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70 BCE
70,000 BC–c.AD 1000
First arrivals are proto--Mongolian peoples, followed by several Indian cultures c.8000 BC, the Inuit in 6000 BC, and Icelandic Vikings, who establish coastal settlements in Newfoundland and Labrador c.AD 1000. -
1497
European explorers
John Cabot arrives on Canada’s east coast, believing it to be the northeast coast of Asia. -
1534
European explorers
Explorer Jacques Cartier claims Canada for France. -
New France
Samuel de Champlain founds Québec, capital of the colony of New France and establishes a network of trading routes across the interior. -
New france
Montréal is founded. -
New france
The Hudson’s Bay Company, the world’s largest fur trading company, is founded. England begins competing with France in North America. -
English domination
England conquers Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. -
English domination
Battle for Québec on the Plains of Abraham. New France becomes a British -colony. -
English domination
American Revolution results in United Empire Loyalists moving to Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. -
English domination
The colony is divided in two: Upper Canada (later Ontario) and Lower Canada (Québec). -
English domination
The United States begins a decade of skirmishes with Indians, French, and British in Canada, ending in a stalemate. -
English domination
The Act of Union combines Upper and Lower Canada. -
English domination
After gold is discovered along the Fraser River, Britain declares British Columbia a colony. -
Confederation
The British North America Act establishes the confederation of Canada. Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick collectively form the Dominion of Canada. -
Confederation
Hudson’s Bay Company sells Rupert’s Land to Canada, sparking an uprising by the Métis. Manitoba, created from parts of Rupert’s Land, joins the confederation. The Northwest Territories are formed. -
Confederation
British Columbia joins the confederation conditional upon forging a permanent rail link to the West Coast. -
Confederation
Prince Edward Island joins the confederation. -
Confederation
The Canadian Pacific Railroad is built, spearheading countrywide settlement. -
Confederation
Alberta and Saskatchewan are created from the Northwest Territories and join the confederation. -
Wartime conflicts
Canadian troops support Britain, opening up debate between English and French Canadians on national conscription. -
Wartime conflicts
World War ll; Canadians suffer heavy losses at Dieppe and invade Juno Beach on D-day. -
Postwar growth
A new wave of immigration arrives, as does economic prosperity. -
Postwar growth
New found land joins the confederation. -
Postwar growth
Two new transport routes stimulate Canada’s economy: the St Lawrence Seaway and the Trans-Canada Highway. Toronto emerges as the country’s most important industrial center. -
Campaign for separatism
Québec’s separation crisis begins with the “Quiet Revolution.” The Parti Québécois calls for independence from Canada. -
Campaign for separatism
In a first referendum, the majority of Québécois decide to remain part of Canada. -
Campaign for separatism
Canada Act ends British control and the country receives a new constitution. An amendment, the Meech Lake Accord, emphasizing Québec’s cultural and linguistic independence, fails to be ratified. -
Campaign for separatism
Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the USA (NAFTA) leads to ever-greater prosperity. -
Campaign for separatism
Québécois vote to remain part of Canada. -
Campaign for separatism
On April 1, the Northwest Territories are divided, creating Nunavut, a self-governing homeland for the Inuit. -
Campaign for separatism
A new Liberal government wins a decisive majority victory in Québec. Jean Chrétien resigns as prime minister, handing over to MP Paul Martin. -
Campaign for separatism
Paul Martin’s Liberal government is ousted, ending more than 12 years of Liberal rule. -
Campaign for separatism
Stephen Harper leads the recently formed Conservative Party to victory with a minority government. -
Campaign for separatism
In an unpopular election, the Conservative Party wins a second term of minority government. Québec City celebrates its 400th anniversary. -
Campaign for separatism
The federal Liberals appoint Michael Ignatieff as their new leader, despite his many years of living outside Canada. -
Campaign for separatism
Winter Olympics held in Vancouver. -
Campaign for separatism
The general election in May sees the Conservatives, still led by Stephen Harper, win a majority, with the left-leaning New Democrats becoming the official opposition.