Evolution of Canadian Citizenship

Confederation

Jul 1, 1867

This was when Canada separated from Britain and became its own country, allowing Canada to govern itself. This was important because if this event didn't occur we would still be a colony of Britain.

War Time Elections Act

Sep 20, 1917

This gave the woman the right to vote in federal elections during World War I. The woman allowed to vote were the wives, widows, mothers, sisters, and other female relatives of soldiers serving overseas. This was a significant step towards woman rights, making them one step closer to being equal as men.

Persons Case

Feb 28, 1929

This was one of the major achievements for woman of Canada. The Famous 5 were a group of woman wanting to gain more rights for woman. They made it a case that all women should be equal and considered a "person", therefore being eligible for senate which at that time that was not allowed. They challenged the Supreme Court and won.

Citizenship Act

Feb 28, 1946

Canadian citizenship was significant because it separated the status of a Canadian from being British nationality to being Canadian nationality. This allowed people in Canada to obtain an official citizenship. They were also informed of the rules to keeping that citizenship.

Aboriginals Gain Rights to Vote

Feb 28, 1960

This was when aboriginals gained the right to vote in federal elections. This was important because this land that we live on was originally the aboriginals and this act was well overdue.

Bill Of Rights

Aug 10, 1960

This was created by the Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. This gave many Canadians fundamental freedoms and rights and was the earliest expression of human rights law at the federal level in Canada.

Officials Language Act

Sep 9, 1969

This gave equal rights and status to both the French and English in the government. This was done to make the French feel more included and accepted in Canada. It also made Canada officially bilingual with the official languages being French and English.

Multiculturalism Policy

Feb 28, 1971

Canada was the first country in the world to adapt this policy. In this policy Canada stated that no matter what race, ethnicity, religion or language you speak you are equal. They did this so that all Canadian citizens had a sense of belonging.

Immigration Act

Feb 28, 1978

This act was passed by Pierre Tredeau. The goals of this act were to reunite families that have been separated for any reason and to attract people who will help Canada’s economy get even better. Many new immigrant came to Canada after this act was introduced making it easier to come to Canada.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Apr 7, 1982

This act was added onto the bill of rights after it was proven to be ineffective, guaranteeing that every Canadian citizen has equal rights and freedoms and specifying more on what those freedoms and rights were adding new ones. This was very significant because without these rights and freedoms that we were given through this act our country would be extremely different through the way that people treat each other.