-
Period: to
Sir Robert Borden
Conservative Party leader Sir Robert Borden was elected Prime Minister -
Canada enters WW1
After Britain declared war on behalf of the entire British Empire on the 4th of August, the Governer General was directed by PM Robert Bordon on August 5th to declare war between Canada and Germany. -
Introduction of income tax
Sir Robert Borden and his Liberal party introduced income tax in an attemt to get more revenue for the war. It was ment to be a temporary solution, but it ended up staying. -
Military Service Act
The Conservative government believed the Canadian military cannot be at full strength without conscription. The government passed this act in an effort to recruit more soldiers, as casualties were high and this lead to a big demand in soldiers. -
Conscription Crisis of 1917
The Military Service Act caused outrage from Canadian citizens, in particular the French Canadian. They felt no connection to the war and felt this was unfair. This disagreement between the people and the government caused many problems. -
Period: to
Sir Robert Borden
Unionist Party leader Sir Robert Borden's second term as Prime Minister -
Women gain the right to votte
The "Act to confer the Electoral Franchise upon Women" was a second step towards women's suffrage (the first step being the wartime elections act). This act gave caucasian women the right to vote in Canada. -
Paris Peace Conference
Canada demanded and was given a seat at the Paris Peace Conference after the Second World War. An important step for Canada's independance as a country. -
Winnipeg General Strike
After the First World War, Canadians became unhappy with the unfair working conditions and wages provided by companies and industries. The people wanted to form unions in order to gain better wages and working conditions. The "Red Scare" going on around this time made the people and the government uneasy. The formation of unions could bring destruction and violence, just like in Russia. The government, however, only had intrest to keep the railroads and post office running. -
Treaty of Versailles
Canada signed this treaty during the Paris Peace Conference. This is another step for Canada's Autonomy. -
League of Nations
During the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations was formed. Canada was able to join as an independant member because of their helpful war efforts. Although the LoN wasn't very useful, this was a major step towards recognition of Canada's independance internationally. -
Period: to
Arthur Meighen
National Liberal and Conservative Party leader Arthur Meighen was elected Prime Minister -
Period: to
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Liberal Party leader William Lyon Mackenzie King was elected Prime Minister -
Chanak Crisis
On September 1922, Turkish troops threatened British and French troops stationed near Canakkale (Chanak) who were guarding the Dardanelles neutral zone. This Crisis was a major step towards showing to the world, Canada's ability to act independantly of Britain. Britain asked the dominions to contribute soldiers, King and his Liberal party was reluctant to get involved, and by the time parliament decided, the crisis was over. This crisis was a major factor for the Statute of Westminster 1931. -
Canadian National Railway is created and takes over the Grand Trunk Railway
On this date, the CNR was created by Arthur Meighen and his National Liberal and Conservative Government and was a crown corporation (government owned). The CNR was then placed under control of the GTR when the GTR became bankrupt on Jan 30, 1923. -
Halibut Treaty
On March 2nd, 1923, Canada signed an agreement with America regarding fishing rights in the northern Pacific ocean, forming the IPHC (International Pacific Halibut Commission). The Pacific Halibut was in a steep decline and something needed to be done. This treaty limits the amount of Halibut fished, by having closed seasons. Britain wished to sign, but King argued that this is Canada's business. This treaty was the first independantly signed treaty by Canadians, and was a step towards Autonomy. -
King-Byng Affair
In 1925, King and his Liberal party won fewer seats than the Conservatives, however, the Liberals teamed up with the Progressives to win the election. On 25 June, 1926, King felt he had lost the support of the Progressives, and asked to dissolve parliament before facing defeat. GG Lord Byng refused the request. King and his party resigned so GG Byng invited the Conservatives to Government. Soon, they lost a vote and another election was called and King and the Liberals were re-elected. -
Period: to
Arthur Meighen
Conservative Party leader Arthur Meighen was elected Prime MInister a second time -
Period: to
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Liberal Party leader William Lyon Mackenzie King was elected Prime Minister a second term -
Balfour Report
This Conference with Britain and it's dominions (including Canada) made it clear that the dominions were in no way subordinate to Britain. This means Canada was now an autonomous community within the British empire. This was a major step for Canada's independance. -
The start of the Great Depression
The Great depression occurred when the stock exchanges of New York, Toronto, and Montreal crashed. The results were massive unemployment (highest point was 27%), bankruptcies, climatic disasters, widespread poverty, and a ~40% drop in Gross National Product. The prosperity and good times of the 20's has now come to an end. -
Period: to
R. B. Bennett
Conservative Party leader R. B. Bennett was elected Prime Minister -
Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission
The CRBC was established in 1932 by Bennett and his conservative party. It ran from May 26, 1932 to November 2, 1936, when was re-opened as a Crown cooperation (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). It's purpose is to regulate all broadcasting in Canada. -
The creation of the Bank of Canada
On July 3, 1934, the Bank of Canada Act was passed, creating the Crown corporation known as the Bank of Canada. Officially, the bank is owned by the Minister of Finance, on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Canada. -
Bennett's New Deal
In an effort to reverse the negativity towards him and his party, Bennett began a series of speeches about a "New Deal" for Canada. He promised a more progressive taxation system, a maximum work week, a minimum wage, closer regulation of working conditions, unemployment insurance, health/accident insurance, a revised old-age pension and agricultural support programs. In the end, he lost the October 1935 election. His "New Deal" was later proven Ultra Vires (meaning beyond his power) by the JCPC. -
Period: to
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Liberal Party leader William Lyon Mackenzie King was elected Prime Minster a third term -
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Created during Bennett's term, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is a Canadian crown corporation that serves as the national public radio and television broadcaster. Radio service began November 2, 1936 and television began September 6, 1952 -
National Film Board of Canada
Another company created during King's term, the National Film Board of Canada produces/distributes documentary films, animation, web documentaries, and alternative dramas. The NFB belongs to the Parliament of Canada. -
The Second World War officially begins
The Second World War[1] officially began on 1 September 1939, with the German invasion of Poland. -
Canada offically enters the Second World War
The Parliament of Canada officially declares war on Germany, seven days after the invasion of Poland. Canada joins with the Allies. -
National Resources Mobilization Act
The National Resources Mobilization Act, 1940, 4 George VI, Chap. 13, was a statute of the Parliament of Canada that was passed to provide for better planning of a much greater Canadian war effort, both overseas and in military production at home. The government had much more power and rights due to this act. -
Conscription Crisis
The Conscription Crisis of 1944 was a political and military crisis following the introduction of forced military service in Canada during World War II. It was similar to the Conscription Crisis of 1917, but was not as politically damaging. -
The United Nations
After WWII, it was clear how useless the League of Nations was. 50 Countries (including Britain, Canada, USA, Solviet Union) came together to from the United Nations. They met in San Francisco. They had similar goals to the League, but bigger. They wanted to achieve world peace, prevent wars, promote equality and human rights, and improve standard of living for everyone. -
Period: to
Louis St. Laurent
Liberal Party leader Louis St. Laurent was elected Prime Minister -
Newfoundland Act
An act by the Parliament of the UK that gave terms of union to the dominions of Canada and Newfoundland. Also known as the British North America Act 1949 -
Newfoundland and Labrador join confederation
By an Act of the Imperial Parliament, and with PM Laurent and the Liberal party, on March 31, 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador became a Canadian province. -
Canada's enterance into NATO
Led by PM Laurent and the Liberal party, on April 4th, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., resulting in the creation of NATO. Initally, it was composed of USA, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. The members agreed that war against a NATO member was a war against all NATA members. The members were allied. -
Suez Crisis
On July 26, 1956, Egypt's president Gamal Abdel Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal. Canada had very little reaction, as they had few ties with the Suez Canal. Canadian secretary of state for external affairs, Pearson, had overwhelming support for the idea for a United Nations Emergency force to bring peace to the conflict. The force was successful at bringing peace. Pearson was awarded a nobel peace prize in 1957, while people were disapointed to see MP Laurent's lack of support. -
Period: to
John Diefenbaker
Progressive Conservative Party leader John Diefenbaker was elected Prime Minister -
Creation of Norad
The North American Defence system is mostly and air defence plan from Solviet attacks on Canada and US. Created between PM Diefenbaker and the US government, this included radar stations used to detect Solviet bombers and missiles. Three radar lines were constructed. Canada financed $300 million, but most was funded by the USA. -
Cancellation of the CF-105 Avro Arrow
A Canadian-built intercepter capable of near mach 3 speeds, was cancelled by Diefenbaker and his Progressive Conservative government. This put years of work to waste, many jobs lost, and possibly even the chance for Canada to dominate the aviation market. The remaining planes were scrapped (5 completed, 1 93% complete). After 1957, when the conservatives came to power, Diefenbaker did not support the Arrow as he thought it was a waste of money. Instead, Canada bought US-made Bomarc missiles. -
Saint Lawrence Seaway completed
The Saint Lawrence Seaway was an expensive project (C$470 million), permitting boats to travel from the Atlantic ocean, to as far inland as the western end of Lake Superior (4,000km). This was suggested and funded by PM Laurent and the Liberal government. -
Canadian Bill of Rights
The Canadian Bill of Rights is a federal statute and bill of rights enacted by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's government on August 10, 1960. This was the earliest form of human rights law seen in Canada (although there already was an implied Bill of Rights). The Canadian Bill of Rights is still in effect today, but is quite ineffective, which is why the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was made in 1982. -
Start of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Due to the Cold war, USA and Russia stockpiled nuclear weapons in various countries around the world. In 1962, the US spotted Solviet missiles in Cuba. The US setup a naval blockade around Cuba, and the incoming Solviet ships diverted. A deal was made where US won't invade Cuba if the missiles were to be removed. -
Period: to
Lester B. Pearson
Liberal Party leader Lester B. Pearson was elected Prime Minister -
A new Canadian Flag
In 1964, PM Pearson sparked a big debate regarding a flag change. The Canadian Reg Ensign was unofficially used since the 1890's. Out of three choices, the maple leaf design by George Stanley and John Matheson, based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada, was selected. -
Auto Pact
The Automotive Products Agreement Pact was created as a result of a booming auto industry. This pact transformed the Canadian-American auto market into one big market. The pact allowed importing cars from each other without import taxes. This allowed companies to specialize on certain parts of the market. Production costs lowered and so did consumer prices. The con of this pact for Canada was that the US dominated the Canadian auto market due to large investment from America. -
Canada Pension Plan
The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory, earnings-related social insurance program adopted by PM Pearson and the Liberal Government. The Canada Pension Plan program mandates all employed Canadians who are 18 years of age and over to contribute a prescribed portion of their earnings income to a nationally administered pension plan. The plan is administered by Human Resources and Social Development Canada. -
First Nationwide Canadian Universal Health Care
The creation of the Medical Care Act by PM Pearson's Liberal Governmant expanded universal health care to all Canadian provinces. -
Canada's involvment in the Vietnam War
Canada wasn't really involved in Vietnam, however, Canada helped support US during this time. Canada exported military supplies and raw materials useful in their manufacture, including ammunition, napalm and Agent Orange, to the United States. It should be noted that these were still sales and not "gifts". PM Pearson also tried to discuss with President Johnson about America's position in the war. Nonetheless, Canada benefited the war from the American side. -
Trudeau as Minister of Justice
Trudeau was the Minister of Justice before he went on to become Prime Minster of his party (Liberal). -
Trudeaumania!
A nickname for the excitement caused by Trudeau's entry into the leadership race of the Liberal party of Canada. This excitement continued during the federal election and during his first years as Prime Minister. Trudeau had a large fanbase due to his "charm" and 'looks" and people liked his socially liberal stances. He was also admired for his laid-back attitude. He was treated as a celebrity in the sense that he was asked for his autograph on many occasions and the overall popularity. -
Period: to
Pierre Trudeau
Liberal Party leader Pierre Trudeau was elected Prime Minster -
Official Languages Act
This law gave English and French equal status in the Government of Canada. This means they are the offical languages of Canada. This was one of the final big step for English-French equality -
Trudeau's use of the War Measures Act
During the October Crisis, Trudeau had to use the War Measures Act in order to stop the FLQ group before it gains too much support. In the end 465 people wer arrested/held without charge. -
October Crisis
The events of October, 1970 were full of violence and political and social changes. October begins with the kidnapping of James Cross by the Front de libération du Québec on the 5th. After many FLQ protests and the murder of Pierre Laporte, the government send police to raid the hiding places of the FLQ and most of the members are arrested. -
Period: to
Joe Clark
Progressive Conservative Party leader Joe Clark was elected Prime Minister -
Period: to
Pierre Trudeau
Liberal Party leader Pierre Trudeau was elected Prime Minister a second term -
The National Energy Program begins
A new policy under Trudeau's Liberal Government, this program froze Alberta oil prices below the world levels in order to keep cost down for Canadians. This caused angry reactions in Alberta, since they did not get fair market value for their oil. This policy strengthened the feeling of Western Alienation. -
Canadian Health Act
The Canada Health Act is a piece of Canadian federal legislation, adopted in 1984 under , which specifies the conditions and criteria with which the provincial and territorial health insurance programs must conform in order to receive federal transfer payments under the Canada Health Transfer. -
John Turner- Temporary Prime Minister
John Turner was placed in power of the Liberal Party because Trudeau retired after polls showed Liberals whould lose the next election if he stayed. Turner was not an MP when sworn in, so he never truely sat in Parliament as Prime Minister. -
Period: to
John Turner
Liberal Party leader John Turner was elected Prime Minister -
Period: to
Brian Mulroney
Progressive Conservative Party leader Brian Mulroney was elected Prime Minister -
PM Kim Campbell
She became the first Prime Minister of Canada. -
Period: to
Kim Campbell
Progressive Conservative Party leader Kim Campbell was elected Prime Minister -
Period: to
Jean Chrétien
Liberal Party leader Jean Chrétien was elected Prime Minister