol of Canadian values (justice, security etc.); can also cause people to think being a Canadian revolves around peace, or that it's focused on civic aspects, or by some (Indigenous peoples) that it revolves around suppression and the undermining of Indigenous sovereignty. -
The Indian Act is first created
Canadian federal legislation that outlines governmental obligations to the First Nations peoples and their communities, however, was originally created with the intent of assimilating Indigenous peoples into European society/culture. Especially important to Indigenous identity because it has controlled many aspects of their lives (from cultural practices to land to governance etc.) by completing things such as the creation of “Indian Status” and suppressing acts of self-determination. -
Chinese Head Tax discriminates against Chinese immigration
A discriminatory act on Chinese people enacted to restrict Chinese immigration after the finishing of the Canadian Pacific Railway that lasted until 1923. Highlights a challenge Canada has faced on its journey to adopting a multiculturalism identity. -
Manitoba Schools Question becomes an issue in the federal election
The struggle over the rights of Francophones in Manitoba to receive an education in their religion and native language as Manitoba legislature had abolished French as an official language in the province, setting up non-denominational school systems. Important for Canadian identity because it highlights (one of) the many struggles for minority rights and cultural preservation within Canada, showing one of the steps that needed to be taken for the embracement of diversity and multiculturalism. -
Conscription crisis during World War One
The federal gov't decided that male citizens had to be conscripted for World War 1 on behalf of Great Britain. Important to Canadian identity because it contributed to the multicultural place Canada is today by getting people to put their cultural differences aside to fight for the country, but, is also a cause for why differences between English and French Canadian identity is so prominent, due to it causing regional divisions and conflicts as the French Canadians had no loyalties to Britain. -
Statute of Westminster
This British law granted Canada legislative equality with Britain (meaning it could pass laws without the need for British approval, except for certain matters). Important for Canadian identity because it marked a step in Canada’s journey to become fully independent from the British Crown— recognized Canadians as their own group of people assisting in the creation of national pride and unity; Also allowed Canadians to reflect their values and character through independent choices. -
The White Paper on Aboriginal Rights
A Canadian gov't policy paper that attempted to abolish legislation relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada in order to "achieve equality" by regarding them simply as citizens, removing their "Indian" status.
Especially important to Indigenous identity; was seen as an attack on their cultural and political identity, but also led to an assertion of Indigenous rights in Canada, as it allowed for their recognition, resulting in the affirmation of Indigenous self-determination and treaty rights -
October Crisis
A chain of events that occurred in Quebec as a result of continuous terrorist attacks by a militant independence movement, Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) (from 1963-1970), for the purpose of Quebec asserting sovereignty from Canada. Important because it acts as a reason for the discussion of what Canadian identity is, due to the fact it was a reason for the agendas for Quebec to remove itself from Canada (testing national unity), and continues to serve as a reminder for this tension today. -
Canada adopts official multiculturalism
This policy acknowledges the fact that Canadians come from a variety of backgrounds, and that each culture has value in this country. Important to Canada’s identity because it promotes cultural diversity, equality etc; helps people feel more involved helps them realize that Canadian identity isn’t limited to specific ethnic groups. Especially important for Canadian identity because it has become a defining characteristic of Canada as it reflects its values of respect for other cultures. -
Bill 101 is passed into law in Quebec
This bill (also known Charter of the French Language) was placed to allow francophones in Quebec to assert and live their lives in French. Stated that French must be the language used in legislation, education, businesses etc. Important to Francophone identity because it established French as Quebec’s official language, reinforcing and preserving Francophone culture, and ensuring that it would stay at the centre and as a staple in their lives. -
The NEP (National Energy Program) is implemented
An energy policy, made by the government of Canada, to ensure that Canada could provide its own oil and gas needs by 1990 (1980-1985). Important because it was seen by some as an attempt of Canadian economic nationalism, as it secured Canadian energy independence, but it also caused regional tensions (such as between Alberta and the rest of Canada). -
Quebec refuses to sign the constitution
The Quebec government of, René Lévesque, the Parti Quebecois, refused to sign the Constitution Act of 1982 (due to reasons that Quebec did not align with). Important to Canadian identity because it highlights the need to recognize Quebec’s unique identity within Canada, reflecting how complex and diverse Canada’s identity truly is. -
Supreme Court determines that turbans can be worn with the RCMP uniform – reasonable accommodation
The Progressive Conservative government (Prime Minister Brian Mulroney) announced several changes to the RCMP dress code, including the freedom for Sikh people to wear turbans. This marked a significant moment in which the various religions and cultures of Canada were further enforced as a part of its identity (specifically within the Canadian federal police force). -
The Oka Crisis
A 78-day standoff between the Mohawk community of Kanesatake, local authorities, and the Canadian military, sparked by a land dispute on the expansion of a gold course onto sacred land. Important to Canadian identity because it brought attention to the struggles and issues of Indigenous land rights and sovereignty, challenging Canadians confront issues relating to Indigenous peoples and their place within Canada. -
The second referendum is held to decide if Quebec should separate from Canada
A pivotal vote regarding whether Quebec should pursue independence from Canada, with the referendum resulting in a close victory for those against it. Important for Canadian identity because it revealed the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada, sparking discussions for how to reform Canada to accommodate Quebec’s aspirations. -
Canada apologizes for Residential Schools
PM Stephen Harper gave an apology, in front of the HoC and on behalf of the Government of Canada, to the Indigenous peoples in Canada regarding the abuse and suffering they had faced from Residential Schools. Important for Canadian identity as it serves as an attempt to promote national values of fairness, equity and multiculturalism through actions of reconciliation and repairing of relationships.