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Signing of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom was signed on April 17, 1982 and is entrenched in the Canadian constitution. The Charter makes sure that rights and freedom that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. This is significant to Canada because it ensures that Canadians will have the basic rights and freedoms given to them as a human being. The Charter protects the rights of the minorities, not the will of the majorities. -
Deadline of Meech Lake Accord
The Meech Lake Accord was designed to persuade the seperatist Quebec to acceopt the new Canadian Constitution. However, many Canadians did not like this because they felt that the Prime Minister at the time, Brian Mulroney, was giving Quebec "special treatment". However, Elijah Harper delayed the Constituational reform until its deadline and so, the Meech Lake Accord was rejected. This is significant because there was a very high chance that Quebec would've seperated from Canada at the time. -
Oka Crisis in Oka, Quebec
The Oka crisis first started when a golf course was proposed to be built on land seen sacred by Mohawk natives. This created a 78 day standoff between Mohawk protesters and the police. After one police officer was shot and killed, the army was brought in which ended the standoff. This event was very significant because it shows how the Canadian government treated first nations people. Despite Mohawk claims, the golf course was built anyways, this shows how the government views them as minorites. -
Signing of NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed between Canada, the United States and Mexico. This agreement was designed to increase trade between the three countries becuase there were no tariffs on imports and exports. This agreement was significant to Canada because this has improved foreign relations with the other coutries and has improved Canada's economy due to America's growing and prosperous economy. This has allowed Canada to compete internationally in terms of economy. -
Quebec Referendum
The Quebec referendum was aiming to seperate Quebec from the Canadian Constitution. The referendum was the result of the failed Meech Lake Accord. The result of this referendum was very close with 49.42% voting yes and 50.58% voting no. The results shocked many people because the vote was so close for something so important. This was very significant because once again, Quebec was almost seperated from Canada. Quebec was able to gain more independance and was recognized as a distinct society, -
September 11 Attacks
The terrorist group Al-Qaeda attacked the World Trade Center in New York City. Four planes were hijacked and flown into the buildings. Many people died and the World Trade Center was destroyed. Because of this attack, Canada sent in special rescue units to America to help with the aftermath. This was significant to Canada because after the attack, Canada changed its anti-terrorism laws and Canada helped its neighboring country at a time in need. -
Same Sex Marriage becomes Legal in Canada
Same sex marriage has been looked down upon by many for a long time. However Canada has made same sex marriage legal and became the fourth country in the world to do so. This is significant because it shows how Canada truly accepts the joining of two individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. This reflects on Canada's constituation as the equality, freedom and rights of citizens of Canada. -
2015 Pan-Am Games
The Pan American Games is an event where thousands of athletes will compete in various sports. This is the first Pan Am games held in Toronto, the heart of Ontario. This is significant because such a large event is being held in Canada and many people will be watching the events. This is a chance to take advantage of incoming visitors to increase revenue. Also, this is a chance for many people to visit one of Canada's prominent city and show our traditions and culture.
