Politics and Government
This timeline highlights events and people related to politics and governance in Canada.
-
January 01, 1400
Politics and Government
Mi’kmaq Grand Council
Made up of male representatives from across Mi’kmaq territory, the council is governed by a grand chief and rules by consensus. The role of chieftain is often handed down from father to son. (Note: The exact date of this event is unknown. The date provided here is an estimate.)
-
January 01, 1500
Politics and Government
The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy is Active
Formed by five nations, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is considered one of the earliest examples of a participatory democracy. (Note: The exact date of this event is unknown. The date provided here is an estimate.)
-
January 01, 1500
Politics and Government
Huron-Wendat Village Councils
Civil and war-related affairs among the Huron-Wendat are determined by respective village councils. Decisions are reached by consensus. All men over 30 are council members but women have little-to-no say in council affairs. (Note: The exact date of this event is unknown. The date provided here is an estimate.)
-
October 08, 1612
Politics and Government
Bourbon Named Lieutenant-General of New France
Louis XIII named Charles de Bourbon, Comte de Soissons, as his lieutenant-general in New France. Bourbon chose Samuel de Champlain as his lieutenant on Oct 15.
-
March 12, 1618
Politics and Government
Louis XIII Initiates Colony
King Louis XIII instructed Samuel de Champlain and his partners to establish a viable colony in New France.
-
May 07, 1620
Politics and Government
Champlain Becomes Governor
Louis XIII wrote to Samuel de Champlain, commissioning him to govern New France and to do so in accordance with the laws and customs of France. From that point, Champlain devoted himself almost exclusively to administration and his career as an explorer ended.
-
September 21, 1621
Politics and Government
Ordinances Published (Qué)
The first ordinances of Québec were published, but these documents have never been found.
-
May 18, 1642
Politics and Government
Maisonneuve Founds Ville-Marie
Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve founded Ville-Marie, which was destined to become the most important trading post in New France and the future city of Montréal. Maisonneuve served as governor until 1665.
-
July 21, 1647
Politics and Government
First Civil Election in New France
Residents of Quebec City, Montreal and Trois-Rivières elect syndics, or trustees, to a colonial council responsible to the gouverneur. Syndics act as liaisons between residents and the council. However, they have no power to affect policy because the colonies are ruled by a monarchy.
-
February 25, 1651
Politics and Government
La Tour Made Governor
Charles de La Tour was made governor of Acadia.
-
September 18, 1663
Politics and Government
Sovereign Council Created
A royal edict established the Sovereign Council of Québec, providing for civil government in the new royal colony of New France.
-
April 06, 1672
Politics and Government
Frontenac Appointed Governor
Louis de Buade, Compte de Frontenac, was appointed Governor of New France. He served for 10 years and then from 1689 to 1698.
-
July 10, 1755
Politics and Government
Vaudreuil Begins Term
The Marquis de Vaudreuil began serving as the last Governor of New France.
-
October 02, 1758
Politics and Government
First Meeting of an Elected Assembly in Canada
The first meeting of an elected assembly in what is now Canada took place in Halifax. The assembly's 22 elected members attended.
-
October 02, 1758
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Meeting of the First Elected Legislative Assembly
At the first elected legislative assembly in what is now Nova Scotia, only property-owning Protestant men over the age of 21 are eligible to vote. (See also Nova Scotia: The Cradle of Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.)
-
September 22, 1760
Politics and Government
Amherst's Proclamation
A proclamation by Governor General Amherst outlined the main aspects of the government of Canada, which was divided into three military districts.
-
November 21, 1763
Politics and Government
Murray Becomes Governor
James Murray was named Governor of Québec. However, his willingness to allow French law and custom in the courts made him unpopular and led to his recall in April 1766. He left Canada in June.
-
October 26, 1768
Politics and Government
Carleton Becomes Governor
Guy Carleton, 1st Baron of Dorchester, became the governor of Québec, succeeding James Murray.
-
June 28, 1769
Politics and Government
Government for PEI
A separate government was established for St John Island, which was not named Prince Edward Island until 1799.
-
May 01, 1775
Politics and Government
Québec Act
The Québec Act took effect, enlarging Québec's boundaries and the freedoms of its French inhabitants.
-
August 17, 1775
Politics and Government
First Council at Québec
The first session of the legislative council at Québec convened.
-
August 16, 1784
Politics and Government
New Brunswick Separates
New Brunswick was established as a separate colony from Nova Scotia.
-
August 26, 1784
Politics and Government
Cape Breton Island Made Colony
Cape Breton Island was made a separate colony from Nova Scotia.
-
September 11, 1784
Politics and Government
St John I Rejoins Nova Scotia
Saint John Island (PEI) was reunited with Nova Scotia, though it retained a separate local government.
-
January 09, 1786
Politics and Government
First Legislature in NB
The first legislature of New Brunswick, elected in 1785, opened at Saint John.
-
June 10, 1791
Politics and Government
Constitutional Act
The Constitutional Act was enacted by the British Parliament, dividing the Province of Canada into two parts, Upper and Lower Canada.
-
June 11, 1792
Politics and Government
First Elections in Lower Canada
The first elections were held in Lower Canada. Anyone over 21, including women, who owned property and had not been convicted of a criminal offence could vote.
-
June 11, 1792
Politics and Government
First Elections in Lower Canada
The first elections are held in Lower Canada. Anyone over 21 who owns sufficient property can vote, including women.
-
February 01, 1796
Politics and Government
York Becomes Capital
York (the future Toronto) became the new capital of Upper Canada.
-
June 03, 1799
Politics and Government
PEI Named
The name of Island of Saint John was formally changed to Prince Edward Island.
-
April 11, 1807
Politics and Government
Hart Elected
Ezekiel Hart was the first Jewish politician to be elected in Québec (Lower Canada at the time), in Trois-Rivières. The session of the Assembly was coming to an end and Hart had to wait until January 1808 to be sworn in. He eschewed the Christian Oath of Office and was denied his seat.
-
February 01, 1808
Politics and Government
Jewish MLA Criticized
Members of the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada criticized the swearing-in of Jewish member Ezekiel Hart. He refused to take the Christian Oath of Office, and instead wore his hat and substituted the word Jewish for Christian. Assembly members disputed his oath as invalid.
-
February 20, 1808
Politics and Government
Ezekiel Hart Expelled
The Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada voted to expel Jewish member Ezekiel Hart. Ironically, he had been elected by a riding whose voters were largely Canadian and Catholic and was expelled by an assembly whose majority was also Canadian and Catholic.
-
June 14, 1808
Politics and Government
Le Canadien Publishers Demoted
Finding Le Canadien to be a libellous and seditious publication, Governor Craig demoted Le Vasseur Borgia and other proprietors of the newspaper from their roles in the government.
-
April 18, 1809
Politics and Government
Judges Ineligible to Vote
The Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada voted on a resolution that would make judges ineligible to vote in elections.
-
February 22, 1810
Politics and Government
De Bonne Expelled
The Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada voted to expel Pierre-Amable de Bonne for having assumed two public offices at once, Member of the House of Assembly and judge.
-
March 17, 1810
Politics and Government
Le Canadien Ceases Publication
Governor Sir James Craig stopped Le Canadien's presses. Its owners were arrested on charges of treason.
-
May 01, 1810
Politics and Government
Craig Recommends Suspending Constitution
Governor Sir James Henry Craig recommended to the British Parliament that the constitution be suspended and Upper and Lower Canada reunited, a recommendation that was reiterated in Lord Durham's 1839 report.
-
September 06, 1814
Politics and Government
Birth of Sir George-Étienne Cartier
Sir George-Étienne Cartier was born to a wealthy family of grain exporters and millers in Saint-Antoine, Lower Canada. A key architect and Father of Confederation, Sir George-Étienne Cartier led Québec into Confederation and helped negotiate the entry of the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and British Columbia into Canada.
-
January 21, 1815
Politics and Government
Papineau Elected
Louis-Joseph Papineau was elected speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
-
April 12, 1820
Politics and Government
Dalhousie Named Governor
The Earl of Dalhousie was named governor in chief of British North America.
-
October 16, 1820
Politics and Government
Cape Breton Island Rejoined
Cape Breton Island rejoined the colony of Nova Scotia.
-
June 08, 1826
Politics and Government
Mackenzie's Office Raided
Members of the Family Compact raided the offices of William Lyon Mackenzie's newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, at York.
-
May 02, 1828
Politics and Government
Canada Committee Formed
Canada Committee, a British parliamentary committee, was established to settle political disputes that were paralysing government in Lower Canada and creating difficulties in Upper Canada.
-
January 10, 1831
Politics and Government
NB Border Decision
The King of the Netherlands announced his decision in the dispute over the boundary of New Brunswick and Maine. The US and Britain both rejected it.
-
March 31, 1831
Politics and Government
Québec and Montréal Incorporated
Québec City and Montréal were incorporated as cities.
-
January 01, 1832
Politics and Government
W.L. Mackenzie Re-elected
William Lyon Mackenzie was re-elected 119 votes to 1 after having been expelled from the Upper Canada Assembly for the fifth time.
-
January 01, 1833
Politics and Government
First Assembly in Newfoundland
The first representative assembly met.
-
January 01, 1834
Politics and Government
Ninety-Two Resolutions
The Ninety-Two Resolutions were adopted by the Assembly of Lower Canada, 56 to 32, expressing grievances against the colonial administration.
-
March 06, 1834
Politics and Government
Toronto Incorporated
The city of Toronto (formerly York), Upper Canada, was incorporated.
-
June 24, 1834
Politics and Government
St-Jean-Baptiste Society
The St-Jean-Baptiste Society was founded by journalist Ludger Duvernay, who wanted to stimulate a nationalist spirit among his compatriots and encourage them to defend their linguistic and cultural heritage.
-
August 01, 1834
Politics and Government
Abolition of Slavery Act
Black people are now considered British subjects, paving the way for property-owning Black men to vote. But racism and discrimination at polling stations mean many do not cast their ballots. (See Slavery Abolition Act, 1833.)
-
January 01, 1835
Politics and Government
Howe Prints Letter
Joseph Howe printed a letter to the editor accusing the magistrates of Halifax of lining their pockets with excessive fines.
-
October 23, 1837
Politics and Government
Papineau Addresses Rally
Louis-Joseph Papineau spoke to some 4000 at Saint-Charles at which the Patriotes more or less declared the independence of the Six Counties and their willingness to resort to arms if necessary.
-
November 06, 1837
Politics and Government
Street Fight in Montreal
Thomas Brown led the Fils de la Liberté in a street fight with members of the English-Canadian Doric Club in Montréal, a prelude to the Rebellions.
-
November 23, 1837
Politics and Government
Battle of Saint-Denis
General Charles Gore and government forces suffered a minor defeat by Patriote forces at Saint-Denis.
-
November 25, 1837
Politics and Government
Patriotes Crushed
The Patriotes were crushed by government forces at St-Charles with 56 dead; Papineau fled to the US.
-
December 07, 1837
Politics and Government
Montgomery's Tavern
About 1000 government loyalists marched from Toronto to Montgomery's Tavern, where they easily routed Mackenzie's rebels.
-
December 14, 1837
Politics and Government
Chenier Killed
Patriote leader Jean-Olivier Chénier was killed in combat at St-Eustache.
-
December 14, 1837
Politics and Government
Battle of St-Eustache
Sir John Colborne captured St-Eustache after fierce resistance by the Patriotes during the Lower Canada Rebellion.
-
February 10, 1838
Politics and Government
Constitution Suspended
The Constitution of 1791 was suspended in Lower Canada following the 1837 Rebellion. An "authoritarian" political body, the Special Council, was appointed in its stead. The second Rebellion in Lower Canada soon followed.
-
March 30, 1838
Politics and Government
Durham Appointed
The Earl of Durham was appointed governor-in-chief of British North America and commissioner to investigate the causes of the rebellions. He served from May 29 to November 1.
-
July 04, 1838
Politics and Government
Nelson Deported
Former House of Assembly member Wolfred Nelson was deported to Bermuda, along with 8 other Patriotes, following the Lower Canada Rebellion.
-
November 04, 1838
Politics and Government
Second Rebellion in Lower Canada
Robert Nelson and Cyrille Côté led a 2nd rebellion in Lower Canada. Côté's men fled after a skirmish at Lacolle; Nelson retreated to Odelltown, north of the Vermont border, where he was defeated by Charles Taylor on November 9.
-
January 18, 1839
Politics and Government
Rebels Hanged
Rebels were hanged at Montréal for their part in the Rebellions of 1837.
-
February 08, 1839
Politics and Government
Aroostook War
New Brunswick and Maine clashed over lumbering in what became known as the Aroostook War (sometimes called the Pork and Beans War), over the undefined border.
-
February 15, 1839
Politics and Government
Patriote Rebels Hanged
Five Patriotes, followers of Louis-Joseph Papineau, were hung at the Pied-du-Courant Prison following a trial for treason and murder.
-
February 13, 1841
Politics and Government
Kingston Chosen Capital
Kingston, Canada West, was chosen capital of the United Canadas. It only remained the capital until 1843.
-
April 10, 1841
Politics and Government
Halifax Incorporated
Halifax was incorporated as a city.
-
June 14, 1841
Politics and Government
First Parliament in Canadas
The first session of the first Parliament of the United Canadas opened at Kingston, Canada West.
-
September 16, 1842
Politics and Government
La Fontaine-Baldwin Cabinet
The first La Fontaine-Baldwin cabinet was formed in the Province of Canada. The partnership led to the development of responsible government across the country.
-
September 26, 1842
Politics and Government
First Reform Council
Robert Baldwin and Louis LaFontaine organized the first Reform executive council in Canada.
-
May 10, 1844
Politics and Government
Capital Moves to Montreal
The capital of Canada was moved from Kingston to Montréal, Canada East.
-
December 17, 1844
Politics and Government
Institut Canadien Formed
Jean-Baptiste-Éric Dorion and L.-J. Papineau helped to found the Institut canadien.
-
May 26, 1846
Politics and Government
Responsible Government in Newfoundland
Public meetings at St John's, Newfoundland, adopted resolutions in favour of responsible government.
-
June 09, 1846
Politics and Government
Hamilton Incorporated
Hamilton, Upper Canada, was incorporated as a city.
-
February 02, 1848
Politics and Government
Responsible Government in Nova Scotia
James Boyle Uniake became leader of a new Reform government. Nova Scotia was thus the first colony in the British Empire in which responsible government was in effect. Responsible government meant that a colony enjoyed complete self-government in domestic affairs and that a government ruled only with the support of the majority of the elected Assembly (the origins of today's cabinet government).
-
March 04, 1848
Politics and Government
Reform Forms Government
Governor General Lord Elgin called on LaFontaine and Baldwin, as leaders of the Reform majority, to form the new executive council in the Province of Canada. They were sworn in on March 11.
-
April 25, 1849
Politics and Government
Parliament Buildings Burned
The Parliament Buildings in Montréal were burned down in riots protesting Lord Elgin's signing of the Rebellion Losses Bill. The seat of government was removed from Montréal and the Parliament met alternatively in Toronto and Québec City.
-
April 25, 1849
Politics and Government
Rebellion Losses Bill
Lord Elgin gave assent to the Rebellion Losses Bill, in effect the first acceptance of the principle of responsible government, over violent Tory opposition. A Tory-inspired mob burned the Parliament buildings that day.
-
May 01, 1849
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Women’s Voting Rights Removed in the Province of Canada
Legislation barring women from voting is passed by the Province of Canada and becomes law.
-
October 10, 1849
Politics and Government
Annexation Manifesto
Acute economic depression in Canada led to a short-lived agitation for annexation to the United States.
-
April 25, 1851
Politics and Government
PEI Gets Responsible Government
PEI obtained responsible government, with George Coles as premier.
-
May 16, 1851
Politics and Government
James Douglas Appointed Governor
James Douglas was appointed governor and vice-admiral of the colony of Vancouver Island.
-
August 30, 1851
Politics and Government
First Council on Vancouver I
The legislative council of Vancouver Island held its first session.
-
June 06, 1853
Politics and Government
Gavazzi Riots
Riots occurred in Québec against a former Italian priest, Alessandro Gavazzi; another riot in Montréal on June 9 left 10 dead when troops fired on the crowd.
-
January 01, 1855
Politics and Government
Ottawa Incorporated
Ottawa was incorporated as a city.
-
January 27, 1855
Politics and Government
Liberal-Conservative Ministry
Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché formed a ministry with A.N. MacNab. After MacNab resigned in May 1856, Taché joined John A. Macdonald in a ministry that sealed the alliance of Upper Canadian Conservatives and Canadien Liberals in a unified party.
-
April 17, 1855
Politics and Government
Charlottetown Incorporated
Charlottetown, PEI, was incorporated as a city.
-
July 14, 1855
Politics and Government
La Capricieuse Welcomed
La Capricieuse, the first French naval vessel to visit Canada since the Conquest, received a tumultuous welcome at Québec.
-
August 12, 1856
Politics and Government
Vancouver Island's House of Assembly Opens
The first elected House of Assembly of the Colony of Vancouver Island opened. Only 43 colonists owned enough land to qualify as voters.
-
January 01, 1857
Politics and Government
Gradual Civilization Act Passed in the Province of Canada
The government attempts to assimilate First Nations men by offering them the right to vote if they voluntarily enfranchise. This means giving up rights, including treaty rights. Only one person elects to do so under this Act. (See also Indigenous Peoples in Canadian Law.)
-
December 28, 1857
Politics and Government
Crown Controls Mineral Rights
Governor James Douglas of Vancouver Island proclaimed the Crown's control of mineral rights on the mainland to ensure it remained under British control after American gold seekers began to descend upon the Fraser River.
-
December 31, 1857
Politics and Government
Ottawa Chosen Capital
Queen Victoria announced that she had chosen Ottawa to be the new capital of Canada. It became official on September 24, 1859.
-
August 02, 1858
Politics and Government
Brown-Dorion Cabinet Formed
Clear Grit leader George Brown formed a short-lived government with Parti Rouge leader Antoine-Aimé Dorion in Canada East. It was defeated two days later.
-
November 19, 1858
Politics and Government
Douglas Appointed Governor Of BC
At Fort Langley, Judge Matthew Begbie read aloud the Queen's commission making James Douglas the governor of the new colony of British Columbia.
-
July 16, 1860
Politics and Government
New Westminster Incorporated
Named by Queen Victoria, the "Royal City" of New Westminster - and first capital of BC - was incorporated.
-
July 19, 1862
Politics and Government
Stikine Territory Organized
The Stikine River region of BC was removed from HBC authority and organized as Stikine (or Stickeen) Territory.
-
August 02, 1862
Politics and Government
Victoria Incorporated
Victoria was incorporated as a city.
-
May 08, 1863
Politics and Government
Sicotte-Macdonald Defeated
The Sicotte-Sandfield Macdonald ministry was defeated in the Assembly of the Province of Canada after only a year in power.
-
March 21, 1864
Politics and Government
Taché-Macdonald Ministry
The Sandfield Macdonald-Sicotte government was replaced by Taché-John A. Macdonald in the United Canadas.
-
June 22, 1864
Politics and Government
Great Coalition Formed
The Great Coalition was formed. Reform leader George Brown joined a coalition with John A. Macdonald's Conservatives and George-Étienne Cartier's Bleus, starting the process of Confederation in the Province of Canada. The ministers of the Great Coalition were sworn in on June 30.
-
February 20, 1865
Politics and Government
Vote for Confederation
The legislative council of the Province of Canada adopted an address urging the Imperial Parliament to pass legislation to achieve the union of British North America. The Assembly adopted the address on March 11.
-
December 04, 1866
Politics and Government
London Conference
Sixteen delegates from the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick met with the British government in London, England. During the three month conference, delegates reviewed the Québec Resolutions — creating a document that would form the basis of the British North America Act — chose "Canada" as the name of the new country and designated it a Dominion.
-
March 18, 1867
Politics and Government
BC Resolution on Confederation Passed
Amor De Cosmos' resolution calling for "the admission of BC into Confederation on fair and equitable terms" was given unanimous support by the colony's legislative council.
-
June 01, 1867
Politics and Government
Monck Becomes First GG
Sir Charles Stanley, Viscount Monck, was commissioned the first governor general of Canada.
-
July 01, 1867
Politics and Government
Canada Comes Into Existence
The Dominion of Canada came into existence, consisting of Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
-
July 01, 1867
Politics and Government
Belleau Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Sir Narcisse-Fortunat Belleau was appointed Québec''s first lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 11 February 1873.
-
July 15, 1867
Politics and Government
Chauveau Becomes Premier
Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau, leader of the provincial Conservative Party, became Québec''s first premier.
-
August 07, 1867
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win First Majority
In the first general election after Confederation, the Conservatives won a majority with 101 seats to the Liberals' 80; Sir John A. Macdonald, who had been chosen prime minister by the Governor General when Canada was created, remained prime minister.
-
September 20, 1867
Politics and Government
First Election Post-Confederation
Sir John A. Macdonald leads the Conservative Party to victory. Men over the age of 21 who meet property qualifications can vote.
-
November 06, 1867
Politics and Government
Canada's First Parliament
The first session of Canada's first parliament opened.
-
December 17, 1867
Politics and Government
BC Legislature
The BC legislature met for the first time in Victoria.
-
April 07, 1868
Politics and Government
D'Arcy McGee Assassinated
Thomas D'Arcy McGee, an MP and Father of Confederation, was shot and killed by suspected Fenian James Patrick Whelan while returning to his Ottawa home in one of Canada's few political assassinations.
-
December 01, 1869
Politics and Government
HBC Surrenders Rupert's Land
The Hudson's Bay Company surrendered Rupert's Land to the Canadian government.
-
December 23, 1869
Politics and Government
Riel's Provisional Government
Louis Riel issued a Declaration of the people of Rupert's Land and the Northwest and became head of the provisional government of Red River.
-
January 19, 1870
Politics and Government
Smith Meets Settlers
Donald Smith met with settlers at Fort Garry during the Red River Rebellion to present Canada's position on the transfer of the territory from the Hudson's Bay Company to Dominion ownership.
-
March 03, 1870
Politics and Government
Scott Sentenced to Death
A Métis court martial sentenced Thomas Scott to death. He was executed by firing squad at Fort Garry the following day, causing a furor in Ontario.
-
July 15, 1870
Politics and Government
Manitoba Joins Confederation
The Manitoba Act went into effect, making Manitoba Canada's fifth province.
-
July 15, 1870
Politics and Government
Transfer of Rupert's Land
The British Crown officially transferred Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory to Canada. These lands comprise present-day Manitoba, most of Saskatchewan, southern Alberta, southern Nunavut, and northern parts of Ontario and Québec.
-
March 10, 1871
Politics and Government
Manitoba's First Council
The first legislative council of Manitoba sat for the first time.
-
May 17, 1871
Politics and Government
New Brunswick Schools
The New Brunswick government passed the Common Schools Act to strengthen and reform the school system. At the same time, it abandoned an informal system of separate schools that had grown up since the 1850s.
-
July 20, 1871
Politics and Government
British Columbia Joins Confederation
British Columbia entered Confederation as the sixth province. The legislature met for the first time after Confederation on 15 February 1872.
-
August 14, 1871
Politics and Government
Trutch Installed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Sir Joseph William Trutch was installed as the new province of BC's 1st lieutenant-governor.
-
November 14, 1871
Politics and Government
McCreight sworn in as BC's 1st Premier
John Foster McCreight was sworn in as BC's 1st premier.
-
May 01, 1872
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Chinese Canadians Banned from Voting in BC
The British Columbia legislative assembly passes a law banning Chinese Canadians from voting. Previously, Chinese Canadian men could vote in provincial elections.
-
July 20, 1872
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Second Majority
In the federal election, the Conservatives won a majority with 103 seats to the Liberals' 97; Sir John A. Macdonald remained prime minister.
-
October 31, 1872
Politics and Government
Mowat Takes Office
Oliver Mowat assumed office as premier of Ontario and leader of the Ontario Liberal Party; he remained premier until 1896.
-
December 23, 1872
Politics and Government
De Cosmos Appointed BC's Premier
Amor De Cosmos was sworn in as BC's 2nd premier.
-
February 17, 1873
Politics and Government
Caron Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable René-Édouard Caron was appointed Québec''s second lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 13 December 1876.
-
February 27, 1873
Politics and Government
Ouimet Becomes Premier
Gédéon Ouimet, leader of the provincial Conservative party, became Québec''s second premier.
-
April 02, 1873
Politics and Government
Pacific Scandal Revealed
The Liberals broke news of the Pacific Scandal in Parliament. A spate of damaging letters and telegrams appeared in Liberal newspapers in July.
-
May 20, 1873
Politics and Government
Death of Sir George-É. Cartier
Sir George-Étienne Cartier died of Bright's Disease in London, England.
-
June 26, 1873
Politics and Government
PEI Admitted into Canada
An imperial order-in-council admitted PEI into Canada, effective 1 July.
-
July 01, 1873
Politics and Government
Prince Edward Island Joins Confederation
Prince Edward Island entered Confederation as Canada's seventh province.
-
November 05, 1873
Politics and Government
Pacific Scandal Forces Resignations
In the Pacific Scandal, the Macdonald government resigned over the evidence that members of the government had accepted campaign funds from Sir Hugh Allan in return for the Canadian Pacific Railway contract.
-
November 08, 1873
Politics and Government
Winnipeg Incorporated
Winnipeg was incorporated as a city.
-
January 22, 1874
Politics and Government
Liberals Win First Majority
In the federal election, the Liberals formed their first majority, winning 133 seats. Alexander Mackenzie became the first Liberal prime minister.
-
April 16, 1874
Politics and Government
Riel Expelled
Louis Riel was expelled from the House of Commons when he attempted to take his seat.
-
May 26, 1874
Politics and Government
Secret Ballot Introduced
An Act was passed introducing vote by secret ballot, simultaneous elections and the abolition of property qualifications for Members of Parliament.
-
September 22, 1874
Politics and Government
Boucher de Boucherville Becomes Premier
Charles-Eugène Boucher de Boucherville, leader of the provincial Conservative party, became Québec''s third premier.
-
December 24, 1874
Politics and Government
Nanaimo Incorporated
Nanaimo, the largest city on Vancouver Island as of 2006, was incorporated as a city.
-
February 23, 1875
Politics and Government
Secret Ballot in Québec
A new electoral law was instated in Québec, enforcing the secret ballot for the first time.
-
April 08, 1875
Politics and Government
North-West Territories Act
The North-West Territories became a political entity separate from Manitoba. The territory would have its own lieutenant-governor and council.
-
April 12, 1876
Politics and Government
Indian Act
The Indian Act is introduced. The Act aims to eradicate First Nations culture in favour of assimilation into Euro-Canadian society. The Act also reinforces that Status Indians must voluntarily give up status and treaty rights to vote federally. Status Indian women are barred from voting in band council elections.
-
July 28, 1876
Politics and Government
Richards Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Albert Norton Richards was sworn in as BC's 2nd lieutenant-governor.
-
December 15, 1876
Politics and Government
Letellier de Saint-Just Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Luc Letellier de Saint-Just was appointed Québec''s third lieutenant-governor, serving until 25 July 1879.
-
January 22, 1878
Politics and Government
Secret Ballot Employed
The secret ballot and simultaneous voting were employed for the first time in Canada.
-
March 08, 1878
Politics and Government
Joly De Lotbinière Becomes Premier
Henri-Gustave Joly De Lotbinière, leader of the provincial Liberal party, became Québec''s fourth premier.
-
June 25, 1878
Politics and Government
Walkem Appointed BC's Premier
George Anthony Walkem was sworn in as BC's 5th premier, serving as second term.
-
July 26, 1879
Politics and Government
Robitaille Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Théodore Robitaille was appointed Québec''s 4th lieutenant-governor, serving until 6 November 1884.
-
October 31, 1879
Politics and Government
Chapleau Becomes Premier
Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau, leader of the provincial Conservative Party, became Québec''s fifth premier.
-
January 05, 1880
Politics and Government
First Warden of Surrey, BC
Thomas Shannon was appointed the first warden of Surrey, BC, an office equivalent to mayor today.
-
March 25, 1880
Politics and Government
George Brown Shot
George Brown was shot at the Globe office by George Bennett, a disgruntled former employee. Brown died on May 9.
-
September 01, 1880
Politics and Government
Arctic Sovereignty
British sovereignty over the Arctic Islands passed to Canada.
-
July 20, 1881
Politics and Government
Cornwall Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Clement Francis Cornwall was installed as BC's 3rd lieutenant-governor.
-
June 13, 1882
Politics and Government
Beaven Appointed BC's Premier
Robert Beaven was sworn in as BC's 6th premier.
-
July 31, 1882
Politics and Government
Mousseau Becomes Premier
Joseph-Alfred Mousseau, leader of the provincial Conservative Party, became Québec''s sixth premier.
-
January 29, 1883
Politics and Government
Smithe Appointed BC's Premier
William Smithe was sworn in as BC's 7th premier.
-
March 27, 1883
Politics and Government
Capital of the North-West Territories Shifts
The capital of the North-West Territories (the future Alberta and Saskatchewan) shifted from Battleford to Pile O' Bones (Regina). Cree hunters harvested buffalo in the region and stacked the bones of their quarry in piles roughly 2 m tall by 12 m in diameter. The Cree believed that buffalo herds would return to visit these bones, and so named the area Oskana-Ka-asateki, "the place where bones are piled."
-
September 15, 1884
Politics and Government
Canada's Nile Voyageurs
The Nile Voyageurs, Canada's first official participants in an overseas war, set sail for Egypt, comprising a force of 386 lumbermen, Caughnawaga men and Ottawa boatmen under the command of F.C. Denison.
-
November 07, 1884
Politics and Government
Masson Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Louis-François-Rodrigue Masson was appointed Québec''s 5th lieutenant-governor, serving until 24 October 1887.
-
January 01, 1885
Politics and Government
Electoral Franchise Act
The original draft of the Act gave federal voting rights to some women, but under the final legislation, only men can vote. The Act gives some Reserve First Nations with property qualifications the right to vote, but bars Chinese Canadians.
-
March 19, 1885
Politics and Government
Riel's Provisional Government
At Batoche, a provisional government of the North-West was proclaimed, with Louis Riel as president and Gabriel Dumont as adjutant-general.
-
January 15, 1886
People
Birth of C.D. Howe
Businessman and politician C.D. Howe was born at Waltham, Massachusetts. Howe’s engineering career took off in Canada, where he founded a Prairie-based construction company that became an international success. During the Depression, he turned his attention to politics. In Parliament, he headed so many portfolios that he was known as the “Minister of Ministers.” Howe initiated many of the nation-building and economic projects that brought Canada fully into the 20th century.
-
April 06, 1886
Politics and Government
Vancouver Incorporated
Vancouver was incorporated as a city.
-
January 25, 1887
Politics and Government
Taillon Becomes Québec's 8th Premier
Louis-Olivier Taillon, leader of the provincial Conservative Party, became Québec''s eighth premier.
-
January 29, 1887
Politics and Government
Mercier Becomes Premier
Honoré Mercier, leader of the Liberal Party, was sworn in as Québec''s ninth premier.
-
March 28, 1887
Politics and Government
Nelson BC's 4th Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Hugh Nelson was installed as BC's 4th lieutenant-governor.
-
April 01, 1887
Politics and Government
Davie BC's 8th Premier
Alexander Edmund Davie was sworn in as BC's 8th premier.
-
June 07, 1887
Politics and Government
Laurier Chosen Leader
Wilfrid Laurier was chosen leader of the Liberal opposition in Parliament, succeeding Edward Blake.
-
October 29, 1887
Politics and Government
Angers Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Auguste-Réal Angers was appointed Québec''s 6th lieutenant-governor, serving until 5 December 1892.
-
August 02, 1889
Politics and Government
Robson Appointed BC's Premier
John Robson was sworn in as BC's 9th premier.
-
December 15, 1891
Politics and Government
Mercier Dismissed
The premier of Québec, Honoré Mercier, was dismissed from office by the lieutenant-governor because of allegations of conflict of interest; he was acquitted of malfeasance on 4 November 1892.
-
December 21, 1891
Politics and Government
Boucher de Boucherville Becomes Premier Again
Charles Eugene Boucher de Boucherville, leader of the Conservative Party, became premier of Québec for the second time.
-
July 02, 1892
Politics and Government
Davie Appointed BC's Premier
Theodore Davie was sworn in as BC's 10th premier.
-
November 09, 1892
Politics and Government
Dewdney Appointed BC Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Edgar Dewdney was sworn in as BC's 5th lieutenant-governor.
-
December 12, 1892
Politics and Government
Chapleau Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau was appointed Québec''s 7th lieutenant-governor, serving until 29 January 1898.
-
December 16, 1892
Politics and Government
Taillon Becomes Premier
Louis-Olivier Taillon, leader of the Conservative Party, became premier of Québec for the second time.
-
February 20, 1894
Politics and Government
Manitoba Separate Schools
The Supreme Court refused the appeal of the Manitoba Roman Catholics after the abolition of separate schools.
-
September 16, 1894
Politics and Government
Calgary Becomes City
Calgary was incorporated as a city.
-
January 01, 1895
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Japanese Canadians Lose the Right to Vote in BC
British Columbia amends the Provincial Voters’ Act to remove the right to vote from Japanese Canadians.
-
March 04, 1895
Politics and Government
Turner BC's 11th Premier
John Herbert Turner was sworn in as BC's 11th premier.
-
May 11, 1896
Politics and Government
Flynn Becomes Premier
Edmund James Flynn, leader of the Conservative Party, became Québec''s 12th premier.
-
May 24, 1897
Politics and Government
Marchand Becomes Premier
Félix-Gabriel Marchand, leader of the Liberal Party, became Québec''s 13th premier.
-
June 24, 1897
Politics and Government
Cabinet Government in NWT
Full Cabinet government was established in the North-West Territories, and F.W. Haultain formed its first government.
-
December 01, 1897
Politics and Government
McInnes Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Thomas Robert McInnes was sworn in as BC's 6th lieutenant-governor.
-
February 01, 1898
Politics and Government
Jetté Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Louis-Amable Jetté was appointed Québec''s 8th lieutenant-governor, serving until 15 September 1908.
-
February 10, 1898
Politics and Government
BC's Parliament Buildings Open
The first stage of BC's parliament buildings, designed by Francis Rattenbury, opened in Victoria.
-
June 13, 1898
Politics and Government
Yukon Becomes Separate Territory
By Act of Parliament the Yukon became a separate territory with a commissioner and partly elected council.
-
June 13, 1898
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Federal Government Returns Determination of Voters to Provinces
Provinces are given the right to decide who can vote in provincial elections. Some exclude Chinese Canadians from voting provincially. However, federal legislation allows Chinese Canadians to vote in federal elections.
-
October 18, 1899
Politics and Government
Bourassa Resigns
Henri Bourassa resigned his seat in Parliament to protest Canada's involvement in a British colonial war (the South African War).
-
November 24, 1899
Politics and Government
Birth of Dr Masajiro Miyazaki
Dr Masajiro Miyazaki, who, when he was elected village commissioner in Lillooet in 1950, became the first Japanese-Canadian to hold public office in Canada, was born at Hikone City, Japan.
-
February 28, 1900
Politics and Government
Martin BC's 13th Premier
Joseph Martin was sworn in as BC's 13th premier.
-
June 15, 1900
Politics and Government
Dunsmuir Appinted BC's Premier
James Dunsmuir was sworn in as BC's 14th premier.
-
June 22, 1900
Politics and Government
Joly De Lotbinière Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Sir Henry Gustave Joly De Lotbinière was installed as BC's 7th lieutenant-governor.
-
October 03, 1900
Politics and Government
Parent Becomes Premier
Simon-Napoléon Parent, leader of the Liberal Party, became Québec''s 14th premier.
-
January 22, 1901
Politics and Government
Death of Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria died at Windsor Castle. Edward VII was proclaimed King the next day and was crowned on August 29.
-
September 16, 1901
Politics and Government
Duke and Duchess Visit Québec
The Duke and Duchess of York visited Québec City and were welcomed by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier and Québec Premier Simon-Napoléon Parent.
-
December 18, 1901
Politics and Government
Territorial Grain Growers' Assn
William Richard Motherwell founded the Territorial Grain Growers' Association.
-
May 24, 1902
Politics and Government
First Victoria Day
The first Victoria Day was observed throughout Canada. PM Wilfrid Laurier designated the holiday to fall on the birthday of Queen Victoria.
-
June 21, 1902
Politics and Government
Longest BC Legislative Session Closes
The BC legislative session closed after 121 days (a total of 102 sitting days), the longest session since Confederation.
-
November 21, 1902
Politics and Government
Prior Sworn in as BC's Premier
Edward Gawler Prior was sworn in as BC's 15th premier.
-
December 18, 1902
Politics and Government
Ministerial Conference
Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier arrived at Québec City to attend a ministerial conference. Premier and city mayor Simon Napoléon-Parent was particularly interested in addressing the matter of trans-Canadian railways.
-
March 01, 1903
Politics and Government
Nationalist League
The Nationalist League was founded to spread the nationalist views of its mentor, Henri Bourassa, in opposition to the renewed British imperialism in English Canada.
-
June 01, 1903
Politics and Government
McBride Appointed BC's Premier
Conservative party leader Richard McBride was sworn in as BC's 16th premier.
-
June 19, 1903
Politics and Government
Regina Incorporated
Regina, Sask, was incorporated as a city.
-
October 20, 1903
Politics and Government
Alaska Boundary Dispute
Settlement of the Alaska-Canada boundary dispute established the Alaska-Canada border as it is today. The border denied Canada access to the sea in both northern BC and the Yukon.
-
October 08, 1904
Politics and Government
Edmonton Incorporated
First established in 1795 as a Hudson’s Bay Company post, Edmonton was on this day incorporated as a city. The following year, it was chosen as capital for the freshly minted Province of Alberta. Today, it is the northernmost North American city with a population over one million.
-
February 27, 1905
Politics and Government
Sifton Resigns
Interior minister Clifford Sifton resigned from the federal Cabinet in a dispute over guarantees for separate schools in the Act making Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces of Canada.
-
March 23, 1905
Politics and Government
Gouin Becomes Premier
Lomer Gouin, leader of the Liberal Party, became Québec''s 15th premier.
-
April 23, 1905
Politics and Government
Death of Gédéon Ouimet
Gédéon Ouimet, premier of Québec from 1873-1874, died at Saint-Hilaire, Québec.
.
-
July 18, 1905
Politics and Government
Dominion Act
The Dominion Act created the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, effective September 1. Regina and Edmonton, respectively, became the capitals on July 20.
-
September 01, 1905
Provincial Politics
Alberta and Saskatchewan Become Provinces
Alberta and Saskatchewan entered Canada as the 8th and 9th provinces by two federal Acts which received royal assent on 20 July. Alberta's boundary with Saskatchewan was set at 110°, though Albertans wanted 107°. The Acts (Autonomy Bills) declared that the West was to have non-denominational schools.
-
May 26, 1906
Politics and Government
Dunsmuir Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable James Dunsmuir was installed as BC's 8th lieutenant-governor.
-
January 01, 1907
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
BC Provincial Elections Act Amendment Act, 1907
British Columbia removes voting rights from anyone with origins in South Asia.
-
September 07, 1907
Politics and Government
Anti-Asian Riot
Several hundred people rioted through Vancouver's Asian district to protest Asian immigration to Canada. Discriminatory legislation and social practices in BC denied Chinese, Japanese and South Asians the right to vote, practise law or pharmacy, be elected to public office, serve on juries, or work in education or the civil service. Public opinion resulted on several occasions in violent anti-Asian riots.
-
January 02, 1908
Politics and Government
Mint Opens
The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa. Governor General Earl Grey struck the first domestically produced coin in Canada, a 50-cent piece.
-
September 15, 1908
Politics and Government
Pelletier Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Charles-Alphonse-Pantaléon Pelletier was appointed Québec''s 9th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 29 April 1911.
-
August 12, 1909
Politics and Government
Freight Handlers Strike
Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ont, was placed under martial law as Greek and Italian strikers engaged Canadian Pacific Railway police in a protracted gun battle.
-
December 11, 1909
Politics and Government
Paterson Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Thomas Wilson Paterson was sworn in as BC's 9th lieutenant-governor. governor.
-
January 10, 1910
Politics and Government
Le Devoir First Published
The newspaper Le Devoir was first published in Montréal, by Henri Bourassa.
-
May 26, 1910
Politics and Government
A. Sifton Becomes Premier of Alberta
Arthur Sifton became premier of Alberta. He held together a divided party and was an effective premier, a strong leader and a skilled administrator.
-
May 06, 1911
Politics and Government
Langelier Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable François Langelier was appointed Québec''s 10th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 8 February 1915.
-
September 21, 1911
Politics and Government
Conservatives Back in Power
In a federal election, the Conservatives under Robert Borden's leadership returned to power, winning 133 seats to the Liberals' 86. Laurier's Liberals had been in power since 1896. The election was a defeat for the Liberals' policy of free trade.
-
March 15, 1912
Politics and Government
West Vancouver Incorporated
The district municipality of West Vancouver, with a population of 700, was incorporated.
-
May 14, 1912
Politics and Government
Ottawa Transfers Land
The federal government divested itself of responsibility for vast tracks of northern land by granting boundary extensions to Manitoba, Ontario and Québec.
-
May 15, 1912
Politics and Government
Québec Border Extended
The Québec border was extended to incorporate the Ungava district.
-
May 15, 1913
Politics and Government
Naval Aid Bill
The Conservatives carried the Naval Aid Bill by imposing closure on debate for the first time in Canadian history.
-
December 17, 1914
Politics and Government
Barnard Becomes BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Sir Francis Stillman Barnard was sworn in as BC's 10th lieutenant-governor.
-
February 12, 1915
Politics and Government
LeBlanc Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Pierre-Évariste LeBlanc was appointed Québec's 11th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 18 October 1918.
-
September 16, 1915
Politics and Government
Liberals Sweep Manitoba
Manitoba Liberals won a landslide election victory after the longtime Conservative government was forced to resign by a scandal over fraud related to the construction of the provincial legislative building.
-
December 15, 1915
Politics and Government
Bowser Appointed BC's Premier
Conservative Party leader William John Bowser was sworn in as BC's 17th premier.
-
January 28, 1916
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Manitoba Women Win Right to Vote
Women in Manitoba who are of British descent or citizenship, 21 or older, and not otherwise disqualified are given the right to vote provincially and to hold provincial office. Other provinces soon follow and grant women the right to vote in provincial elections.
-
February 03, 1916
Politics and Government
Parliament Buildings Burn
Most of the original Parliament Buildings in Ottawa were destroyed by fire, killing 7 people. Only the Parliamentary Library survived intact.
-
February 10, 1916
Politics and Government
Anti-German Riot in Calgary
During the First World War, a rioting mob destroyed several German-owned businesses in Calgary, Alberta. The same day, Calgary City Council decided to fire all employees born in countries at war with Canada.
-
November 23, 1916
Politics and Government
Brewster Sworn in as BC's Premier
Liberal party leader Harlan Carey Brewster was sworn in as BC's 18th premier.
-
April 01, 1917
International politics
Leon Trotsky Held Prisoner in Nova Scotia
Russian socialist Leon Trotsky was a prisoner at the Amherst internment camp in Nova Scotia in April 1917. Amherst was the largest internment camp in Canada during the First World War, with a maximum capacity of about 850 men. While most camps housed “enemy aliens,” most internees at Amherst were German prisoners of war. (See also Prisoner of War Camps in Canada.)
-
May 18, 1917
Politics and Government
Borden Announces Conscription
Sir Robert Borden announced his decision in Parliament to implement Conscription. The imposition of conscription on reluctant French Canadians was a failure and bitterly divided the country along French-English lines.
-
September 20, 1917
Politics and Government
Wartime Elections Act and Military Voters Act
Parliament passes the Wartime Elections Act. The right to vote federally now extends to women in the armed forces and female relatives of military men. However, Citizens considered of “enemy alien” birth and some pacifist communities are disenfranchised.
-
October 17, 1917
Politics and Government
Borden Announces Union
PM Robert Borden announced the formation of a Union government made up of 12 Conservatives, 9 Liberals or independents, and one labour representative.
-
March 06, 1918
Politics and Government
Oliver BC's 19th premier
Liberal party leader John Oliver was sworn in as BC's 19th premier.
-
March 16, 1918
Politics and Government
NWT Divided Into Districts
The Northwest Territories were divided into the present Districts of Keewatin, Mackenzie, and Franklin, and brought into the Dominion of Canada; effective 1 January 1920.
-
March 28, 1918
Politics and Government
Anti-conscription Riots
Anti-conscription riots began in Québec City.
-
May 24, 1918
Politics and Government
Women Granted Right to Vote in Federal Elections
Many Canadian women are granted the right to vote in federal elections, but First Nations women can only vote if they give up their status and treaty rights.
-
October 23, 1918
Politics and Government
Fitzpatrick Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Right Honourable Charles Fitzpatrick was appointed Québec''s 12th lieutenant-governor, serving until 31 October 1923.
-
February 17, 1919
Politics and Government
Death of Laurier
Sir Wilfrid Laurier died at Ottawa.
-
April 17, 1919
People Provincial Politics
Birth of Gilles Lamontagne
Former Québec City mayor and federal Member of Parliament Gilles Lamontagne was born in Montréal. Lamontagne served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and survived two years as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down over the Netherlands. In addition to his tenure as mayor of Québec City from 1965 to 1977, his distinguished political career included positions as defence minister in Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government and as lieutenant-governor of Québec. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1990.
-
May 22, 1919
Politics and Government
Nickle Resolution Forbids Honours
The Parliament of Canada passed a resolution preventing Canadian citizens from receiving titles or honours from foreign governments.
-
June 21, 1919
Politics and Government
Winnipeg Strike Confrontation
A Mounted Police troop charged a demonstration of strikers in Winnipeg. Two strikers were killed and 20 were wounded.
-
December 18, 1919
Politics and Government
Prior Becomes BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Edward Gawler Prior was sworn in as BC's 11th lieutenant-governor.
-
January 10, 1920
Politics and Government
Canada Joins League of Nations
Canada became a founding member of the League of Nations.
-
July 01, 1920
Politics and Government
Dominion Elections Act
The Dominion Elections Act enfranchised many of those who had been disenfranchised during the First World War, such as those originating from countries with which Canada had been at war. However, the Act stated that anyone who was disenfranchised by provincial legislation because of race would remain disenfranchised from the federal vote. This included persons of Chinese origin in Saskatchewan, and those of Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian origins in British Columbia.
-
July 09, 1920
Politics and Government
Taschereau Becomes Premier
Louis-Alexandre Taschereau, leader of the Liberal Party, became Québec''s 16th premier.
-
December 25, 1920
Politics and Government
Nichol installed as BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Walter Cameron Nichol was installed as BC's 12th lieutenant-governor.
-
July 18, 1921
Politics and Government
Parlby Elected
Irene Parlby was elected to the Alberta Legislature, representing Lacombe in the United Farmers of Alberta government. She was subsequently named to Cabinet, as minister without portfolio. Parlby was only the second woman in the British Empire to hold ministerial office. She was particularly active on issues related to public health care, improved wages for working women and married women's property rights.
-
November 21, 1921
Politics and Government
Royal Arms of Canada
Red and white were designated Canada’s colours by King George V in the proclamation of the Royal Arms of Canada, Canada’s Coat of Arms.A red maple leaf appears in the right paw of a lion and three maple leaves joined by one stem appear in the crest.
-
December 06, 1921
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Minority
In a federal election, the Liberals won a minority government with 116 seats. The Conservatives took 50, the Progressives 65 (there were 4 other members). Mackenzie King became prime minister.
-
January 21, 1922
Politics and Government
Birth of Lincoln Alexander
Lincoln Alexander, CC, OOnt, lawyer, parliamentarian, public servant, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, was born in Toronto, ON. The first Black Canadian to sit in the House of Commons (1968) and to hold a viceregal position (1985).
-
September 15, 1922
Politics and Government
Chanak Affair
Britain sent a telegram calling upon the Dominions to contribute soldiers in a demonstration of the Empire's solidarity against the Turks. PM King was noncommittal.
-
July 01, 1923
Politics and Government
Chinese Immigration Act
The Chinese Immigration Act was replaced by legislation that virtually suspended Chinese immigration on the day known to the Canadian Chinese as "Humiliation Day." The discriminatory legislation would not be repealed until 1947.
-
October 31, 1923
Politics and Government
Brodeur Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Louis-Philippe Brodeur was appointed Québec''s 13th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 2 January 1924.
-
January 01, 1924
Politics and Government
Status Indian WWI Veterans Granted Right to Vote
Male Status Indian veterans of the First World War gain the right to vote in federal elections without losing their status and treaty rights.
-
January 10, 1924
Politics and Government
Pérodeau Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Narcisse Pérodeau was appointed Québec''s 14th lieutenant-governor, serving until 10 January 1929.
-
January 26, 1924
Politics and Government
Red Ensign Approved
The Canadian Red Ensign was approved as the official flag for government buildings at home and abroad.
-
June 11, 1925
Politics and Government
Cape Breton Strike
Coal miner William Davis was killed by police in the culmination of a long Cape Breton strike.
-
November 23, 1925
Politics and Government
Premier Greenfield Resigns
Premier Herbert Greenfield, ill and often absent, resigned as premier of Alberta. He was succeeded by John Brownlee.
-
February 05, 1926
Politics and Government
BC 's Confederation Experience
BC premier John Oliver told the Canadian Club in Vancouver that while "the principle of Confederation was right," BC's experience had not "been fully satisfactory."
-
February 24, 1926
Politics and Government
Bruce Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Robert Randolph Bruce was appointed as BC's 13th lieutenant-governor.
-
June 03, 1926
People
Birth of Flora MacDonald
Politician Flora MacDonald, who was secretary of state for External Affairs in the government of Joe Clark (1979–80) and the first woman to hold such an important federal Cabinet post, was born in North Sydney, NS.
-
September 14, 1926
Politics and Government
King Forms Minority
In a federal election the Liberals and Conservatives reversed fortunes with the Liberals winning 116 seats and the Conservatives 91. The Progressives won 13 seats and the UFA 11; there were 14 others. King became prime minister again, forming a minority.
-
November 18, 1926
Politics and Government
Balfour Report
The Balfour Report was adopted at the Imperial Conference, which met in London from October 19 to November 23. This was a resolution defining Britain and the self-governing Dominions as "autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status."
-
March 01, 1927
Politics and Government
Labrador Boundary Set
The Labrador boundary was settled in its present location by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
-
August 20, 1927
Politics and Government
MacLean Sworn in as BC's Premier
Liberal leader John Duncan MacLean was sworn in as BC's 20th premier.
-
April 02, 1928
Politics and Government
Houde Elected Mayor
Camillien Houde was first elected mayor of Montréal. Until his retirement on 18 September 1954, he so incarnated his city that he was called "Mr Montréal."
-
July 18, 1928
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win BC Election
After 12 years of Liberal rule in BC, the Conservatives under Simon Tolmie took 35 of the province's 48 seats. Tolmie remained premier until November 1933.
-
August 21, 1928
Politics and Government
Tolmie Premier of BC
The Conservatives won the BC provincial election, with Simon Fraser Tolmie becoming the 21st premier.
-
January 10, 1929
Politics and Government
Gouin Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Lomer Gouin was appointed Québec''s 15th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 28 March 1929.
-
March 22, 1929
Politics and Government
I'm Alone Sunk
The Canadian schooner and rumrunner I'm Alone was sunk by the US Coast Guard. The captain and crew were taken to New Orleans as prisoners.
-
April 04, 1929
Politics and Government
Carroll Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Henry George Carroll was appointed Québec''s 16th lieutenant-governor, serving until 3 May 1934.
-
February 20, 1930
Politics and Government
Natural Resource Transfer to BC
The federal government transferred control of natural resources in the province to BC.
-
July 28, 1930
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Election
In a federal election, the Conservatives won a majority with 137 seats to the Liberals' 91. The UFA held 10 and the Progressives dropped to 2. R.B. Bennett became prime minister.
-
August 09, 1930
Politics and Government
Birth of Jacques Parizeau
Jacques Parizeau, who nearly led Québec to sovereignty in the 1995 referendum as premier and head of the Parti Québécois, was born in Montréal. An economist by training, Parizeau was a key figure in the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, helping to establish public institutions such as the Québec Pension Plan and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
-
November 12, 1930
Politics and Government
Norway Recognizes Sovereignty
Norway formally recognized the sovereignty of Canada over the Sverdrup Islands in the Arctic.
-
January 01, 1931
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Japanese-Canadian WWI Veterans in BC Granted Right to Vote
Veterans of the First World War in British Columbia become the first Japanese Canadians granted the right to vote in federal or provincial elections.
-
August 01, 1931
Politics and Government
Johnson Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable John William Fordham Johnson was sworn in as BC's 14th lieutenant-governor.
-
June 24, 1932
People
Birth of Mel Hurtig
Publisher and nationalist Mel Hurtig, who first published The Canadian Encyclopedia (1985 and 1988), was born in Edmonton, Alberta. Hurtig also co-founded the Council of Canadians and wrote a number of books on Canadian society and politics.
-
July 01, 1933
Politics and Government
CCF Approves the Regina Manifesto
The Regina Manifesto was the founding policy document of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). Written in 1933 and released at the party’s convention in Regina, the 14-point policy statement called for eradicating capitalism and adopting socialist economic and social policies in a democratic state. In 1956, the CCF replaced the Regina Manifesto with the Winnipeg Declaration.
-
November 02, 1933
Politics and Government
Liberal Victory in BC
Thomas Dufferin Pattullo led the Liberal Party to victory in a BC election.
-
November 15, 1933
Politics and Government
Pattullo Appointed BC's Premier
Liberal party leader Thomas Dufferin Pattullo was sworn in as BC's 22nd premier.
-
December 02, 1933
Politics and Government
Newfoundland Reverts to Crown
Newfoundland lost its Dominion status due to its financial situation; its constitution was suspended and it reverted to a Crown colony.
-
January 01, 1934
Politics and Government
Dominion Franchise Act
Inuit and First Nations persons living on reserves are disqualified from voting in federal elections, except for First Nations veterans who had previously received the vote.
-
February 16, 1934
Politics and Government
Newfoundland Commission Government
Newfoundland began its government by a Commission appointed by Britain.
-
May 03, 1934
Politics and Government
Patenaude Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Ésioff-Léon Patenaude was appointed Québec''s 17th lieutenant-governor, serving until 30 December 1939.
-
June 19, 1934
Politics and Government
Liberals Win in Saskatchewan
The Liberals under James Garfield Gardiner won the Saskatchewan elections.
-
October 26, 1934
Politics and Government
Reconstruction Party Formed
H.H. Stevens formed the business-oriented Reconstruction Party.
-
November 21, 1934
Provincial Politics
Birth of Howard Pawley
Howard Pawley, NDP premier of Manitoba from 1981 to 1988, was born in Brampton, Ontario.
-
January 02, 1935
Politics and Government
Bennett Outlines New Deal
With Canadians suffering from coast to coast, Conservative prime minister R.B. Bennett made the first of five radio broadcasts to address the state of the nation, which was deep in the Great Depression. Called The Premier Speaks to the People, Bennett’s address was broadcast across 38 stations. The legislation he proposed became known as Canada’s “New Deal.” It was reported that Bennett paid for the airtime, approximately $10,000, out of his own pocket.
-
June 05, 1935
Politics and Government
On to Ottawa Trek
About 1000 unemployed men boarded freight cars in Vancouver to begin the "On to Ottawa" trek. The strikers commandeered freight trains and made stops in Calgary, Medicine Hat, Swift Current and Moose Jaw before arriving in Regina June 14.
-
October 14, 1935
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Election
In the federal election, the Liberals won a landslide majority, with 171 seats to the Conservatives' 39. The CCF won 7 seats and the Social Credit 17. King became prime minister for the third time.
-
May 01, 1936
Politics and Government
Hamber Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Eric Werge Hamber was installed as BC's 15th lieutenant-governor.
-
June 11, 1936
Politics and Government
Godbout Becomes Premier
Joseph-Adélard Godbout, leader of the Liberal Party, became Québec''s 17th premier.
-
August 17, 1936
Politics and Government
Union Nationale Victory
The Union Nationale, led by Maurice Duplessis, won the Québec election. Duplessis was sworn in on 26 Aug.
-
December 09, 1936
Politics and Government
Edward VIII Abdicates
Canada was informed of Edward VIII's intention to abdicate, which he did the next day; the new king was George VI.
-
August 15, 1937
Politics and Government
Dominion-Provincial Relations
PM Mackenzie King appointed the Royal Commission on Dominion-Provincial Relations to examine the amendment of the BNA Act, and the relationship of the federal and provincial governments in Confederation.
-
May 20, 1938
Politics and Government
Relief Workers' Strike in BC
Unemployed members of the Relief Project Worker's Union in Vancouver occupied the Hotel Georgia, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the central post office and began a sit-down strike.
-
August 12, 1938
Provincial Politics
Birth of Jean-Paul L'Allier
Jean-Paul L'Allier, who served as a Québec's minister of Communications during the October Crisis and later as mayor of Québec City from 1989 to 2005, was born in Hudson, Québec.
-
May 17, 1939
Politics and Government
Royal Visit
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth arrived in Canada for a state visit, the first reigning monarchs to visit Canada or any Commonwealth country. On May 19, George VI gave royal assent to several Canadian Bills in the Senate Chamber.
-
September 03, 1939
Politics and Government
Wartime Prices and Trade Board
The Wartime Prices and Trade Board was established to control inflation and to ensure that social unrest did not interfere with the upcoming war effort.
-
October 25, 1939
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Québec Election
The Liberals won the Québec provincial elections. Joseph-Adélard Godbout was sworn in as premier on 8 Nov.
-
December 30, 1939
Politics and Government
Fiset Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Major General the Honourable Eugène Fiset was appointed Québec''s 18th lieutenant-governor, serving until 3 October 1950.
-
January 01, 1940
Politics and Government
Municipal Government in NWT
The first municipal government in the Northwest Territories was inaugurated in Yellowknife.
-
March 21, 1940
Politics and Government
Social Credit Retain Power
Premier William Aberhart's Social Credit Party won 36 of 57 seats in Alberta's provincial election.
-
March 26, 1940
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Federal Election
In the federal election, the Liberals retained power with 178 seats. The Conservatives stayed at 39, the CCF won 8 and the Social Credit 10. King remained prime minister.
-
April 03, 1940
Politics and Government
Earl of Athlone Appointed
The Earl of Athlone was the second member of the British royal family to be appointed governor general of Canada.
-
June 05, 1940
Politics and Government
Communists Declared Illegal
Nazi, Fascist and Communist groups were declared illegal in Canada, and their leaders were jailed.
-
August 17, 1940
Politics and Government
Ogdensburg Agreement
PM Mackenzie King and President Roosevelt held a conference on the defence of North America at Ogdensburg, NY. The Odgensburg Agreement was signed, and the Permanent Joint Board of Defence was created on August 18.
-
August 14, 1941
Politics and Government
Atlantic Charter
At Placentia Bay, Nfld, British prime minister Winston Churchill and American president F.D. Roosevelt signed the Atlantic Charter.
-
September 05, 1941
Politics and Government
Woodward Installed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable William Culham Woodward was installed as BC's 16th lieutenant-governor.
-
December 09, 1941
Politics and Government
Hart Becomes Premier
Liberal leader John Hart was sworn in as BC's 23rd premier, heading the province's first coalition government.
-
January 01, 1942
Politics and Government
United Nations Term Used
The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their Governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.
-
February 26, 1942
Politics and Government
Japanese Relocation
Following the Japanese strike on Pearl Harbour, the federal government interns 22,000 Japanese men, women and children in British Columbia for the remainder of the war. The government apologizes for Japanese internment in 1988. Similar actions had taken place in 1914, with the internment of nationals from Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish Empires.
-
January 08, 1943
Politics and Government
Garson Succeeds Bracken
Stuart Sinclair Garson became premier of Manitoba, succeeding John Bracken.
-
May 23, 1943
Politics and Government
Death of Aberhart
Longtime Social Credit premier of Alberta William Aberhart died in Vancouver. He was succeeded by Ernest Manning.
-
May 31, 1943
Politics and Government
Manning Becomes Premier
Ernest Charles Manning succeeded William Aberhart as Social Credit premier of Alberta.
-
August 04, 1943
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Ontario
George Drew's Progressive Conservative Party won the Ontario election, beginning a political dynasty that would last 42 years.
-
August 17, 1943
Politics and Government
Québec War Conference
Churchill and Roosevelt held the 6th Anglo-American War Conference, hosted by Mackenzie King (first Québec Conference) in Québec City.
-
October 14, 1943
Politics and Government
Canada Medal Approved
The Canada Medal was approved by King George VI and the Canadian Cabinet. It was the first distinctly Canadian decoration, although it was never awarded.
-
January 01, 1944
Politics and Government
Status Indian WWII Veterans Granted Right to Vote
Status Indian veterans who served in the Second World War and their spouses are permitted to vote in federal elections without losing status, with some conditions.
-
June 15, 1944
Politics and Government
CCF Triumphs in Saskatchewan
The CCF won the Saskatchewan provincial election, with Thomas C. Douglas as premier. It was the first socialist government in North America.
-
August 30, 1944
Politics and Government
Duplessis Becomes Premier Again
Maurice Le Noblet Duplessis, leader of the Union Nationale, became premier of Québec for the second time.
-
September 11, 1944
Politics and Government
2nd Québec War Conference
The 2nd Québec Conference of Allied leaders Winston Churchill and F.D. Roosevelt was held at the Château Frontenac in Québec City, hosted by Mackenzie King.
-
March 05, 1945
Politics and Government
Canada Attends UN Conference
Canada was invited to attend the United Nations Conference in San Francisco.
-
May 07, 1945
Politics and Government
VE-Day Riots
Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day) riots broke out in Halifax. About 10 000 servicemen looted and vandalized the city's downtown.
-
June 11, 1945
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Reduced Majority
In the federal election, the Liberals won with a reduced majority of 125 seats to the Conservatives' 67. The CCF rose to 28 seats. King remained prime minister.
-
June 26, 1945
Politics and Government
Canada Joins United Nations
Canada joined the United Nations at its founding.
-
September 05, 1945
Politics and Government
Gouzenko Defects
Soviet cipher clerk Igor Gouzenko defected from the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa with secret documents suggesting the evidence of a Soviet spy ring in Canada.
-
January 10, 1946
Politics and Government
First UN General Assembly
The first General Assembly of the United Nations was held in London.
-
October 01, 1946
Politics and Government
Banks Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Charles Arthur Banks was sworn in as BC's 17th lieutenant-governor.
-
October 14, 1946
Politics and Government
Savings Bonds Introduced
The federal government introduced the first Canada Savings Bonds.
-
January 01, 1947
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Canadian Citizenship Act and repeal of Chinese Immigration Act
Changes to federal legislation allow Chinese and South Asian Canadians to vote. However, it isn’t until 1951 that the final restrictions are lifted in provincial elections Canada-wide.
-
January 01, 1947
Politics and Government
Chinese and South Asian Canadians Gain Right to Vote Federally and Provincially
The Citizenship Act extended the right to vote federally and provincially to Chinese Canadian and South Asian Canadian men and women. However, it ignored Indigenous peoples and Japanese Canadians.
-
July 23, 1947
Politics and Government
First Female Political Candidate (Qué)
Mae O'Connor, widow of Liberal Member Dennis O'Connor, unsuccessfully ran as the first female candidate in a Québec election.
-
August 11, 1947
Politics and Government
Death of Gerry Grattan McGeer
Gerald "Gerry" Grattan McGeer, perhaps Vancouver's most flamboyant mayor, died in office.
-
December 29, 1947
Politics and Government
Johnnson Appointed BC's Premier
Liberal leader Byron Ingemar Johnnson was sworn in as BC's 24th premier, heading a coalition government.
-
January 01, 1948
Politics and Government
Amendments to Dominion Elections Act
Race is no longer grounds for exclusion from voting in federal elections. However, Status Indians still have to give up their Status in order to vote.
-
January 21, 1948
Politics and Government
Flag of Québec (the Fleurdelisé)
Québec’s flag, the Fleurdelisé, was flown for the first time at centre tower of the Québec Parliament Building in Québec City. The Québec government adopted the Fleurdelisé during the administration of Maurice Duplessis. It was the first provincial flag officially adopted in Canada. Maurice Duplessis proclaimed the fleur de lis as the official emblem of Québec. After more than 50 years, the controversy continues as botanists insist that the flowers on the flag are not lilies but irises, which are indigenous to Québec.
-
April 08, 1948
Politics and Government
BC's Sales Tax Introduced
BC's first sales tax was introduced. The 3% tax was intended to pay for increased social programs.
-
June 03, 1948
Politics and Government
Newfoundland Votes vs Canada
A Newfoundland referendum resulted in 69,000 votes for self-government, 64,000 for union with Canada, and 22,000 for no change in the island's status. Another vote on 22 July showed a majority of 7,000 for union with Canada.
-
September 08, 1948
Politics and Government
Office of Governor General
King George V issued letters patent authorizing the governor general of Canada to exercise all powers and authorities lawfully belonging to the King as they apply to Canada.
-
January 01, 1949
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
First Nations Win Right to Vote Provincially
Except in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Status Indians had been barred from voting provincially. Beginning with British Columbia in 1949 and ending with Quebec in 1969, First Nations peoples gradually win the right to vote in provincial elections without losing status or treaty rights.
-
January 01, 1949
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Japanese Canadians Win Right to Vote in BC
The last restriction on Japanese Canadians’ voting rights is lifted when British Columbia grants them the right to vote in provincial elections.
-
March 03, 1949
Politics and Government
Birth of Elijah Harper
Cree politician, consultant, policy analyst Elijah Harper was born in Red Sucker Lake, MB. The first Indigenous member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, Harper also served as the minister of Northern Affairs. From 1993 to 1997, he represented the riding of Churchill in the federal Parliament. Harper is best known for the role he played in scuttling the Meech Lake Accord, where he cited the lack of adequate participation and recognition of Indigenous people in that process.
-
April 01, 1949
Politics and Government
Smallwood Appointed Premier
Joseph Roberts Smallwood was appointed the first premier of Newfoundland in Confederation.
-
April 01, 1949
Politics and Government
Wartime Restrictions on Japanese-Canadians Lifted
The lifting of the last wartime restrictions on Japanese-Canadians came into effect, allowing them to move anywhere in Canada.
-
May 04, 1949
Politics and Government
Frost Becomes Premier
Leslie Frost signing the oath of premier, Queen's Park, Ontario, May 4, 1949 (Ontario Archives, 478).
-
June 27, 1949
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Landslide
In the federal election, the Liberals won a landslide with 190 seats (the highest by any party to that time) to only 41 seats for the Progressive Conservatives under George Drew. The CCF won 13 and the Social Credit 10. Louis St-Laurent remained PM.
-
December 12, 1949
People
First Woman Speaker
Nancy Hodges was named Speaker of the BC Legislature, the first woman to hold the post of Speaker in the British Commonwealth.
-
January 01, 1950
Politics and Government
Inuit Granted Right to Vote
Inuit are granted the right to vote in federal elections, but the isolation of several communities means many cannot access polling stations. Later reforms increase access to ballot boxes.
-
October 02, 1950
Politics and Government
Wallace Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Clarence Wallace was sworn in as BC's 18th lieutenant-governor.
-
October 03, 1950
Politics and Government
Fauteux Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Gaspard Fauteux was appointed Québec''s 19th lieutenant-governor, serving until 14 February 1958.
-
November 28, 1950
Politics and Government
Canada Joins Colombo Plan
Canada announced its intention of joining with other Commonwealth nations in what became the Colombo Plan to attack the poverty upon which communist political movements in Asia were thought to feed.
-
January 01, 1952
Politics and Government
Old-Age Security Act
A new Old-Age Security Act came into effect, providing universal pensions to those 70 and over.
-
August 01, 1952
Politics and Government
Bennett Appointed BC's Premier
Social Credit party leader William Andrew Bennett was sworn in as BC's 25th premier.
-
October 14, 1952
Politics and Government
Pearson President of UN
Lester Pearson was elected president at the opening of the 7th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
-
January 07, 1955
Politics and Government
Parliament Televised
The opening of Parliament in Ottawa was televised for the first time.
-
October 03, 1955
Politics and Government
Ross Appointed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Frank MacKenzie Ross was sworn in as BC's 19th lieutenant-governor.
-
October 30, 1956
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Nova Scotia
The Conservatives under Robert Lorne Stanfield won the Nova Scotia election.
-
November 24, 1956
Politics and Government
First Peacekeeping Troops
The first 20 Canadian peacekeeping troops arrived in Egypt.
-
December 14, 1956
Politics and Government
Diefenbaker Becomes Leader
John George Diefenbaker was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
-
June 10, 1957
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Minority
In a federal election, the Progressive Conservatives won a minority government, with 112 seats. The Liberals retained 105, the CCF 25 and the Social Credit 19. John G. Diefenbaker became the first prime minister from western Canada on June 21.
-
June 10, 1957
Politics and Government
First Chinese Canadian Elected to Federal Office
Douglas Jung was elected Conservative MP for a Vancouver riding, becoming the first Chinese Canadian to hold elected federal office.
-
October 12, 1957
Politics and Government
Pearson Receives Nobel Prize
Lester Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his solution to the Suez Crisis.
-
January 16, 1958
Politics and Government
Pearson Wins Leadership
Lester B. Pearson was elected leader of the Liberal Party at an Ottawa convention.
-
February 14, 1958
Politics and Government
Gagnon Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Onésime Gagnon was appointed Québec''s 20th lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 30 September 1961.
-
March 31, 1958
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Majority
In a federal election, the Progressive Conservatives won a resounding majority, with 208 seats (the highest to that time). The Liberals dropped to only 49 seats and the CCF to 8. Diefenbaker remained prime minister.
-
September 07, 1959
Politics and Government
Death of Duplessis
Maurice Duplessis, who had been premier of Quebec for a total of 18 years, died after a series of strokes.
-
September 11, 1959
Politics and Government
Sauvé Becomes Premier
Joseph-Mignault-Paul Sauvé, leader of the Union Nationale, became Québec''s 21st premier.
-
January 02, 1960
Politics and Government
Death of Paul Sauvé
Paul Sauvé, Québec's 17th premier and leader of the Union Nationale, died in office.
-
January 08, 1960
Politics and Government
Barrette Becomes Premier
Antonio Barrette, leader of the Union Nationale, became Québec''s 22nd premier.
-
June 22, 1960
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Québec
The Liberals under Jean Lesage won the Québec provincial election, finally breaking the hold of the Union Nationale, and signalling a time for change and reform that has become known as the Quiet Revolution. Lesage was sworn in as premier on 5 Jul.
-
July 25, 1960
Politics and Government
First Ministers Meet
A federal-provincial premiers' conference met to discuss constitutional amendments and tax issues.
-
September 10, 1960
Politics and Government
Rassemblement pour l'indépendance nationale Founded
The Rassemblement pour l'indépendance nationale, a left-wing independence movement in Québec, was founded.
-
October 13, 1960
Politics and Government
Pearkes Installed BC's Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable George Randolph Pearkes was installed as BC's 20th lieutenant-governor.
-
June 13, 1961
Politics and Government
Green Belt Explored
The National Capital Commission completed its explorations for the 16 590 ha green belt surrounding Ottawa.
-
August 03, 1961
Politics and Government
Tommy Douglas Leader of the NDP
Saskatchewan's Premier Tommy Douglas was elected national leader of the newly formed New Democratic Party.
-
August 14, 1961
Politics and Government
Premiers Meet
The second conference of provincial premiers was held at Charlottetown, PEI.
-
October 11, 1961
Politics and Government
Comtois Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Paul Comtois was appointed Québec''s 21st lieutenant-governor, serving until his death on 21 February 1966.
-
November 08, 1961
Politics and Government
Robarts Becomes Premier
John Parmenter Robarts succeeded Leslie Frost as premier of Ontario.
-
June 18, 1962
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Minority
In a federal election, the Conservatives were reduced to a minority government, dropping to 116 seats. The Liberals won 99, Social Credit 30 and the NDP 19 seats. Diefenbaker remained prime minister with the support of the Social Credit.
-
August 06, 1962
Politics and Government
Premiers Meet in Victoria
The third conference of provincial premiers was held in Victoria.
-
February 04, 1963
Politics and Government
Bomarc Missile Crisis
Defence Minister Douglas Scott Harkness resigned over the government's refusal to accept US nuclear warheads for Canadian Bomarc missiles. The Diefenbaker government later fell over the issue.
-
February 05, 1963
Politics and Government
Conservatives Fall Over Nuclear Policy
Diefenbaker's government was defeated in the House of Commons in a nonconfidence motion over nuclear weapons policy, making a federal general election necessary. It was only the second such defeat since Confederation.
-
April 08, 1963
Politics and Government
Liberals Win a Minority
In a federal election, the Liberals regained power, but after a vigorous campaign by Diefenbaker their 129 seats were only good for a minority government. The Conservatives held 95 seats, Social Credit 24 seats and the NDP 17. Lester Pearson became PM.
-
April 20, 1963
Politics and Government
FLQ Bombing
Wilfred O'Neill was killed by a bomb blast at a Montréal army recruiting centre. The bomb was the work of the terrorist group Front de libération du Québec (FLQ).
-
July 10, 1963
Politics and Government
Voting Age (Qué)
Québec lowers the voting age from 21 to 18.
-
October 07, 1963
Politics and Government
FLQ Terrorists Guilty
Sixteen FLQ members pleaded guilty to terrorist activities.
-
March 13, 1964
Politics and Government
Cyprus Peacekeeping
The government approved a Canadian contribution to a United Nations international peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
-
March 31, 1964
Politics and Government
Federal-provincial Conference
A federal-provincial conference was held in Québec City.
-
April 22, 1964
Politics and Government
Liberals Win in Saskatchewan
The Liberals under W. Ross Thatcher won the Saskatchewan provincial election, displacing the CCF-NDP after 20 years.
-
June 09, 1964
Politics and Government
Death of Max Aitken
William Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook, Canadian-born politician and newspaper proprietor, died in England.
-
July 06, 1964
Politics and Government
Parti libéral du Québec Created
The Fédération Libérale du Québec split from the Liberal Party of Canada, forming its own national party, the Parti libéral du Québec.
-
October 10, 1964
Politics and Government
Controversial Visit to Quebec
Until the 1960s, the monarchy was popular in Quebec because the Crown was viewed as a protector of minority rights. However, during the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, attitudes toward the monarchy changed and the Queen was seen as a symbol of British oppression. After addressing the National Assembly in French, the Queen faced crowds of protesters who turned their backs on her and chanted, “Elizabeth, go home.” The police crackdown on these protests became known as “Truncheon Sunday.”
-
February 15, 1965
Politics and Government
Flag of Canada Raised
The Flag of Canada was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
-
February 25, 1965
Politics and Government
Preliminary B&B Report
The preliminary report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism was tabled in the House of Commons.
-
February 27, 1965
Politics and Government
Québec Signs Agreement with France
The first international agreement of Québec was signed with France, beginning periodic clashes with the federal government over the role and presence of Québec in international affairs.
-
March 02, 1965
Politics and Government
Lucien Rivard Escapes
Suspected drug smuggler Lucien Rivard escaped from Montréal's Bordeaux Jail. Charges of bribery connected with the escape created a scandal for the Liberal government.
-
March 20, 1965
Politics and Government
Peter Lougheed Elected Leader
Calgary lawyer Peter Lougheed, 36, was elected leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. He was first elected to the legislature in 1967.
-
August 06, 1965
Politics and Government
City of Laval Charter
The 14 municipalities of Île Jésus merged, creating the new city boundaries of Laval and making it the second largest city in Québec.
-
November 08, 1965
Politics and Government
MacInnis Elected to BC Parliament
Grace MacInnis won election to Parliament for the NDP, becoming BC's first woman Member of Parliament.
-
February 22, 1966
Politics and Government
LaPointe Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Hugues LaPointe was appointed Québec''s 22nd lieutenant-governor, serving until 27 April 1978.
-
March 04, 1966
Politics and Government
Munsinger Affair
The Munsinger Affair became known to Parliament and the country when Lucien Cardin raised Gerda Munsinger's name in Parliament.
-
June 05, 1966
Politics and Government
UN Win Québec
The Union Nationale under Daniel Johnson won the Québec provincial election.
-
June 16, 1966
Politics and Government
Johnson Becomes Premier
Daniel Johnson Sr, leader of the Union Nationale, became Québec''s 24th premier.
-
October 28, 1966
Politics and Government
Federal-Provincial Meeting
A federal-provincial premiers' conference on fiscal matters was held in Ottawa.
-
December 31, 1966
Politics and Government
Centennial Flame Lit
Canada's centennial celebration was launched with a ceremony in Ottawa, during which PM Pearson lit the Centennial Flame at the entrance to Parliament Hill.
-
March 15, 1967
Politics and Government
Parliament Approves "O Canada"
“O Canada” was approved as Canada’s national anthem by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. It was officially adopted as Canada’s national anthem under the National Anthem Act on 27 June 1980.
-
April 06, 1967
Politics and Government
Canada's First Ombudsman
George McClellan was named ombudsman of Alberta, Canada's first.
-
April 17, 1967
Politics and Government
Order of Canada Created
PM Pearson announced the creation of the Order of Canada, effective July 1.
-
July 09, 1969
Politics and Government
Official Languages Act (1969)
The Official Languages Act was given assent, to come into effect on September 7. It declared English and French the official languages of the federal administration. Federal government services — including all services related to federal elections — must now be available in both French and English. (See Official Languages Act, 1969.)
-
January 01, 1970
Politics and Government
Voting Age is Lowered to 18
Parliament passes legislation lowering the federal voting age from 21 to 18. This adds two million Canadians to the electoral rolls.
-
January 17, 1970
Politics and Government
Bourassa Elected Leader
Robert Bourassa was elected leader of Québec Liberal Party and succeeded Jean Lesage as premier.
-
April 29, 1970
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Québec
The Liberal Party led by Robert Bourassa won the Québec provincial election.
-
April 29, 1970
Politics and Government
Québec Liberals Defeat Union Nationale
Robert Bourassa's Liberals defeated the governing Union Nationale in the Québec provincial election.
-
June 23, 1971
Politics and Government
Bourassa Rejects Charter
Québec premier Robert Bourassa rejected the Victoria Charter.
-
August 30, 1971
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Alberta
Peter Lougheed's Conservatives ended 36 years of Socred government in Alberta by winning a majority government in a general election.
-
October 30, 1972
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Minority
In a federal election, the Liberals lost their majority, winning only 109 seats to the Tories' 107, but Trudeau remained prime minister at the head of a minority government with the support of the NDP (31 seats). The Social Credit won 15 seats.
-
October 29, 1973
Politics and Government
Québec Liberals Win
Robert Bourassa's Parti libéral was re-elected with 30% of the vote.
-
January 17, 1974
People
First Woman Lieutenant-Governor
Pauline McGibbon was appointed lieutenant-governor of Ontario, the first woman to hold the position of lieutenant-governor in Canada.
-
July 02, 1974
Politics and Government
Ralph Steinhauer Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
Ralph Steinhauer was appointed lieutenant-governor of Alberta, the first Indigenous person to hold vice-regal office in Canada.
-
December 22, 1975
Politics and Government
Bennett Appointed BC's Premier
Social Credit party leader William Richards Bennett was sworn in as BC's 27th premier.
-
June 27, 1976
International politics
Canada Attends First Meeting of the G7
The G7, or Group of Seven, is an international group comprising the governments of the world’s largest economies. It was founded as the G6 in 1975 and became the G7 with the addition of Canada in 1976.
-
April 27, 1978
Politics and Government
Côté Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Jean-Pierre Côté was appointed Québec''s 23rd lieutenant-governor, serving until 28 March 1984.
-
April 17, 1982
Politics and Government
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen 18 and older to vote and to stand as a candidate.
-
April 26, 1982
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Saskatchewan
Grant Devine's PC's won the general election in Saskatchewan.
-
March 28, 1984
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Lamontagne Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Gilles Lamontagne was appointed Québec''s 24th lieutenant-governor, serving until 9 August 1990.
-
September 04, 1984
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Huge Majority
In a federal election, the Conservatives won 211 seats, eclipsing Diefenbaker's record 208. The Liberals under John Turner retained only 40, the NDP 30. Brian Mulroney became prime minister.
-
December 15, 1984
Politics and Government
Bill 101 Challenged
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the compulsory exclusive use of French on public commercial signs, as per Bill 101, was contrary to the right of freedom of speech. The Bourassa government reacted by introducing Bill 178, reinstating the use of French-only signs.
-
September 20, 1985
Politics and Government
Lincoln Alexander Sworn In
Lincoln Alexander was sworn in as Ontario's lieutenant-governor, the first Black person to hold the vice-regal position in Canada. Alexander was also the first Black MP and federal Cabinet minister.
-
October 03, 1985
Politics and Government
Johnson Becomes Premier
Pierre Marc Johnson, leader of the Parti Québécois, became Quebec's 28th premier.
-
December 02, 1985
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Québec
Robert Bourassa led the Liberals to a sweeping victory over the Parti Québécois but failed to win his own seat until January 20, 1986.
-
September 30, 1986
Politics and Government
First Speaker Chosen by Ballot
The members of the House of Commons selected a new speaker by secret ballot for the first time.
-
January 01, 1988
Politics and Government
People with Intellectual Disabilities Granted Right to Vote
People with intellectual disabilities are granted the right to vote after a successful Charter challenge.
-
March 19, 1988
Politics and Government
Parizeau New PQ Leader
Jacques Parizeau became leader of the Parti Québécois. He told party members that their primary goal must be independence for Québec.
-
December 21, 1988
Politics and Government
Bill 178
Bourassa's government adopted Bill 178, an Act to countermand Bill 101. The new Bill reinforced that "public signs and posters and commercial advertising, outside or intended for the public outside, shall be solely in French."
-
August 09, 1990
Politics and Government
Asselin Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Martial Asselin was appointed Québec''s 25th lieutenant-governor, serving until 12 September 1996.
-
June 20, 1991
Politics and Government
Bill 150 Passed
Robert Bourassa's government passes Bill 150, also known as an Act respecting the process for determining the political and constitutional future of Québec.
-
January 01, 1992
Politics and Government
Bill C-78
Bill C-78 passes, changing the voting and electoral processes to make them more accessible to people with disabilities.
-
April 09, 1992
Politics and Government
Britain's Conservatives Win
In Great Britain, the Conservatives won a fourth successive term with a reduced majority.
-
October 25, 1993
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Federal Election
In a federal election, the Liberals won 178 seats and a majority. The Conservatives' 154 seats were reduced to 2, while the NDP retained only 9. Reform won 52 seats and the Bloc Québécois became the official opposition with 54.
-
September 12, 1994
Politics and Government
PQ Victory in Québec
The Parti Québécois won an overall majority in the Québec legislature. Jacques Parizeau was sworn in as premier on 26 September.
-
February 13, 1995
Politics and Government
Liberals Win By-elections
The Liberals won 2 federal by-elections in Québec.
-
October 30, 1995
Politics and Government
Second Sovereignty Referendum
Québec held its second sovereignty referendum in 15 years. The "no" side won, with a 50.6 per cent majority, in a vote that saw 93.2 per cent of the population participating. In a public speech a shocked Premier Jacques Parizeau blamed the result on money and ethnic voters, and resigned the next day.
-
March 25, 1996
Politics and Government
Liberals Win By-elections
The federal Liberal Party won 5 by-elections and the Bloc Québécois 1, restoring the Liberals to 177 seats and confirming the BQ as the official opposition.
-
October 02, 1996
Politics and Government
Death of Robert Bourassa
Former Québec premier Robert Bourassa died in Montréal of skin cancer.
-
November 18, 1996
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win PEI
The Conservative Party was elected in PEI. Patrick Binns, a former bean farmer, became premier.
-
January 30, 1997
Politics and Government
Thibault Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Lise Thibault was appointed Québec''s 27th lieutenant-governor, serving until 7 June 2007.
-
June 07, 1999
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win in NB
The New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party won a surprising landslide victory in the provincial election. Thirty-three-year-old Bernard Lord became premier.
-
November 27, 2000
Politics and Government
Liberals Win Third Straight
The Liberal Party won its third straight federal election, increasing the number of seats from 161 to 172. Reform elected 66, The Bloc 38, NDP 13 and Conservatives 12. Chrétien was the first PM since King to win 3 straight elections.
-
January 23, 2006
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Federal Election
The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Stephen Harper, defeated the Liberal Party in a federal election, by a margin of 21 seats, ending 13 years of Liberal rule.
-
March 26, 2007
Politics and Government
Quebec Liberals Win Election
Jean Charest''s Liberal Party won the provincial election and formed the first minority government in Québec in 130 years. The ADQ unseated the Parti Québécois as the official opposition, and for the first time in 30 years the PQ formed neither the government nor the opposition.
-
June 07, 2007
Politics and Government
Duchesne Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Pierre Duchesne was appointed Québec''s 28th lieutenant-governor.
-
October 14, 2008
Politics and Government
Conservatives Win Second Minority
The Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, won a second minority government.
-
December 08, 2008
Politics and Government
Québec Liberals Win Majority
Jean Charest''s Liberal party won a majority in Québec, making him the first Québec premier since Maurice Duplessis to win three successive mandates in the province.
-
May 12, 2009
Politics and Government
Liberals Win in BC
Premier Gordon Campbell led the Liberal Party to a third consecutive majority, the first premier in 25 years to do so.
-
September 10, 2009
Politics and Government
Nicholas Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Graydon Nicholas was appointed New Brunswick's 30th lieutenant-governor. He was first Indigenous person in the province to hold the honour.
-
May 11, 2010
Politics and Government
Ethell Appointed Lieutenant-Governor
The Honourable Donald S. Ethell was installed as the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
-
March 24, 2012
People
Mulcair Becomes NDP Leader
Thomas Mulcair is elected the NDP's new leader, following the death of Jack Layton
-
October 19, 2012
Politics and Government
Death of Lincoln Alexander
Lincoln Alexander, CC, OOnt, lawyer, parliamentarian, public servant, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, died in Hamilton, ON. The first Black Canadian to sit in the House of Commons (1968) and to hold a viceregal position (1985).
-
February 23, 2015
Politics and Government
MacLauchlan Becomes Premier
Liberal candidate Wade MacLauchlan was sworn in as the 32nd premier of Prince Edward Island, taking over the province's leadership following the resignation of Robert Ghiz. MacLauchlan, who has held professorships in law and written a biography of PEI premier Alex B. Campbell, was president of the University of Prince Edward Island from 1999 to 2011.
-
May 05, 2015
Politics and Government
NDP Wins Majority in Alberta Election
In a remarkable electoral upset, the Alberta New Democratic Party won a majority government, ousting the long-reigning Progressive Conservative Party. NDP leader Rachel Notley replaced Jim Prentice as premier. The Tories lost support with voters on economic issues in the lead-up to the election and finished in third place on election night. The Wildrose Party became the Official Opposition.
-
June 01, 2015
Politics and Government
Death of Jacques Parizeau
Jacques Parizeau, who nearly led Québec to sovereignty in the 1995 referendum as premier and head of the Parti Québécois, died at age 84 in Montréal. An economist by training, Parizeau was a key figure in the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, helping to establish public institutions such as the Québec Pension Plan and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
-
July 26, 2015
People
Death of Flora Macdonald
Politician Flora MacDonald, who was secretary of state for External Affairs in the government of Joe Clark (1979–80) and the first woman to hold such an important federal Cabinet post, died in Ottawa, ON.
-
September 30, 2015
People
Thibault Sentenced for Fraudulent Expense Claims
Former lieutenant-governor of Québec Lise Thibault was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to repay $200,000 to the federal government and $100,000 to the Québec government. In 2009, Thibault was charged with claiming hundreds of thousands of dollars for personal expenses during her tenure as lieutenant-governor, and in December 2014, she pleaded guilty to six charges of fraud and breach of trust.
-
October 15, 2015
People
Death of Ken Taylor
Ken Taylor, the Calgary-born diplomat who famously engineered the escape of six Americans from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis, died in New York City at age 81. (See The Canadian Caper.)
-
October 19, 2015
People
Liberal Majority Ends Nine-Year Tory Rule
At the end of an 11-week campaign — one of the longest in Canadian history — voters elected a majority Liberal government under Justin Trudeau, denying Stephen Harper's Conservatives a fourth federal mandate. The 2015 election marked the end of Harper's nine-year term as prime minister, and following the results he resigned as leader of the Conservative Party.
-
October 22, 2015
People
Duceppe Resigns as Leader of the Bloc Québécois
Gilles Duceppe stepped down as leader of the Bloc Québécois in the wake of the October 2015 federal election. Although the Bloc won 10 seats — more than doubling its count from the 2011 election, in which the party was devastated by the NDP's "orange wave" in Québec — Duceppe lost in his own riding and the party emerged two seats short of official party status in the House of Commons. This was Duceppe's second resignation from the Bloc's leadership after stepping down in 2011 and returning in 2015.
-
November 04, 2015
People
Justin Trudeau Sworn In as Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau was sworn in as the 23rd prime minister of Canada at a ceremony in Ottawa, followed by the swearing-in of the country's first gender-balanced Cabinet of 15 men and 15 women. Trudeau's Liberal Party was elected to a majority government in the October 2015 federal election, ending nine years of Conservative government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
-
November 04, 2015
People
First Gender-Balanced Federal Cabinet
Newly elected prime minister Justin Trudeau appointed 15 women to his 30-member Cabinet — the first time in Canadian history that a federal Cabinet included an equal number of men and women.
-
November 30, 2015
Provincial Politics
Liberal Victory in Newfoundland and Labrador
Liberal candidate Dwight Ball was elected premier of Newfoundland and Labrador in the province's 20th general provincial election. The Liberals won by a landslide, taking 31 of the province's 40 seats. The Conservatives, who had governed for the preceding 12 years, won seven seats and the NDP took two.
-
December 03, 2015
People
Death of Bill Bennett
Former British Columbia premier Bill Bennett died in his hometown of Kelowna, BC. He succeeded his father, W.A.C. Bennett, as Social Credit party leader and then premier, an office he held from 1975 to 1986. Known for his strong commitment to public service and his fiscally conservative policies, Bill Bennett has been credited with spearheading development that modernized the province. Some of his notable projects include the Lower Mainland's SkyTrain, the Coquihalla Highway and Expo 86.
-
December 30, 2015
Provincial Politics
Death of Howard Pawley
Howard Pawley, the Ontario-born lawyer who served as NDP premier of Manitoba from 1981 to 1988, died in Windsor, Ontario, at age 81.
-
January 05, 2016
Provincial Politics
Death of Jean-Paul L'Allier
Jean-Paul L'Allier, who served as a Québec's minister of Communications during the October Crisis and later as mayor of Québec City from 1989 to 2005, died in Québec City at age 77.
-
March 22, 2016
People
Death of Rob Ford
Rob Ford, the municipal politician who became an international celebrity during his scandal-plagued term as the mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014, died after a battle with cancer. A staunch conservative, Ford campaigned against tax hikes and fought to cut spending at City Hall, famously running for office under the slogan "stop the gravy train."
-
April 04, 2016
Provincial Politics
Saskatchewan Party Re-elected
The Saskatchewan Party won a third majority in the 2016 provincial election, giving Brad Wall a third consecutive term as premier. The election was a harsh defeat for Saskatchewan’s NDP Opposition, whose leader, Cam Broten, lost his own seat.
-
April 10, 2016
People
NDP Votes to Oust Tom Mulcair as Leader
In the wake of the NDP's devastating performance in the 2015 federal election, Thomas Mulcair lost the position of party leader when 52 per cent of delegates at the party's convention in Edmonton voted against his leadership. Mulcair decided to remain in his post until a new leader was chosen.
-
April 19, 2016
Provincial Politics
Progressive Conservatives Win Manitoba Election
Manitobans elected Progressive Conservative leader Brian Pallister to a majority government, ending nearly 17 years of NDP rule
-
May 10, 2016
People
Canada Supports UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights
Indigenous Affairs minister Carolyn Bennett announced Canada’s full support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Conservative government under Stephen Harper had endorsed the declaration in 2010, but with qualifications that gave Canada “objector” status at the UN with respect to the document. Bennett's announcement removed this status. The declaration recognizes a wide range of Indigenous rights, from basic human rights to land, language and self-determination rights.
-
May 28, 2016
People
Conservative Party Ends Opposition to Gay Marriage
At the federal Conservative Party convention in Vancouver, members voted to end the party’s opposition to same-sex marriage by deleting the definition of marriage from its official policy. Many Conservatives spoke out in support of the values of equality and respect embodied in this decision. Same-sex marriage has been legal across Canada since the Civil Marriage Act was passed in 2005.
-
May 30, 2016
Provincial Politics
Premier Wynne Issues Residential Schools Apology
In response to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne formally apologizes on behalf of the provincial government for the abuses committed against Indigenous peoples in the residential school system, as well as for the oppressive policies and practices supported by past Ontario governments. The province announces a $250-million, three-year investment in several initiatives aimed at reconciliation.
-
June 14, 2016
People Provincial Politics
Death of Gilles Lamontagne
Former Québec City mayor and federal Member of Parliament Gilles Lamontagne died in Montréal at age 97. Lamontagne served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and survived two years as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down over the Netherlands. In addition to his tenure as mayor of Québec City from 1965 to 1977, his distinguished political career included positions as defence minister in Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal government and as lieutenant-governor of Québec. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1990.
-
August 03, 2016
People
Death of Mel Hurtig
Publisher and nationalist Mel Hurtig, who first published The Canadian Encyclopedia (1985 and 1988), died in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Edmonton native also co-founded the Council of Canadians and wrote a number of books on Canadian society and politics.
-
November 08, 2016
International politics
Donald Trump Wins US Presidential Election
Republican Party candidate Donald Trump won the United States presidential election, beating Democrat Hillary Clinton in a historic upset. Clinton, vying to be the first woman president, was favoured to win over the controversial billionaire businessman Trump, who divided Republicans throughout his campaign. On election night, as results increasingly pointed to a victory for Trump, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website crashed due to an overwhelming surge in traffic. (See also: Citizenship; Immigration; Canada and the United States.)
-
January 01, 2017
People
Death of Yvon Dupuis
Yvon Dupuis, a Québec provincial Liberal MNA and federal MP, died at the age of 90 (see Liberal Party and Québec Liberal Party)
-
January 10, 2017
People
Karina Gould Becomes Youngest Female Cabinet Minister
Karina Gould, the member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, was named minister of Democratic Institutions in the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and tasked with overseeing the electoral reform file. At age 29, she became the youngest woman ever to serve as a federal Cabinet minister. Gould’s election to Parliament in 2015 marked the end of a nine-year Conservative hold on the riding of Burlington. (See also Women in Politics.)
-
February 09, 2017
People
Death of Donald Brothers
Lawyer Donald Leslie Brothers, a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (1958–72) and Cabinet minister for the Social Credit Party, died at the age of 93.
-
February 22, 2017
People
Death of Gordon Currie
Gordon Currie, who served in the Canadian Navy during the Second World War and as a Progressive Conservative cabinet minister in Saskatchewan, died at the age of 93. A highly successful high school coach, he was a Member of the Order of Canada and inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
-
February 23, 2017
People
Death of Don Cousens
Progressive Conservative politician Don Cousens, a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (1981–93) and former mayor of Markham (1994–2006), died at the age of 78.
-
February 28, 2017
People
Death of James McGrath
Progressive Conservative politician James McGrath, a Member of Parliament (1957–63, 1968–86) and Cabinet minister and Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador (1986–91), died at the age of 85. (voir Lieutenant-Governors of Newfoundland and Labrador)
-
March 08, 2017
People
Death of Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Vancouver East (1979–93), died at the age of 92. She was one of the first politicians to bring Parliament’s attention to violence against women. (see Family violence)
-
March 21, 2017
People
Death of Bill Rompkey
Bill Rompkey, Liberal Member of Parliament (1972–95) and Senator (1995–2011) for Newfoundland and Labrador, died of cancer at the age of 80.
-
April 06, 2017
People
Death of Gordon Carton
Progressive Conservative politician Gordon Carton died at the age of 95. Carton was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (1963–75) and cabinet minister in the Bill Davis government.
-
April 14, 2017
People
Death of James Smith
James Smith, Commissionner of Yukon from 1966 to 1976, died at the age of 97. Smith was a joint founder of the Arctic Winter Games.
-
April 30, 2017
People
Death of Leone Bagnall
Progressive Conservative politician Leone Bagnall died at the age of 83. Bagnall was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island (1979–93) and the first woman cabinet minister of her provincial party.
-
May 02, 2017
People Provincial Politics
Death of Paul MacEwan
Paul MacEwan, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, died at the age of 74. He served in the Nova Scotian parliament for 33 years continuously (1970–2003).
-
May 02, 2017
People Provincial Politics
Death of Gerry Martiniuk
Progressive Conservative politician Gerry Martiniuk died at the age of 79. Martiniuk served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament of Ontario from 1995 to 2011. He was first elected when the Mike Harris government swept into power with its “Common Sense Revolution” campaign.
-
May 09, 2017
People
Death of Ron Atkey
Ron Atkey, Member of Parliament for the Progressive Conservative Party (1972–74) and Minister of Employment and Immigration (1979–80), died at the age of 75. He played an important role in the decision to allow 50,000 Vietnamese refugees to immigrate to Canada.
-
May 09, 2017
Provincial Politics
BC Elects First Minority Government Since 1952
The 2017 election in British Columbia resulted in the province’s first minority government since 1952. In the initial outcome, Premier Christy Clark’s Liberals held onto power with 43 seats, while the NDP won 41 and the Green Party, 3. Later that month, however, Green Party leader Andrew Weaver and NDP leader John Horgan jointly announced that the Greens would support the NDP on any confidence motion. Finally, on 29 June, the Liberals lost a confidence motion put forward by the NDP, and Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon asked the NDP to form a government under the leadership of Horgan.
-
May 20, 2017
People
Death of Roger Tassé
Roger Tassé, architect of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Officer of the Order of Canada, died at the age of 85.
-
May 24, 2017
People Provincial Politics
Death of Grace McCarthy
Trailblazing Social Credit politician Grace McCarthy died at the age of 89. McCarthy was a cabinet minister in British Columbia under Bill Bennett (1975–86) and Bill Vander Zalm (1986–88).
-
May 27, 2017
People
Andrew Scheer Elected Conservative Leader
Andrew Scheer, the 38-year-old MP for Regina-Qu’Appelle and former Speaker of the House of Commons, was voted the new leader of the Conservative Party, succeeding former prime minister Stephen Harper in the role.
-
June 07, 2017
People
Death of Charles-Eugène Marin
Charles-Eugène Marin, doctor and member of Parliament for the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney (1984–93), died at the age of 91.
-
June 08, 2017
People
Death of LeRoy Fjordbotten
LeRoy Fjordbotten, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and cabinet minister for the Progressive Conservative governments of Peter Lougheed, Don Getty and Ralph Klein (1979–93), died at the age of 78.
-
June 21, 2017
People
Trudeau Announces Renaming of Langevin Block
On National Aboriginal Day 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that, in the spirit of reconciliation, Parliament’s Langevin Block would be renamed Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council. Sir Hector-Louis Langevin (after whom the building was named) played an important role in Confederation but was also one of the original architects of the residential schools system, which was designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
-
June 29, 2017
Provincial Politics
BC Liberals Toppled by Vote of Non-Confidence
After the 2017 provincial election in British Columbia resulted in a minority government, the NDP put forward a confidence motion that, with the support of the Green Party, overthrew Christy Clark’s Liberals. Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon asked the NDP to form a government under the leadership of John Horgan.
-
July 13, 2017
People
Julie Payette Named Governor General Designate
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that astronaut Julie Payette would become Canada’s 29th governor general, succeeding David Johnston. She was sworn in in the fall of 2017.
-
August 04, 2017
Provincial Politics
Christy Clark Retires from Public Life
Weeks after her minority government was toppled by a vote of non-confidence, Christy Clark stepped down as leader of British Columbia’s Liberal Party and as an MLA. Having spent six years as premier and more than two decades in politics, she stated that she was “done with public life.”
-
August 28, 2017
People
Federal Government Pledges to Scrap Indian Act
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the division of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) into two departments, naming Jane Philpott minister of Indigenous Services and Carolyn Bennett minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. Bennett was given the long-term task of ending the Indian Act and transferring certain government powers back to Indigenous peoples. The recommendation to replace INAC with two departments was originally made in the 1996 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
-
September 12, 2017
People
Death of Allan MacEachern
Former Liberal Cabinet minister Allan MacEachern, of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, died in Antigonish at age 96. An influential parliamentarian who played a key role in passing health-care and labour legislation that helped shape modern Canadian society, MacEachern is also remembered for his contributions to Atlantic Canada and his devotion to his constituents in Inverness. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008.
-
September 14, 2017
People
Death of Arnold Chan
Arnold Chan, Liberal member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Scarborough-Agincourt, died at age 50 after a battle with cancer. He was remembered by colleagues in Parliament and at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, where he previously served as an aide, as an exemplary politician who deeply valued democracy and civic engagement. In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote, “he distinguished himself as a thoughtful, kind and — above all — tireless advocate for Canadians.”
-
October 01, 2017
People
Jagmeet Singh Wins Federal NDP Leadership
The New Democrats elected Jagmeet Singh to replace Tom Mulcair and lead the party into the 2019 federal election. A member of provincial parliament with a seat in Brampton, the 38-year-old Sikh criminal lawyer served as deputy leader of the Ontario NDP before stepping down to run for the federal leadership. Singh is the first member of a visible minority to lead a federal political party in Canada.
-
October 02, 2017
People
Julie Payette Becomes Governor General
Astronaut Julie Payette was installed as Canada’s 29th governor general, succeeding David Johnston.
-
October 18, 2017
Provincial Politics
Bill 62 adopted in Quebec
Bill 62 (or An Act to foster adherence to State religious neutrality and, in particular, to provide a framework for requests for accommodations on religious grounds in certain bodies) was adopted in Quebec at l'Assemblée Nationale on 18 October 2017. The Bill concerns religious neutrality in the public sphere and is controversial. Following its adoption, which made headlines across the country, protests ensued in Quebec.
-
November 05, 2017
International politics
Paradise Papers leaked
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) released the “Paradise Papers,” millions of confidential records that revealed the names of individuals, trusts, foundations and companies that placed money in offshore tax havens. More than 3,000 Canadians were implicated in the documents.
-
November 05, 2017
People
Valérie Plante, 1st woman mayor of Montreal
Voters elected community organizer and city councillor Valérie Plante as Montréal’s first woman mayor.
-
December 04, 2017
People
Mary Coyle and Mary Jane McCallum appointed as independent senators
Mary Coyle and Mary Jane McCallum were appointed as independent senators on 4 December 2017 by the Governor General Julie Payette on recommendation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Mary Coyle is from Nova Scotia and focused her career on post-secondary education and the non-profit sector. Dr. Mary Jane McCallum is a Cree woman from Manitoba who dedicated her career for social justice for First Nations communities across Manitoba, namely by providing dental care.
-
December 20, 2017
International politics
Canada files trade complaint against the USA with WTO
Canada filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the
United States for its use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. According to Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, the complaint targetted the trade of softwood lumber in an attempt to defend Canada’s forestry jobs. Canada sends 75 per cent of its total exports to the United States. -
February 15, 2018
Provincial Politics
Candidates chosen for the Ontario PC leadership race
Christine Elliott, Tanya Granic Allen, Caroline Mulroney and Doug Ford entered a snap election for leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. The race was triggered after party leader Patrick Brown was forced to step down following accusations of sexual assault.
-
June 07, 2018
Provincial Politics
PC Party wins majority government in Ontario
PC Party leader Doug Ford won a majority government in Ontario’s 2018 general election. The premier-designate was voted into Queen’s Park with 76 seats and nearly 41 per cent of the popular vote. This victory ended nearly 15 years of Liberal government, first under Dalton McGuinty from 2003 to 2013, and then under Kathleen Wynne from 2013 to 2018. A total of 58 per cent of the electorate exercised its right to vote, compared to 51 per cent in the previous election. The NDP gained official opposition status under Andrea Horwath with 40 candidates elected. The Liberals won only 7 seats at Queen’s Park, falling short of the 8 required for official party status. Kathleen Wynne resigned as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. The Green Party succeeded in getting its first Ontario MPP elected — its leader Mike Schreiner in the riding of Guelph.
-
January 14, 2019
Politics and Government
Trudeau Shuffles Cabinet
In anticipation of the federal election in the fall, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his Cabinet, moving Jody Wilson-Raybould from justice to veterans affairs, and naming Jane Philpott President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government. Trudeau called Philpott a “natural choice” for her new role and attempted to dispel the notion that Wilson-Raybould’s move was a demotion, saying, “She is extraordinarily capable of delivering on this file that is one of the core delivery mandates that the federal government has.”
-
January 15, 2019
International politics
Teen Granted Asylum in Canada After Fleeing Saudi Arabia
Eighteen-year-old Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, who fled from her family while on vacation and live-tweeted her plight from a barricaded hotel room in Thailand, was granted asylum in Canada and flown to Toronto. Alqunun alleged that she had been abused by her family and feared she would have been killed if returned to Saudi Arabia.
-
January 25, 2019
International politics
John McCallum Fired from Post as Canada’s Ambassador to China
After repeatedly stating that it would be “great for Canada” if the United States ceased its attempts to extradite Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, John McCallum was asked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign from his position as Canada’s Ambassador to China.
-
January 29, 2019
Politics and Government
Ottawa Pledges $114.7 Million for Asylum-Seeker Housing
The federal government earmarked $114.7 million to compensate provinces and cities for the costs of temporary housing for asylum seekers. The amount was in addition to $50 million that was promised to Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec in the summer of 2018. However, the financial commitment fell short of the $200 million and $300 million that Ontario and Quebec, respectively, estimated to have spent.
-
January 30, 2019
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
BC’s Minority NDP Government Wins Crucial Byelection
The provincial NDP maintained its fragile hold on power in BC when Sheila Malcolmson won a critical byelection in Nanaimo, beating BC Liberal candidate Tony Harris by ten points. The victory allowed the NDP-Green Party coalition to maintain control of 44 seats in the legislature, compared to 42 for the opposition BC Liberals.
-
February 10, 2019
People
Former Finance Minister and Diplomat Michael Wilson Dies at Age 81
A former Progressive Conservative MP for Etobicoke Centre, Wilson served in Parliament for more than ten years. He was finance minister and minister of international trade under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Wilson was Canada’s ambassador to the United States from 2006 to 2009 and served as chancellor of the University of Toronto from 2012 to 2018.
-
February 12, 2019
Provincial Politics
BC Legislature Resumes After Spending Scandal
Speaker Daryl Plekas delivered the throne speech that reopened the BC Legislature following a spending scandal that rocked all three parties. After declaring in November 2018 that he had “established processes in the legislative assembly that are essentially bulletproof,” Legislative Clerk Craig James, along with sergeant-at-arms Gary Lens, were found to have approved thousands of dollars of inapporpriate spending on items ranging from liquor to a wood-chipper. James and Lens were suspended amid a police investigation and an impeding report by Plekas.
-
February 12, 2019
People Politics and Government
Jody Wilson-Raybould Resigns from Cabinet Amid SNC-Lavalin Scandal
Jody Wilson-Raybould, who had been Justice Minister until a Cabinetshuffle on 14 January, resigned from Cabinet days after news broke that the Prime Minister’s Office allegedly pressured her to help Quebec constructionfirm SNC-Lavalin avoid facing criminal prosecution. In the wake of the news, Justin Trudeau’s principal secretary Gerald Butts resigned on 18 February and a federal hearing on the issue was held beginning on 20 February. In her testimony to the hearing on 27 February, Wilson-Raybould claimed that almost a dozen senior government officials made a “sustained effort” to convince her to drop charges against SNC-Lavalin. Trudeau disagreed with her recollection of events and claimed that he and his staff “always acted appropriately and professionally” on the matter.
-
February 12, 2019
Politics and Government
Ontario and Saskatchewan in Court Over Carbon Tax
The province of Saskatchewan argued to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals that the federal governmentshould not be able to impose a carbon tax on unwilling provinces, which also include Ontarioand New Brunswick. Representatives for the federal government argued that it is a “regulatory charge,” not a tax, and that carbon emissions fall within federal jurisdiction because they are a matter of “national concern.”
-
February 25, 2019
People Politics and Government
Jagmeet Singh Wins Burnaby South Byelection
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh secured a seat in the House of Commons by winning a byelection in Burnaby South with 39 per cent of the vote, besting Liberal candidate Richard T. Lee’s (26 per cent) and Conservative candidate Jay Shin (22 per cent). Singh had accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of delaying the hotly contested election, which Singh needed to win in order to lead his party from within Parliament.
-
December 12, 2019
Politics and Government
Andrew Scheer Resigns as CPC Leader
Following weeks of speculation and pressure from inside and outside his party, Andrew Scheer announced that he would be stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Scheer had been criticized for failing to win the federal election on 21 October 2019 against a Liberal Party that was weakened by scandals, such as the SNC-Lavalin affair and revelations involving Justin Trudeau’s use of blackface. Scheer said he would continue to serve as the party’s leader until a convention is held to elect his successor.
-
January 08, 2020
International politics
55 Canadians Among 176 Dead in Plane Shot Down by Iran
Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752 was shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran; 138 of the 176 people onboard had ties to Canada, including 55 Canadian citizens. (See also Iranian Canadians.) The Iranian military was in the midst of a missile attack on US bases in Iraq, in retaliation for a US missile strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
-
January 10, 2020
People Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Death of Newfoundland Politician John Crosbie
John Crosbie died in St. John’s at the age of 88. Crosbie was a cabinet minister in Newfoundland and Labrador before becoming an MP in 1976. He served in the cabinets of prime ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney, and as the chancellor of Memorial University. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998 and served as lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2008 to 2013. A state funeral was held in St. John’s on 16 January.
-
January 13, 2020
Politics and Government
Ottawa Begins Public Consultations on MAID Law
In response to a Superior Court of Quebec ruling in September 2019 that it is unconstitutional to limit medical assistance in dying (MAID) to people facing a “reasonably foreseeable” natural death, the Trudeau government began a two-week consultation period to determine the new stipulations of the law. It had until 11 March 2020 to amend the legislation.
-
January 20, 2020
International politics
Meng Wanzhou Hearing Begins
The extradition hearing for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou began in Vancouver. She was arrested by the RCMP in December 2018 at the request of US officials, on the grounds that she had violated US sanctions against Iran. In retaliation, the Chinese government detained two Canadian citizens — Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor — in China.
-
May 14, 2021
People Politics and Government
Ethics Commissioner Finds Bill Morneau Broke Law in WE Charity Scandal
Following two separate investigations, federal ethics commissioner Mario Dion ruled that former finance minister Bill Morneau violated the Conflict of Interest Act “on several occasions” by not recusing himself from a Cabinet decision in 2020 to pay Craig Kielburger’s WE Charity $43.5 million to administer a $912 million summer program for students. Morneau had resigned in summer 2020 after it came to light that he had family connections to the charity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, was cleared of wrongdoing by Dion.
-
May 27, 2021
Politics and Government
Justin Trudeau Apologizes for Internment of Italian Canadians
In a speech in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for the federal government’s internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War. Around 600 Italian Canadians suspected of sympathizing with fascism were placed in internment camps during the war, while 31,000 Italian Canadians were registered as enemy aliens and were forced to report to officials once a month.
-
June 04, 2021
People
Birth of Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their second child, a daughter, in Santa Barbara, California. Markle and Harry named her Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, in honour of both Queen Elizabeth II — whose nickname is Lilibet — and Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
-
July 26, 2021
People Politics and Government
Mary Simon Becomes First Indigenous Person To Be Governor General
Inuk leader Mary Simon was formally installed as Canada’s 30th Governor General, making her the first Indigenous person to hold Canada’s viceregal position.
-
August 11, 2021
International politics
Michael Spavor Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison in China
Michael Spavor, who had been detained in China on espionage charges since December 2018 following Canada’s detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Chinese court. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement calling the verdict “absolutely unacceptable and unjust… For Mr. Spavor, as well as for Michael Kovrig who has also been arbitrarily detained, our top priority remains securing their immediate release. We will continue working around the clock to bring them home as soon as possible.”
-
August 17, 2021
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Progressive Conservatives Score Upset Victory in Nova Scotia Election
Tim Houston led the Progressive Conservatives to an upset victory over the governing Liberals. The PCs took 38.44 per cent of the popular vote and increased their seat total in the 55-seat legislature from 17 to 31. The party took advantage of early campaign stumbles by the Liberals while tacking hard to the left, promising $553 million in health care spending. It was the sixth provincial or territorial election in Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first in which the incumbent party lost.
-
September 24, 2021
International politics
The “Two Michaels” Are Released from China
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadians who were detained in China on espionage charges on 10 December 2018 in retaliation for the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver earlier that month, were released by Chinese authorities. They returned to Canada on 25 September. Their release came one day after a court in BC dropped the case seeking to extradite Meng to the US over wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The two Michaels had spent more than 1,020 days imprisoned in China.
-
September 27, 2021
People Politics and Government
Annamie Paul Resigns as Green Party Leader
After becoming the first Black Canadian and the first Jewish woman to lead a major federal political party in Canada when she was elected Green Party leader in October 2020, Annamie Paul lost a by-election for Toronto Centre later that month. She began to lose support within her party in summer 2021 over her muted position on the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Severe infighting within the party led to an attempt to remove Paul as leader and revoke her party membership. Paul persevered, but in the election on 20 September she lost her third bid for the Toronto Centre seat. The Green Party’s share of the national popular vote fell from 6.5 per cent in the 2019 election to only 2.3 per cent. Paul resigned as Green Party leader and called her time in the role “the worst period” in her life.
-
October 03, 2021
International politics Politics and Government
Pandora Papers Reveal Canada Is “A Hub” of Global Tax Avoidance Scheme, Watchdog Says
Following the release of the Panama Papers and the Paradise Papers, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists released its findings on the Pandora Papers, a collection of 12 million documents from 14 offshore financial institutions. James Cohen of Transparency International said the papers show that "Canada is a hub" of illicit financial flows and offshore called for the creation of a public registry for corporate beneficial ownership. The governing Liberal Party had announced in its 2021 federal budget that such a registry would be created by 2025.
-
October 18, 2021
Politics and Government Provincial Politics
Calgary and Edmonton Elect First Female Mayor and First Racialized Mayor, Respectively
After campaigning on a platform to increase Calgary’s public transportation and property tax revenue, former city councillor Jyoti Gondek won a landslide victory with 45 per cent of the vote to become Calgary’s first female mayor. Meanwhile, former Edmonton city councillor and federal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi also took 45 per cent of the vote in Edmonton’s municipal elections to become the first racialized person to be elected mayor in the city’s history.
-
September 08, 2022
Politics and Government
Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland with the Royal Family by her side. They had gathered there earlier that day after doctors had expressed concern for her health and put her under medical supervision. Having occupied the throne for 70 years and 214 days, Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the second-longest reigning monarch in recorded history. She was Queen of Canada for almost half of the country’s existence. Upon her death, Charles automatically ascended to the role of king. He became the 62nd British monarch and, at age 73, the oldest ever to assume the throne.