Canada By kaellah Jan 1, 1000 The first people arrive in the area. 30,000–15,000 B.C. Feb 1, 1000 The Vikings explore what is now Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. AD 1000 Jan 1, 1497 Explorer John Cabot sails to Canada's east coast and claims it for England. Jan 1, 1534 Explorer Jacques Cartier claims the area now known as Quebec for France. Jan 1, 1763 The Treaty of Paris ends seven years of fighting between France and England. France gives its Canadian settlements to England. Jan 1, 1867 Colonies now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec join to create the Dominion of Canada. Jan 1, 1873 Canada creates the North-West Mounted Police, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Mounties, to help keep order. Period: Jun 24, 1880 to Jul 1, 1980 " O Canada " ( the national anthem) was first sung on 1880 but it was not the anthem unitl 1980 Jan 1, 1965 Canada flies its red and white maple leaf flag for the first time. Jan 1, 1969 English and French become Canada's official languages.