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Canada Declares War on Germany
Canada officially declares war on Germany, becoming the first Commonwealth nation to do so independently, showing its growing autonomy on the world stage. -
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)
Canada agrees to host and lead a massive pilot training program for Allied forces, training over 130,000 aircrew and earning the nickname “aerodrome of democracy.” https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/british-commonwealth-air-training-plan -
Hyde Park Agreement with the U.S.
Canada signs a deal with the United States to coordinate war production, ensuring that Canadian factories can supply both countries and strengthening their economic alliance. -
Dieppe Raid
Over 5,000 Canadian troops take part in a failed raid on the French coast at Dieppe, suffering heavy losses. Despite the tragedy, the operation teaches valuable lessons for future invasions like D-Day. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/battle-of-dieppe -
1940–1945 – Canada’s Wartime Industrial Boom
During the war, Canada becomes one of the world’s largest producers of military equipment, building planes, tanks, and ships to support the Allies and boosting its own economy. -
July–October 1943 - Italian Campaign: Sicily and Ortona
Canadian forces play a major role in the Allied invasion of Sicily and the brutal battle for Ortona. The campaign highlights the strength and determination of Canadian soldiers. -
1942–1945 – Conscription Crisis and National Unity
The issue of conscription causes division between English- and French-speaking Canadians. The government eventually sends conscripts overseas, but the crisis tests national unity. -
2 October to 8 November 1944- Battle of the Scheldt
Canadian troops fight a difficult battle to clear the Scheldt Estuary in Belgium, allowing Allied ships to reach the port of Antwerp, a key supply point for the final push into Germany. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/battle-of-the-scheldt -
D-Day: Juno Beach
Canada is one of five Allied nations to land on the beaches of Normandy. At Juno Beach, Canadian troops push farther inland than any other force on D-Day. https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/world-war-ii-d-day-invasion-normandy -
Liberation of the Netherlands
Canadian forces help liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Their efforts lead to a lasting friendship between Canada and the Dutch people, who still express gratitude today.