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The British Parliament enacted the Constitutional Act. This caused Canada to be split into two parts. The French-speaking population lived in Lower Canada, while the English-speaking Canadians live in Upper Canada. The Ottawa River served as the boundary between the two areas. -
The Abolition of Slavery Act considered black Canadians to be official British subjects. This gave them the right to vote in Canadian elections for the first time in the history of Canada.
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Canada's first parliament session opened in Kingston. The Members of Parliament were officially sworn in, and they met a day later to begin setting up the Canadian government system.
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Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as Canada's official capital city. Ottawa was chosen over several other cities because of its location in the center of Canada. -
The Imperial Parliament was urged to pass a legislation that would unify Canada, and bring its provinces together. It would create important trade networks and a stronger army in Canada. It would also result in the building of a railway from one side of the country to the other. This caused the provinces to be connected, and create a more secure and stable nation. -
Delegates from across Canada met with the British government in London to discuss Canada. This conference ended up taking three months and resulted in Canada being designated as a Dominion. During this time, the name "Canada" was also chosen as the official name. -
The province of British Columbia becomes part of the Canadian Confederation. -
The Indian Act is put into place by the Canadian Government. This act aimed to remove the culture and language of the First Nations people in Canada. The government hoped to gain unity in Canada by making them adopt the English language and culture. -
Alberta and Saskatchewan are recognized as two separate provinces by the Government of Canada. They are created through the Dominion Act, -
Canada enters the First World War and shortly after, Prime Minister Robert Borden implements conscription. Most Canadian men are required to fight in the war.
