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British North American act
The British North America Act, 1867, divides the Province of Canada into Ontario and Quebec and joins them with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to form a confederated state called the Dominion of Canada. -
Louis Riel
A group of Métis led by Louis Riel mount the Red River Rebellion against Canadian intrusion and form the Red River Colony. The Canadian government regains control after acceding to many of Riel's demands, but he flees into exile in the United States after the government refused to grant him amnesty. -
Red River Rebellion
In the aftermath of the Red River Rebellion, Manitoba is formed from portions of Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory, becoming Canada's fifth province. Land rights are granted to the Métis. -
British Columbia
British Columbia enters Confederation as the sixth province. -
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island enters Confederation as the seventh province. -
Pacific Railroad
The transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railroad, then the longest in the world, is completed. -
Northwest Territories
Alberta and Saskatchewan are partitioned out of the Northwest Territories to become the eighth and ninth provinces of Canada. -
Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy is established -
First World War
The United Kingdom declares war on Germany, bringing Canada into the First World War -
Federal Elections
Women gain the right to vote in federal elections. -
Canadian Air Force
Canadian Air Force (after 1920, Royal Canadian Air Force) is established. -
The Great Depression
Great Depression in Canada begins, resulting in widespread poverty and unemployment for the next decade. -
Second World War
Canada, with its parliament's support, enters the Second World War by declaring war on Germany, one week after Britain and France. -
United Nations
Canada joins United Nations, seeking to play a world role as a "middle power", with interest in the UN Charter and in relief agencies. -
The Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway, a joint project between Canada and the United States, is officially opened. -
United Kingdom
Canada achieves total independence from the United Kingdom with the enactment of the Constitution Act, 1982 (which includes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms), by royal proclamation. -
Votes
Another referendum on Quebec independence is held. A majority (50.58%) of the province votes to remain in Canada. -
Same-sex marriage
The Civil Marriage Act legalizes same-sex marriage throughout Canada. -
Winter Olympic Games
The Winter Olympic Games begin in Vancouver. Freestyle moguls skier Alexandre Bilodeau becomes the first-ever athlete to claim a gold medal on Canadian soil. Canada goes on to win 14 gold medals – an all-time high for a host country in a Winter Olympics.