-
The Constitution Act of 1982 was a landmark that gave Canada to amend its constitution without permission of the British. It also introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedom, which highlights the basic rights of Canadian citizens, such as freedom of speech and protection against discrimination. The document being signed by Queen Elizabeth was an extremely significant moment because it gave Canadians their fundamental rights and gave Canada independence and sovereignty. -
President Brian Mulroney wanted to resolve conflict between Quebec and Canada, and believed in acknowledging Quebec as a separate society funded by the federal government. All parties agreed, except for N.F and Manitoba, which meant the accord was defeated. This was a significant moment in history as it represented an effort to resolve issues between Canada and Quebec to maintain a peaceful federation, and would also grant provincial autonomy and control. -
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a historic event that marked the end of the division of East and West Berlin. The wall was built to keep East Germans from fleeing to the West, resulting in increased security and conflict. Following numerous protests, it was stated that the borders will be abruptly removed. The fall of the wall was significant because it represented the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. Both sides of the wall were finally given the freedom they deserved. -
The Oka Crisis was a 78-day standoff that lasted until September 26, 1990, when it was proposed to extend a golf course and build townhouses on disputed territory. Despite the protest, no action was done, and the land was purchased by the federal government, leaving the Indigenous people with nothing. Many people took action, resulting in additional violence and protests. Cont'd -
GST is a tax that applies to most goods and services in Canada. It was made to produce income for the government and allow businesses to collect these funds, and for customers to earn credit, making the taxing system fairer. The creation of GST was important in history because it applied to many items/services, reducing the tax burden on exports. Canadian firms began to compete more in the global market. The increased revenue also funded necessities such as transportation and infrastructure. -
Lasting until February 28th, 1991, Canada gave military support to the project led by the United States during the Gulf War (caused by the invasion of Kuwait), known as Desert Storm. Canadian forces used fighter planes, naval vessels, and people to enforce UN resolutions, liberate Kuwait, and repel Iraqi invasion. Canada was involved in humanitarian relief distribution, post-war peacekeeping, and reconstruction. Cont'd -
As the Warsaw Pact disbanded and the Soviet Union withdrew its soldiers from Eastern Europe, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev set up reforms that led to the end of communism, slowly moving towards democracy and capitalism. When Gorbachev resigned officially, the USSR was divided into smaller states such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This is an important point in history since it marks the end of the Cold War and the shift of citizens to a democratic government, giving them civil liberties. -
Mulroney attempted another accord with new federal and provincial arrangements. However, the idea was quickly turned down through a referendum. It aimed to make amends to the Canadian Senate more equal, provide provincial powers, and create Indigenous self-governments. The Charlottetown Accord is a milestone in Canadian history because it acknowledged minorities such as Indigenous groups, fought for equality in government systems, and overall advocated for positive reform all over Canada. -
Being the largest trade relationship in the world, NAFTA was started by President Brian Mulroney, consisting of Canada, America, and Mexico. NAFTA encourages more product choices for customers and lower prices. Because the U.S. is our best customer, it is important to maintain good trade relations. The creation of this agreement is significant because it eliminated trade barriers between all 3 countries, has led to the growth of Canada's economy, and facilitates cooperation between countries. -
Lasting until July 15th, 1994, this genocide stems from tensions between the two groups Hutu's and the Tutsi's. After Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was assassinated, a gruesome chain of events occurred such as massacres, hate messages, rape, and torture. The UN found it difficult to interfere due to the severity of the issue. Canadian peacekeepers did their best to protect communities and even helped with evacuations. Cont'd. -
As the Québécois came back into power, another referendum was held to ask citizens if they supported Quebec's sovereignty. Many wanted an independent jurisdiction to preserve Quebec's unique culture, but many also wanted to maintain Canada's unity. In the end, the side against separation won by a mere 0.6%. This was an important moment in history as it sparked many conversations about Quebec's status in the Canadian federation and the referendum gave citizens a platform to voice their opinions. -
The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act resulted in the creation of Nunavut. This major event established a new region in Canada, providing the Inuit people self-government and authority over their land and resources. The establishment of Nunavut is significant because it recognizes Inuit rights and promotes Indigenous cultural preservation and economic growth. Cont'd -
The Nisga'a First Nations Treaty was a treaty signed to give the Nisga'a people self-government rights, meaning they have control over their own land, resources, and decisions regarding education and other social services. They were also provided with land and resources as compensation. The treaty is significant to Canadian history as it shows Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities and acknowledges their self-governing rights. -
In response to 9/11, Canada entered the US-led War on Terror in October 2001. They planned to destroy the al-Qaeda terrorist network operating in Afghanistan and eliminate the Taliban administration, which sponsored worldwide terrorism. Soldiers were deployed from around December 2001 to 2014. Canadian soldiers participated in combat operations and providing humanitarian aid. Cont'd -
9/11 was a series of coordinated terrorist attacks led by the group Al-Qaeda using hijacked planes. They crashed two planes into the Twin Towers, and the remaining crashing into the Pentagon and one in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives in these sudden attacks. Canada played an important role during these attacks, as they did their best to support the U.S. Cont'd -
After many legal challenges and protests, same-sex marriage was finally legalized with the Civil Marriage Act. In the past, it was deemed “unlawful” or “unnecessary”. Canada is the 4th country to legalize same-sex marriage, making it a monumental moment in history because it promotes equality and inclusivity. It set an example for other countries regarding the rights and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community. -
The government officially apologized for the residential school system. The apology acknowledged the terrible harm carried out on Indigenous peoples who were separated from their homes and forced to settle into western culture. They expressed regret for practises intended at destroying Indigenous languages and traditions, acknowledged the long-term consequences of the residential school system, and confirmed their commitment to reconciliation. Cont'd -
The Olympic Winter Games held in Vancouver involving many sports such as hockey, curling, figure skating, etc. Many Canadian athletes won gold medals, which was a significant and prestigious moment for the country. Another important moment was the incorporation of Indigenous culture, such as using the Inukshuk symbol and holding cultural performances. The Vancouver Olympics honoured culture and gave Canada a legacy of pride.
-
Canada established the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program, which provided shelter to refugees escaping war. They collaborated with other government and humanitarian organizations to assist all individuals experiencing injustice. The initiative provided many with shelter and gave Canada global recognition due to their act of humanity. It is an important moment in Canadian history as it showcases the country's compassion and empathy, and dedication to addressing the refugee crisis. -
The Tragically Hip's Last Concert was held in Kingston, Ontario, after lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with brain cancer. Millions of people tuned in for the final time to watch an emotional performance by a band famous for their poetic lyrics and significance in Canadian culture. This moment was noteworthy because it served as both a celebration and a memorial to The Tragically Hip's music and their impact on the music industry.