Defining Modern Canada (1982-Present) By MaggieH. Period: Jan 1, 1880 to Jun 9, 2011 Defining Modern Canada (1982-Present) Jan 1, 1888 Indian Act Jan 1, 1888 Residential Schools Jan 1, 1980 First Quebec Referenda Apr 17, 1982 Constitution Act Jan 1, 1989 NAFTA Jan 1, 1990 Meech Lake Accord Jan 1, 1992 Charlottown Accord Jan 1, 1995 Second Quebec Referenda Jan 1, 2003 Canadian Troops to Afghanistan