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First arrivals are proto--Mongolian peoples, followed by several Indian cultures c.8000 BC, the Inuit in 6000 BC, and Icelandic Vikings, who establish coastal settlements in Newfoundland and Labrador c.AD 1000.
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John Cabot arrives on Canada’s east coast, believing it to be the northeast coast of Asia.
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Explorer Jacques Cartier claims Canada for France.
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Samuel de Champlain founds Québec, capital of the colony of New France and establishes a network of trading routes across the interior.
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Montréal is founded.
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The Hudson’s Bay Company, the world’s largest fur trading company, is founded. England begins competing with France in North America.
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England conquers Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
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Battle for Québec on the Plains of Abraham. New France becomes a British -colony.
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American Revolution results in United Empire Loyalists moving to Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
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The colony is divided in two: Upper Canada (later Ontario) and Lower Canada (Québec).
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The United States begins a decade of skirmishes with Indians, French, and British in Canada, ending in a stalemate.
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The Act of Union combines Upper and Lower Canada.
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After gold is discovered along the Fraser River, Britain declares British Columbia a colony.
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The British North America Act establishes the confederation of Canada. Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick collectively form the Dominion of Canada.
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Hudson’s Bay Company sells Rupert’s Land to Canada, sparking an uprising by the Métis. Manitoba, created from parts of Rupert’s Land, joins the confederation. The Northwest Territories are formed.
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British Columbia joins the confederation conditional upon forging a permanent rail link to the West Coast.
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Prince Edward Island joins the confederation.
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The Canadian Pacific Railroad is built, spearheading countrywide settlement.
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Alberta and Saskatchewan are created from the Northwest Territories and join the confederation.
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Canadian troops support Britain, opening up debate between English and French Canadians on national conscription.
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World War ll; Canadians suffer heavy losses at Dieppe and invade Juno Beach on D-day.
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A new wave of immigration arrives, as does economic prosperity.
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New found land joins the confederation.
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Two new transport routes stimulate Canada’s economy: the St Lawrence Seaway and the Trans-Canada Highway. Toronto emerges as the country’s most important industrial center.
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Québec’s separation crisis begins with the “Quiet Revolution.” The Parti Québécois calls for independence from Canada.
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In a first referendum, the majority of Québécois decide to remain part of Canada.
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Canada Act ends British control and the country receives a new constitution. An amendment, the Meech Lake Accord, emphasizing Québec’s cultural and linguistic independence, fails to be ratified.
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Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the USA (NAFTA) leads to ever-greater prosperity.
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Québécois vote to remain part of Canada.
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On April 1, the Northwest Territories are divided, creating Nunavut, a self-governing homeland for the Inuit.
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A new Liberal government wins a decisive majority victory in Québec. Jean Chrétien resigns as prime minister, handing over to MP Paul Martin.
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Paul Martin’s Liberal government is ousted, ending more than 12 years of Liberal rule.
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Stephen Harper leads the recently formed Conservative Party to victory with a minority government.
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In an unpopular election, the Conservative Party wins a second term of minority government. Québec City celebrates its 400th anniversary.
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The federal Liberals appoint Michael Ignatieff as their new leader, despite his many years of living outside Canada.
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Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.
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The general election in May sees the Conservatives, still led by Stephen Harper, win a majority, with the left-leaning New Democrats becoming the official opposition.