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January 17 – Jim Carrey, comedian and actor was born.
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March 3 – Cairine Wilson, Canada's first female Senator died.
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March 21 – The birth-defect-causing drug thalidomide is banned
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June 15 – Canada is the third power to reach space with the launch of scientific satellite
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July 30 – Trans-Canada Highway opens
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September 29 – Alouette 1, Canada's first satellite is launched.
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December 11 – The last three hangings in Canada take place.
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October 25-November 12 – The Cuban Missile Crisis occurs. Diefenbaker refuses to put Canadian forces on alert, angering the U.S. government.