canada discussion

[Antilogic]

As i see it, a civilisation should only be added if it has a "golden age", that meaning an era when it affected the world monumentally, and to such an extent it is near impossible to imagine the world without it, or its "golden age".

E.g, a world in which England had never emerged would have been amazingly different, America, Canada, S.Africa, Australia, New Zealand wouldn't be speaking English, (probably french instead).

There is no such "golden age" for Canada, for the same reason i oppose the native Americans being added as a civilisation, especially since the word "civilised" comes from the latin meaning city dweller, and as the Native Americans had no cities i cannot undeerstand their entry.

Anyway, i think only civs of VITAL world improtance and history should be added, personally i would like Canada, Australia and New Zealand to be added, but they just weren't history altering.

Okay, I see this, but your use of "native Americans" as non-city dwellers is quite inaccurate. First, the Aztecs and Inca were both quite "civilized", building, gasp!, cities, and living in them. The Mayans as well built large temples and monuments--they are still around in Central America, you can visit them sometime. Not to mention they too seemingly mastered the arts of the aqueduct (at least according to Engineering an Empire they did).

Even the Cherokee and Iroquois settled down eventually, building towns and such--the Cherokee even had newspapers and European-style buildings. The Plains Indians, for the most part, did not. However, you should not simply pass that kind of judgment against all native Americans because the Plains Indians do not represent the sum of the native American population.


On the Canada vs. United States deal...I'm a little more lukewarm. I'd say the developments of electricity, computers, and flight within the United States was definitely a leg up for the 20th century, and gives the US some right to be in the game. Also, look at how long Canada was independent from Britain: 1867, they had significant autonomy, although they were still a part of Britain. US has 1776, although the modern US government was ratified in 1789. Of course, you can immediately cite the German Unification of 1871 as the latest full Civ to be added, but let's face it: Germany for the most part refers to Prussia here (both leaders are Prussians), which has existed for centuries.

Well, US people made the game, so the US is in. Write a petition like the Polish one and see if they listen.

 

[CIVPhilzilla]

There are other actual civilizations that deserve it rather than a marginally important modern nation.

 

[Sisiutil]

That post/rant was a little perplexing. So how does it convince people that Canada should be in the game?

You mean we're off-topic? That's shocking! You'd think this was an internet message board or something...

 

[T.A JONES]

The great thing bout this game is if someone felt passionately enough bout thier country being added to the roster then they can set out to make it a reality for themselves and all those who are longin for the same.

From flag to flagships,to humble beginings like Canada's native 'Brave' warriors to WW1 and 2's brave soldiers and their host of great weapons(even if they were borrowed from friends) Even the national embarrassments , they all show the number of ways a country can be defined is incredable and that its up to the artist to make a country worthy of admitting.

So I don't worry if its right or wrong that a civ is placed among other classic candidates. Its all on how good a show they provide in game. After all the theme in essence is one of rewritten history.

 

[T.A JONES]

bah doubled down. please ignore

 

[covok48]

You mean we're off-topic? That's shocking! You'd think this was an internet message board or something...

Ooooh boy guess what?! You're in luck! We have an off-topic board just full of shocking revelations such as these!


Either way, I like Canada and hope someone had already modded them in. Unfortunately there's simply not that much evidence to support their inclusion in civ, ice hockey and Brain Adams notwithstanding.

 

[Canuk99]

I find it.. Ignorant? That many posts above have spoken of Canada as an "Insignificant" country.

Here I was with the impression that it was the second largest country in the world. -The- most valuable country in the world in terms of natural resources. That it was a membet of both NATO and NAFTA. That it had one of the top education systems in the world. That it introduced peace-keeping. That it invented hockey, basketball, the telephone, the TV. Lead the way for the super-sonic yet. That it is one of the g-7 countries. That it has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. One of the few that has medical covered by its government. That it is a leader in state of the art technology; From technological wounders such as the space arm and advanced graphics(See: 300 movie), to medical break throughs ahead of any other country. Canada invted refinning. Has more accessable clean water than any other nation. Canda has the worlds longest street, the worlds tallest self supported structure, the worlds longest bridge. A -falling- crime rate. Higher ranked scholars than most countries (See: Microsoft employees).
Canadians invented the baseball glove. Discovered and mass produced insulin. INVITED THE KICHEN STOVE. Had headlined womans rights. Canada has had a woman 2nd in command at the UN. Canada has the longest inclined tower in the world. Canada has a trade surplus. Canada has world reknown music and art. Canadian citizens have the longest life expentancy out of any country in the world. Over-all has the best "quality of life" rating compaired to any other country in the world. Canadian doctors where the first to map the human brain. Canada has never owned slaves. Canada is among the most popular tourist destination in the wrold. Canada recieves twice as many immigrants per capita than the US. Canada is pat of the UN security council. Canada leads all economic powers in economic growth. It has the worlds -best- infastructure. Very low inflation. Falling unemployment rates. Unsurpassed social programs. Soaring stocks. Canada generally takes more metals per cpaita than any other country at the Olympics. Oh.. Did I mention that the US's world famous nuclear bombs.. Came from Canada? Or at least all of the important resources required to build them.

The Canadian military played a ~huge~ part in WW1 and WW2. Possibly effecting the outcome of the wars directly. The strongest military in the world right now (The US Army) was trained directly by the Canadian Armed Forces. And though the US has unriviled military strength (Numbers wise) Canada still remains among the best trained military in the world. With advances from the simple soldier to aerospace fields. It is a fact that Canadian soldiers are often used by the US army because their own personal lack training on the same level. [Oh did I mention that Canada has -the best- snipers in the world? For recent news on Canadian snipers (See: Afganistan)]

Oh hey.. And I thought i'd add a breif, breif summery of the country the land that is currently called "Canada". Perhaps anyone that still believes Canada is 'insignificant' (Yes.. Canada.. That country that if it where to be 'removed' from that face of the earth, the world market would crash. The Us econ would instantly bottom out, and they would be left starving. Litterly. Yep.. That one.. Canada) perhaps they could give the short timeline a quick read:

 

[Canuk99]

9000 B.C.
Native peoples are living along the Eramosa River near what is now Guelph, Ontario.

5200 B.C.
The Sto:lo people are living alongside the Fraser River near what is now Mission, B.C. (Some say they may have been as early as 9000 B.C.)

5000 B.C.
Native peoples have spread into what is now Northern Ontario and Southeastern Québec.

2000 B.C.
Inuit peoples begin to move into what is now the Northwest Territories.

500 B.C.
Northwest Coast native peoples begin to flourish.

1000
Leif (the Lucky) Ericsson visits Labrador and L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland.

1497
During a voyage underwritten by Bristol merchants, John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) claims Cape Breton Island or Newfoundland or Labrador for Henry VII of England (June 24).

1498
Cabot makes a second voyage to North America.

1534
Jacques Cartier visits the Strait of Belle Isle (Newfoundland), and charts the Gulf of St. Lawrence (landing in Gaspé, July 14). He takes two native Indians with him back to France.

1535
Cartier sails up the St. Lawrence River to Stadacona (Québec) and Hochelaga (Montréal).

1541
At the mouth of the Cap Rouge River, Cartier founds Charlesbourg-Royal, the first French settlement in America.

1542
Charlesbourg-Royal is abandoned. Cartier meets the sieur de Roberval, who was officially part of the same expedition, in Newfoundland.

1576
Martin Frobisher of England makes the first of three attempts to find a Northwest Passage, sailing as far as Hudson Strait. What he thought was gold discovered on his journey was later proven worthless.

1600
King Henry IV of France grants a fur-trading monopoly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to a group of French merchants.

1605
Samuel de Champlain and the sieur de Poutrincourt found Port Royal (Annapolis, N.S.).

1608
Champlain founds Québec (July 3), creating in effect the first permanent European settlement.

1609
Champlain supports the Algonquins against the Iroquois at Lake Champlain.

1610
Etienne Brûlé goes to live among the Huron and eventually becomes the first European to see Lakes Ontario, Huron and Superior. Henry Hudson explores Hudson Bay in spite of a mutinous crew.

1617
Louis Hébert, an apothecary who had stayed at Port Royal twice, brings his wife and children to Québec, thus becoming the first true habitant (permanent settler supporting his family from the soil).

1625
Jesuits begin missionary work among the Indians in the Québec area. Jean de Brébeuf founds missions in Huronia, near Georgian Bay.

1627
The Company of One Hundred Associates (a.k.a. the Company of New France) is given a fur monopoly and title to all lands claimed by New France (April 29). In exchange, they are to establish a French colony of 4000 by 1643, which they fail to do.

1629
The adventurer David Kirke takes Québec for Britain (July 19).

1632
The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye returns Québec to France.

1633
Kirke is knighted.

1634-40
The Huron nation is reduced by half from European diseases (smallpox epidemic, 1639).

1637
Kirke is named first governor of Newfoundland.

1642
The sieur de Maisonneuve founds Montréal (May 18).

1648-49
The Iroquois disperse the Huron nation.

1649
The Jesuit father Jean de Brébeuf is martyred during Iroquois raids on the Hurons at St-Ignace (March 16).

1659
François de Laval arrives in Québec as vicar general of the pope (June).

1660
Adam Dollard des Ormeaux and about sixty others withstand an attack by over 500 Iroquois at Long Sault (May). It is traditionally said that the small party fights so well that the Iroquois decide not to attack Montréal.

1663
Québec becomes a royal province. Laval organizes the Séminaire du Québec, a college of theology which eventually becomes Université Laval (1852).

1664
Hans Bernhardt is the first recorded German immigrant.

1665
Jean Talon becomes Québec's first intendant (administrative officer overseeing agriculture, education, justice, trade, and the like). The Carignan-Salières regiment is sent from France to Québec to deal with the Iroquois.

1666
The Carignan-Salières regiment destroys five Mohawk villages, eventually leading to peace between the Iroquois and the French.

1667
The result of Canada's first census is 3215 non-native inhabitants.

1668
The Carignan-Salières regiment is recalled to France, but several hundred choose to remain behind, many in return for local seigneuries.

1670
The Hudson's Bay Company is founded by royal charter and, underwritten by a group of English merchants, is granted trade rights over Rupert's Land -- i.e., all territory draining into Hudson Bay (May 2).

1672
Comte de Frontenac becomes governor general of New France, later quarrelling frequently with the intendant and the bishop.

1673
Frontenac sends Marquette and Jolliet to explore the Missippi.

1674
Laval becomes the first bishop of Québec.

1686
De Troyes and D'Iberville capture three English posts on James Bay (June-July).

1689
The Iroquois kill many French settlers at Lachine.

1690
Sent by Massachusetts, Sir William Phips captures Port Royal (May 11). Frontenac repels Phips' attack on Québec (October). These events are part of what is sometimes called King William's War.

1697
The Treaty of Ryswick assures that all captured territories in the struggle between England and France are returned.

1702
Having begun in Europe in 1701, The War of the Spanish Succession spreads to North America (Queen Anne's War) in Acadia and New England.

1710
Francis Nicholson captures Port Royal for England.

1713
The Treaty of Utrecht ends Queen Anne's War, confirming British possession of Hudson Bay, Newfoundland and Acadia (except l'Ile- Royale [Cape Breton Island]). France starts building Fort Louisbourg near the eastern tip of l'Ile-Royale.

1730s
The Mississauga drive the Seneca Iroquois south of Lake Erie.

1731-43
The La Vérendrye family organize expeditions beyond Lake Winnipeg and direct fur trade toward the east.

1740s
The Mandan Indians west of the Great Lakes begin to trade in horses descended from those brought to Texas by the Spanish. Itinerant Assiniboine Indians bring them from Mandan settlements to their own territories southwest of Lake Winnipeg.

1744
Having begun in Europe in 1770, The War of the Austrian Succession spreads to North America (King George's War).

1745
Massachusetts Governor William Shirley takes the French fortress of Louisbourg.

1748
Louisbourg and l'Ile-Royale are returned to France by the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle.

1749
Britain founds Halifax to counter the French presence at Louisbourg.

c. 1750
The Ojibwa begin to emerge as a distinct tribal amalgamation of smaller independent bands. German immigrants begin to arrive in numbers at Halifax.

1752
Canada's first newspaper, the weekly Halifax Gazette, appears (March 23).

1754
Beginning of the French and Indian War in America, though not officially declared for another two years.

1755
Britain scatters the Nova Scotia Acadians throughout other North American colonies. The first post office opens in Halifax.

1756
The Marquis de Montcalm assumes a troubled command of French troops in North America. (The Seven Year's War between Britain and France begins in Europe).

1758
Generals Jeffrey Amherst and James Wolfe take Louisbourg.

1759
Wolfe takes Québec by defeating Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham (Sept. 13), but both generals are killed.

1760
The British Conquest. General James Murray is appointed first British military governor of Québec.

1763
France cedes its North American possessions to Britain by the Treaty of Paris. A royal proclamation imposes British institutions on Québec (Oct.). Western Cree and Assiniboine traders who had benefited from agreements with the French begin to lose profits to the British.

1764
Murray becomes civil governor of Québec, but his attempts to appease French Canadians are disliked by British merchants.

1768
Guy Carleton succeeds Murray as governor of Québec.

1772
The Hudson's Bay Company opens Cumberland House on the Saskatchewan.

1774
Carleton's recommendations are instituted in the Québec Act, which introduces British criminal law but retains French civil law and guarantees religious freedom for Roman Catholics. The Act's geographical claims were so great that it helped precipitate the American Revolution.

1775
The American Revolution begins. Americans under Richard Montgomery capture Montréal (Nov. 13) and attack Québec (Dec. 31), where Montgomery is killed.

1776
Under Carleton, Québec withstands an American siege until the appearance of a British fleet (May 6). Carleton is later knighted.

1778
On the last of three voyages to the west coast, Captain James Cook travels as far north as the Bering Strait and claims Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island for the British (Mar. 29-Apr.26).

1783
In Montréal and Grand Portage (in present-day Minnesota), the North West Company is formed by a group of trading partners. The American revolutionary war ends. The border between Canada and the U.S. is accepted from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake of the Woods. In the area around the mouth of the Saint John River in Nova Scotia, thousands of United Empire Loyalists arrive to settle, with some heading on to Quebec. Loyalists are identified as those American colonists of British, Dutch, Irish, Scottish and other origins, and others who had remained loyal to their King during the American Revolution and were behind British lines by 1783. (Those who arrive after 1783 are called Late Loyalists.) Pennsylvania Germans begin moving into modern-day southwestern Ontario, then southwestern Québec. [Corrections here and below on the Loyalists were submitted by Bill Daverne, March 1999].

1784
With the Loyalists swelling the northern Nova Scotia population, Nova Scotia is partitioned and the the province of New Brunswick is created. Thousands of Loyalists land in modern-day Ontario -- then part of Québec -- along the St. Lawrence River, the Bay of Quinte and at Niagara, establishing permanent settlements and the multicultural roots of modern-day Ontario.

1785
The city of Saint John, N.B. is incorporated. Fredericton opens a Provincial Academy of Arts and Sciences, the germ of the University of New Brunswick (1859).

1789
At the behest of the North West Company, Alexander Mackenzie journeys to the Beaufort Sea, following what would later be named the Mackenzie River.

1791
With western Québec filling with English-speaking Loyalists, the Constitutional Act of 1791 divides Québec into Upper and Lower Canada (modern-day Ontario and Quebec).

1792
George Vancouver begins exploration of the Pacific coast.

1793
Mackenzie reaches the Pacific at Dean Channel.

1794
An American diplomat, John Jay, oversees the signing of Jay's Treaty (Nov. 19) between the U.S. and Britain. It promises British evacuation of the Ohio Valley forts and marks the beginning of international arbitration to settle boundary disputes.

1796
York becomes the capital of Upper Canada.

1797
Having worked for the Hudson's Bay Company since 1784, David Thompson joins the North West Company as a surveyor and mapmaker, eventually surveying hundreds of thousands of square miles of western North America.

1798
A new fur-trading company is formed to compete with the North West Company. Confusingly called the New North West Company, it is nicknamed the XY Company from the way it differentiates its bales from those of its competitor.

1802
Mackenzie is knighted and becomes a member of the XY Company.

1803
The XY Company is reorganized under Mackenzie's name.

1804
The XY Company is absorbed by the North West Company. The earliest Fraktur paintings appear in Lincoln county, Ontario.

1806
Le canadien, a Québec nationalist newspaper, is founded.

1807
Slavery is abolished in British colonies.

1812
The U.S. declares war on Britain (June 18), beginning the War of 1812. Americans under General William Hull invade Canada from Detroit (July 11). Canadians are victorious at the Battle of Queenston Heights (Oct. 13). The Red River settlement is begun in Canada's northwest (Aug.-Oct.) on lands granted to Lord Selkirk by the Hudson's Bay Company.

1813
Americans burn York (Apr. 27). The Battles of Stoney Creek (June 5) and Beaver Dam (June 23) are Canadian victories, the latter in part due to Laura Secord's famous 32 km. walk to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, who had already been warned by Indians. The Battles of Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie (Sept. 10) and Moraviantown (Oct. 5) are both American victories. At the latter, which is also known as the Battle of the Thames, British supporter and Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh is killed. The Battles of Chateauguay (Oct. 25) -- with mostly French-Canadian soldiers -- and Crysler's Farm (Nov. 11) -- with English-Canadian soldiers -- are Canadian both victories over larger American troops.

1814
Victories alternate between U.S. and British forces until the Treaty of Ghent ends the war (Dec. 24).

1816
After several years of harassment by agents of the North West Company, Métis and Indians under Cuthbert Grant kill Robert Semple, governor of the Red River settlement, and twenty others at Seven Oaks (June 19).

1817
The Rush-Bagot agreement limits the number of battleships on the Great Lakes to a total of eight.

1818
Canada's border is defined as the 49th Parallel from Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.

1821
The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company amalgamate, creating unemployment for a substantial proportion of their Métis workforce.

1821-4
The Lachine Canal is completed.

1822
Louis-Joseph Papineau, a member of the legislative assembly since 1814, travels from Montréal to England to oppose an Act of Union identifying the French Canadians as a minority without language rights. The act is not passed in the British Parliament.

1824-9
The first Welland Canal is completed, partly in response to American initiatives in the Erie Canal.

1826-32
Royal engineer Col. John By builds the Rideau Canal.

1834
York is renamed Toronto.

1834-35
William Lyon Mackenzie becomes the first mayor of Toronto.

1835
Joseph Howe, a Halifax printer and owner since 1828 of the weekly Novascotian, is arrested for libel but successfully argues his own case for freedom of the press. A local hero, he begins advocating the kind of responsible government that is only established in 1848.

1836
Opening of Canada's first railway line, from St. Johns, Québec, to La Prairie, Québec.

1837
Along with a general feeling that the government was not democratic, the failure of the executive committee to maintain the confidence of the elected officials leads to violent but unsuccessful rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada. The leaders, W.L. Mackenzie (Reformers) and Louis-Joseph Papineau (Patriotes), both escape to the U.S.

1838
As governor general and high commissioner of British North America, Lord Durham arrives to investigate the circumstances behind the Rebellion of 1837.

1839
Lord Durham's report recommends the establishment of responsible government and the union of Upper and Lower Canada to speed the assimilation of French-speaking Canadians. Territorial disputes between lumbermen from Maine and New Brunswick lead to armed conflict in the Aroostook River valley (the Aroostook War).

1841
An Act of Union unites Upper and Lower Canada (Feb. 10) as the Province of Canada.

c. 1842
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows breaks from the Manchester Unity, soon opening lodges in Montréal and Halifax.

1842
The Webster-Ashburton Treaty ends the Aroostook War, settling once and for all the Maine-New Brunswick border dispute (Aug.).

1843
Britain's claim to Vancouver Island is assured by Fort Victoria.

1844
Amnesty in Montréal provides for Papineau's return.

1848-51
The so-called Great Ministry of Robert Baldwin and Louis-H. Lafontaine outlines the principles of responsible government in the Canadas. The Maritimes are brought into the plan by Howe, then a reform-minded member of the House of Assembly.

1849
The boundary of the 49th Parallel is extended to the Pacific Ocean. An Act of Amnesty provides for W.L. Mackenzie's return from exile in the U.S.

1850
The site of By's headquarters during the construction of the Rideau Canal is incorporated as Bytown. Plains Indian culture is at its height, sustained by the use of horses and the exploitation of large game.

1851
Britain transfers control of the colonial postal system to Canada.

1852
Laval's Séminaire du Québec founds Université Laval, North America's oldest French Language university.

1852-53
The Grand Trunk Railway receives its charter.

1854
Canada and the U.S. sign a Reciprocity Treaty, ensuring reduction of customs duties (June 6).

1855
Bytown is renamed Ottawa.

1856
The Grand Trunk Railway opens its Toronto-Montréal line.

1857
Queen Victoria designates Ottawa as capital of the Province of Canada.

1858
The Halifax-Truro line begins rail service. Chinese immigrants from California arrive in British Columbia, attracted by the Fraser River Gold Rush.

1860
The cornerstone of the Parliament buildings is laid (Sept. 1).

1861
Howe becomes Premier of Nova Scotia.

1862
Mount Allison University accepts the first woman student in Sackville, N.B.

1864
Originally designed to discuss Maritime union, the Charlottetown Conference (Sept. 1-9) takes the first steps toward Confederation. The Québec Conference (Oct. 10-27) identifies the seventy-two resolutions that set out the basis for union.

1866
The Fenians, a group of radical Irish-Americans organized in New York in 1859 to oppose British presence in Ireland, begin a series of raids on Canadian territory in the hopes of diverting British troops from the homeland. The most serious of these was the Battle of Ridgeway (June 2), which lent a special urgency to the Confederation movement. The London Conference (Dec. 4) passes resolutions which are redrafted as the British North America Act.

1867
Confederation. Britain's North American colonies are united by means of the BNA Act to become the Dominion of Canada (July 1). Sir John A. Macdonald is Canada's first Prime Minister. Ottawa offically becomes capital of the Dominion.

1868
Thomas D'Arcy McGee, one of the fathers of Confederation and an outspoken enemy of the Fenians, becomes Canada's first assassination victim at the hands of a Fenian (Apr. 7).

 

[Canuk99]

1869
Canada purchases Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company. Threatened by Canadian purchases of Hudson's Bay territories, Louis Riel leads the Métis in occupying Fort Garry on the site of Winnipeg (Nov.).


1870s
Demand for leather goods leads to the destruction of northen bison herds, which in turn leads to the collapse of the western native economy.

1870
The Red River Rebellion continues to resist Canadian authority in the northwest. A provisional government is declared (Jan.) but they were driven out by General Wolseley (Aug.) The Manitoba Act creates the province of Manitoba and quells the rebellion.

1871
British Columbia joins confederation (July 20).

1873
Prince Edward Island joins Confederation. A period of economic depression begins. The North-West Mounted Police are formed. Macdonald resigns over the Pacific Scandal (Nov. 5), which brought attention to huge campaign contributions made by Sir Hugh Allan in exchange for a charter to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Alexander Mackenzie, a Liberal, becomes Canada's second prime minister.

1874
Riel is elected to the House of Commons but cannot take the seat (Feb.). Alexander Graham Bell discloses the invention of the telephone to his father at the family home on the outskirts of Brantford, Ontario (July 26). Anabaptists (Russian Mennonites) start to arrive in Manitoba from various Russian colonies.

1875
Riel is granted amnesty with the condition that he be banished for five years. The Supreme Court of Canada is established. Bell's first functioning telephone is demonstrated in Boston (June). Jennie Trout becomes the first woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada, although Emily Stowe has been doing so without a license in Toronto since 1867. Grace Lockhart receives from Mount Allison University the first Bachelor of Arts degree awarded to a woman.

1876
The Intercolonial Railway, growing out of the Halifax-Truro line, links central Canada and the Maritimes (July 1). The world's first long-distance phone call connects the Bell residence with a shoe and boot store in nearby Paris, Ontario (Aug. 10). The Toronto Women's Literary CLub is founded as a front for the suffrage movement.

1877
The provincial legislature creates the University of Manitoba, the oldest University in western Canada.

1878
The Conservatives under Macdonald win federal election. Anti- Chinese sentiment in British Columbia reaches a high point as the government bans Chinese workers from public works.

1879
Macdonald introduces protective tariffs, a transcontinental railway, and immigration to the west in his National Policy (Mar. 12).

1880
Emily Stowe is finally granted a license to practice medicine in Toronto.

1880-84
The Canadian Pacific Railway recruits thousands of underpaid Chinese Labourers.

1883
Augusta Stowe, daughter of Emily, is the first woman to graduate from the Toronto Medical School. The Toronto Women's Suffrage Association replaces the Literary Club of 1876.

1885
Riel, who had become an American citizen in Montana in 1883 only to return to Canada in 1884, leads the North West Rebellion. The Métis are defeated at Batoche (May 2-9) and Riel is hanged in Regina (Nov. 16). The last spike of the transcontinental railway is put in place in the Eagle Pass, B.C. (Nov. 7).

1887
The Liberals choose Wilfred Laurier as leader. The first provincial Premiers' conference takes place in Québec City.

1890
Manitoba Liberals under Thomas Greenway halt public finding of Catholic schools (Mar.). Isaac Shupe invents a curious sheet-metal clothing scrubber that automatically releases soap.

1893
The National Council of Women of Canada is founded.

1895
The Yukon is made into a provisional district separate from the Northwest territories.

1896
The economic depression ends. Liberals under Laurier (the first French Canadian prime minister) win federal election partly on the Manitoba Schools Question, though his compromises are not instituted until 1897. Gold is discovered in the Klondike (Aug. 16).

1897
L.T. Snow patents a simple mechanical meat grinder.

1898
The Klondike Gold Rush is fully under way. The Yukon provisional district is identified as a Territory separate from the Northwest Territories. Doukhobours begin to settle in Saskatchewan.

1899
The first Canadian troops sent overseas participate in the Boer War in South Africa (Oct. 30). Canada's first woman lawyer is Clara Brett Martin.

1900
Canadian-born Reginald Fessenden makes the first wireless radio broadcast near Washington, D.C. (Dec. 23), narrowly beating Marconi, who receives the first transatlantic radio message at St. John's, Newfoundland, in the following year.

1903
Canada loses the Alaska boundary dispute when British tribunal representative Lord Alverstone sides with the U.S. (Oct. 20). Silver is discovered in Northern Ontario. The first nude demonstrations of the Doukhobours take place near Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to protest governmental policy regarding individual ownership.

1905
The Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are formed.

1906
Sir Adam Beck creates the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario (May 7), the largest such company in Canada.

1908
Peter Verigin, leader of the Doukhobours since his arrival in Canada in 1902, leads the extremist Sons of Freedom to British Columbia.

1909
The Department of External Affairs is formed. The first Grey Cup is played. Canada's first powered air flight takes place at Baddeck, N.S.

1910
Laurier creates a Canadian navy the Naval Service Bill.

1911
Robert Borden and the Conservatives win federal election, defeating Laurier on the issue of Reciprocity.

1912
A botanist, Carrie Derrick, is Canada's first woman professor, at McGill University.

1914
The C.P. ship Empress of Ireland sinks in the St. Lawrence within fifteen minutes of a collision in dense fog. Over one thousand lives are lost (May 29). With nearly four hundred passengers on board, the Komagata Maru drops anchor in Burrard Inlet, sparking political manoeuvres intended to exclude unwanted Sikh immigrants (May-July). Britain declares war on Germany (Aug. 4), automatically drawing Canada into the conflict. The first Canadian troops leave for England (Oct. 3). Parliament passes the War Measures Act, allowing suspension of civil rights during periods of emergency.

1915
In their first battle, the 1st Canadian Division face one of the first recorded chlorine gas attacks at Ypres, Belgium (Apr. 22). John McCrae writes "In Flanders' Fields." National Transcontinental, the eastern division of the Grand Trunk Railway, consolidates a line from Moncton to Winnipeg.

1916
The Parliament buildings are destroyed by fire (Feb. 3). The 1st Canadian Division discovers that the Canadian-made Ross rifle (controversial since 1905) is unreliable in combat conditions. It is withdrawn from service and replaced by the British-made Lee- Enfield (Aug.). The National Research Council is established to promote scientific and industrial research. Female suffrage is first granted in Canada in Manitoba.

1917
Income tax is introduced as a temporary wartime measure. Borden sits as a member of the Imperial War Cabinet (Feb. 23), giving Canada a voice in international war policy. The military service bill is introduced (June 11), leading to a conscription crisis dividing French and English Canada. A Union Government (a coalition of Liberals and Tories) under Borden wins in a federal election, in which all women of British origin are allowed to vote for the first time. Canadians capture Vimy Ridge, France (Apr. 9-12) and Passchendaele, Belgium (Nov. 6), in two of the war's worst battles. The explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax harbour wipes out two square miles of Halifax, killing almost 2000 and injuring 9000 (Dec. 6). In Alberta, Louise McKinney becomes the first woman elected to a legislature in the British Commonwealth.

1918
Canadians break through the German trenches at Amiens, France (Aug. 8), beginning "Canada's Hundred Days." Armistice ends the war (Nov. 11). Imprisoned in South Dakota for pacificism, Hutterites flee northward into the Prairie provinces.

1919
Grand Trunk Pacific, the western division of the Grand Trunk Railway, consolidates a line from Winnipeg to Prince Rupert. The Canadian National Railways is created as a crown corporation to acquire and further consolidate these smaller lines. The first successful transatlanctic flight leaves St. John's, Nfld. (June 14). Beginning in the metals and buildings trades as a call for union recognition, a general strike expands until it paralyzes Winnipeg (May 19-June 26). An armed charge by the RCMP on Bloody Saturday kills one and injures thirty (June 21). James Shaver Woodsworth and others were charged with seditious conspiracy. The federal government passes a Technical Education act.

1920
Canada joins the League of Nations at its inception. The Progressive Party is formed by T. A. Crerar to obtain law tariffs for western farmers.

1921
Mackenzie King and the Liberals win federal election. Agnes Macphail becomes the first woman elected to Parliament, then representing the Progressive Party (which came in second and held the balance of power despite refusals to form an official opposition). Woodsworth becomes the first socialist elected to the House of Commons. The Bluenose is launched at Lunenburg, N.S. (Mar. 26). Colonial Motors of Walkerville, Ontario manufactures an automobile called the Canadian.

1922
The Canadian Northern and Canadian Transcontinental Railways merge to form the Canadian National Railways. Canada's reveals a growing independence by not going to Britain's aid in the Chanak crisis in Turkey. Banting, Best, MacLeod, and Collip share the Nobel Prize for the discovery of insulin. Foster Hewitt makes the first hockey broadcast. A Provincial Franchise Committee is organized in Québec to work towards female suffrage in the province. Of the other provinces, only Newfoundland has not yet given women the vote.

1923
A feeling of independence continues to grow. Canada signs the Halibut Treaty with the U.S. without the traditional British signature. Mackenzie King leads the opposition to a common imperial policy at the Imperial Conference in London. Always heavily subsidized, the Grand Trunk Railway is finally taken over by the government. The federal government more or less forbids Chinese immigration on Dominion Day, soon to be called "Humiliation Day" by Chinese-Canadians.

1925
Newfoundland women receive the right to vote.

1926
The Balfour Report defines British dominions as autonomous and equal in status (Nov. 18).

1927
Britain's Privy Council awards Labrador to Newfoundland instead of Québec (Mar. 1). The first coast-to-coast radio network broadcast celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation.

1928
The Supreme Court of Canada rules that the BNA Act does not define women as "persons" and are therefore not eligible to hold public office.

1929
The British Privy Council reverses the Supreme Court decision of 1928, and women are legally declared "persons" (Oct. 18). The Great Depression begins. the Workers' Unity League is formed.

1930
The Conservatives under R.B. Bennett win federal election. Jean de Brébeuf and other Jesuit martyrs are officially canonized. Canada's first woman senator is Cairine Wilson.

1931
The Statute of Westminster (Dec. 11) authorizes the Balfour Report (1926), granting Canada full legislative authority in both internal and external affairs. The Governor General becomes a representative of the Crown.

1932
The Ottawa Agreements provide for preferential trade between Canada and other Commonwealth nations. Woodsworth plays a role in forming a democratic socialist political party, the Co-Operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Calgary. Bennett's government establishes militaristic and repressive Relief Camps to cope with the problem of unemployed single men. Doukhobours add the burning of farm buildings to their protest techniques.

1934
The Bank of Canada is formed. The birth of the Dionne quintuplets attracts international media attention.

 

[Canuk99]

1935
Inspired in part by the Workers' Unity League, about one thousand unemployed and disillusioned men from all over the western provinces begin a mass march, usually called the On-to-Ottawa trek, to confront Bennett over the Relief Camps (June 3-July 1). In an attempt to remove a corrupt Liberal administration, Maurice Duplessis, a Québec Conservative, allies with a splinter group of Liberals under Paul Gouin to form the Union nationale.

1936
Driven by the reformist Union nationale, Duplessis manages to oust Gouin and becomes Premier of Québec.

1937
The Rowell-Sirois Commission is appointed to investigate the financial relationship between the federal government and the provinces. Trans Canada Air Lines begins regular flights (Sept. 1).

1938
Meeting Mackenzie King in Kingston, Franklin D. Roosevelt is the first U.S. president to make an official visit to Canada. The Workers' Unity League helps to organize the Vancouver Sit-ins in which Relief Camp workers and others occupied the Vancouver Post Office and some other public buildings. The protest was peaceful until the police extracted the men by force on Bloody Sunday (June 19), when 35 people were wounded.

1939
Canada declares war on Germany (Sept. 10) after remaining neutral for a week following the British declaration. Premier Duplessis opposes Québec's participation but is defeated by the Liberals on the issue (Oct. 26).

1940
The Unemployment Insurance Commission is introduced. Canada and the U.S. form a Permanent Joint Defense Board. Parliament passes the controversial National Resources Mobilization Act (June), which allows conscription for military service only within Canada. Despite provincial disagreement, some of the financial recommendations of the Rowell-Sirois commission -- especially those relating to a minimum national standard of services -- are implicitly and unilaterally adopted by Ottawa. Idola Saint-Jean and other early feminists finally succeed in obtaining the vote for Québecois women.

1941
Hong Kong falls to the Japanese and Canadians are taken as POW's. The U.S. enters the war due to Japanese aggression. Together, the incidents lead to racial intolerance in Canada.

1942
About 22000 Canadians of Japanese descent are stripped of non- portable possessions, interned and evacuated as security risks (Feb. 26). A national plebiscite approves amendment of the National Resources Mobilization Act to permit sending conscripts overseas (Apr. 27), once again revealing deep divisions between Québec and English Canada. The Dieppe raid (Aug. 19), Canada's first participation in the European theatre, is a disaster.

1943
Canadians participate in the invasion of Sicily (July 10) and win the Battle of Ortona, a German stronghold on the Adriatic (Dec. 20- 28).

1944
Canadian troops push further than other allied units on D-Day (June 6). Canadian forces fight as a separate army (July 23). The Family Allowance Act is passed (Aug.). The CCF under Tommy Douglas wins the provincial election in Saskatchewan, forming the first socialist government in North America.

1945
European hostilities end (May 5). The first family allowance ("baby-bonus") payments are made (June 20). Canada joins the United Nations (June 26). Hostilities in the Pacific basin end (Sep. 2). Igor Gouzenko defects from the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa (Sept. 5) and reveals the existence in Canada of a Soviet spy network. Canada's first nuclear reactor goes on line in Chalk River, Ontario.

1948
Louis St. Laurent succeeds Mackenzie as prime minister (Nov. 15).

1949
Joey Smallwood brings Newfoundland into Confederation (Mar. 31). Canada joins NATO. Canada's Supreme Court replaces Britain's judicial committee as the final court of appeal.

1950
Volunteers in the Canadian Army Special Force join the United Nations forces in the Korean war.

1951
Census shows population as just over 14 million. The Massey Royal Commission reports that Canadian cultural life is dominated by American influences. Recommendations include improving grants to universities and the eventual establishment of the Canada Council (1957).

1952
Vincent Massey becomes the first native-born Governor General. Canada's first television stations begin part-time broadcasts in Montréal and Toronto (Sept.).

1953
The National Library is established in Ottawa (Jan. 1). The Stratford Festival opens (July 13). The Korean War ends (July 27).

1954
The post-war boom is briefly interrupted by an economic slump. The first Canadian subway opens in Toronto (Mar. 30). Viewers of the British Empire games in Vancouver see two runners break the four minute mile in the same race. Marilyn Bell is the first person to swim across Lake Ontario (Sept. 9). Hurricane Hazel kills almost seven dozen people in Toronto (Oct. 15).

1955
The Canadian Labour Congress is formed. Riots in Montréal are caused by the suspension of hockey star Rocket Richard (Mar. 17).

1956
The Liberals use closure to limit the Pipeline Debate -- which begins with concern over the funding of the natural gas industry and ends in contoversy over proper parliamentary procedure (May 8- June 6). The action contributes directly to their electoral defeat (after twenty two years in power) the following year.

1957
John Diefenbaker and the Conservatives win a minority government (June 10). Ellen Fairclough becomes the first female federal cabinet minister. The Canada Council is formed to foster Canadian cultural uniqueness. Lester B. Pearson wins the Nobel Peace Prize for helping resolve the Suez Crisis (Oct. 12).

1958
Diefenbaker's minority becomes the largest majority ever obtained in a federal election (Mar. 31). A coal mine disaster at Springhill, N.S. kills 74 miners.

1959
Diefenbaker cancels the Avro Arrow project (CF-105 aircraft) to public outcry. Almost 14000 jobs are lost (Feb. 20). The St. Lawrence Seaway opens (June 26).

1960
Liberals under Jean Lesage win provincial election in Québec (June 22), inaugurating the Quiet Revolution which pressed for special status within Confederation. A Canadian Bill of Rights is approved. Native people win the right to vote in federal elections.

1961
The New Democratic Party replaces the CCF.

1962
The Conservatives are returned to minority status in a federal election (June 18). Socialized medicine is introduced in Saskatchewan (July 1), leading to a doctors' strike. The Trans- Canada Highway opens (Sept. 3). Canada becomes the third nation in space with the launch of the satellite Alouette I (Sept. 29). Canada's last executions take place in Toronto (Dec. 11).

1963
Liberals under Pearson win a minority government (Apr. 8). The separatist Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) sets off bombs in Montréal (Apr.-May). A TCA flight crashes in Québec, killing 118 (Nov. 29).

1964
Canadians get social insurance cards (Apr.) Northern Dancer is the first Canadian horse to win the Kentucky Derby.

1965
Canada and the U.S. sign the Auto Pact (Jan.). The new flag is inaugurated (Feb. 15). Roman Catholic churches begin to celebrate masses in English (Mar. 7). The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario inadvertently causes a major power blackout in North America (Nov. 9).

1966
The Munsinger affair (in which the Associate Minister of National Defence, Pierre Sévigny, had a liaison with a German divorcée suspected by the RCMP) becomes Canada's first political sex scandal (Mar. 4). The Canada Pension Plan is established. The CBC introduces some colour broadcasts (Oct. 1).

1967
The air force, army, and navy are unified as the Canadian Armed Forces (Apr. 25). World attention is turned to Expo '67 in Montréal (Apr. 27). Centennial celebrations officially begin (July 1). French president Charles de Gaulle says "Vive le Québec libre" in Montréal (July 24).

1968
Pierre Trudeau succeeds Pearson as leader of the Liberals and wins a majority in a federal election (June 25) in an atmosphere like a media circus. A Royal Commission on the Status of Women is appointed. Canadian divorce laws are reformed.

1969
Postal reforms end Saturday deliveries (Feb. 1). Abortion laws are liberalized (May). English and French are both recognized as offical languages by the federal government (July 9). The breathalizer is put into use to test for drunken drivers (Dec. 1).

1970
British trade commissioner James Cross is kidnapped by the FLQ (Oct. 5), precipitating the October Crisis. Québec's labour and immigration minister Pierre Laporte is kidnapped (Oct. 10) and later found murdered. The War Measures Act is invoked (Oct. 16), banning the FLQ and leading eventually to nearly 500 arrests.

1971
The federal government officially adopts a policy of multiculturalism. Gerhard Herzberg of the National Research Council wins the Nobel Prize in chemistry for studies of smog.

1972
Canada wins the first hockey challenge against the Soviets. Trudeau's Liberals win a minority government by only two seats.

1973
The House of Commons criticizes U.S. bombing of North Vietnam (Jan. 5). Henry Morgentaler is acquitted of illegal abortion charges in Montréal (Nov. 13). The separatist Parti Québecois becomes the official opposition in a provincial election.

1974
The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario changes its name to Ontario Hydro and begins to update its image (Mar. 4). Mikhail Baryshnikov defects in Montréal (June 29). Trudeau's Liberals win a majority government (July 8).

1975
Toronto's CN Tower becomes the world's tallest free-standing structure (Apr. 2). The Foreign Investment Review Agency intends to screen foreign investment in Canada (July 18). TV cameras are allowed in the House of Commons for the first time. Trudeau institutes wage and price controls to fight inflation (Oct. 14).

1976
Canada announces a 200-mile coastal fishing zone (June 4). The death penalty is abolished (July 14). The Olympic games are held in Montréal (July 17-31) under tight security. Team Canada wins the first Canada Cup (Sept. 15). René Lévesque and the Parti Québecois win a provincial election (Nov. 15). The Eaton Company discontinues catalogue sales after 92 continuous years.

1977
Québec passes Bill 101, restricting English schooling to children of parents who had been educated in English schools (Aug. 26). Highway signs are changed to the metric system (Sept. 6).

1978
The remains of a Soviet nuclear-powered satellite crash in Canada's north (Jan. 24). Manufacturers of birth control pills are required to provide labels of health risks for smokers and women over forty. Sun Life Assurance acknowledges that it moved its head office to Toronto because of Montréal's language laws and political instability.

1979
Conservatives under Joe Clark win a federal election (May 22). The first uniquely Canadian gold bullion coin, stamped with a Maple Leaf, goes on sale (Sept. 5). Most of Mississauga, Ontario is evacuated to avoid derailed train cars containing chemicals (Nov. 10). The Supreme Court of Canada declares unconstitutional the creation of officially unlilingual legislatures in Manitoba and Québec (Dec. 13). Clark's Conservatives lose a non-confidence vote on the budget (Dec. 13), forcing their resignation.

1980
Ken Taylor, Canadian ambassador to Iran, becomes an international celebrity for helping six Americans escape Tehran (Jan. 28). Canada boycotts Moscow's Olympic games due to the invasion of Afghanistan. A Québec referendum rejects sovereignty-association (May 22). "O Canada" is offically adopted as Canada's national anthem (June 27). The Supreme Court recognizes the equal distribution of assets in failed common-law relationships.

1981
Terry Fox dies of cancer in the middle of his cross-Canada Marathon of Hope (June 29). His example eventually raises about 25 million dollars. Québec bans public signs in English (Sept. 23). The federal and provincial governments (except Québec) agree on a method to repatriate Canada's constitution (Nov. 5).

1982
The offshore oil rig Ocean Ranger sinks, killing 84 (Feb. 15). Bertha Wilson is the first woman appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court (Mar. 4). The Québec government demand for a veto over constitutional change is rejected (Apr. 7). Canada gains a new Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Apr. 17). The worst recession since the Great Depression begins.

1983
Pay TV begins operation (Feb. 1). Public outcry opposes the government's approval of U.S. cruise missile testing in the west. Jeanne Sauvé is appointed the first female Governor General (Dec. 23).

1984
John Turner succeeds Trudeau as Liberal prime minister (June 30) but is soon defeated by Brian Mulroney's Conservatives with an even larger majority than that achieved by Diefenbaker in 1958 (Sept. 4). The Pope visits Canada (Sept. 9-20). Hitching a ride on the U.S. shuttle Challenger, Marc Garneau becomes the first Canadian in space (Oct. 5).

1985
U.S. ice-breaker Polar Sea challenges Canada's Arctic sovereignty by travelling through the Northwest Passage. Mulroney and U.S. president Ronald Reagan declare mutual support for orbital Strategic Defense Initiatives (Star Wars) and Free Trade at the Shamrock Summit (so-named for their ethnic backgrounds) in Québec City (Dec. 2). Ontario Liberals under David Peterson end forty years of Conservative Premiership. Lincoln Alexander becomes Ontario's first black lieutenant-governor.

1986
The Canadian dollar hits an all-time low of 70.2 U.S. cents on international money markets (Jan. 31). Expo '86 opens in Vancouver (May 2-Oct. 13). The U.S. imposes tariffs on some imported Canadian wood products (May 22). Canada adopts sanctions against South Africa for its apartheid policies (Aug. 5). Tamil refugees are found drifting off the coast of Newfoundland (Aug. 11). Canada receives a United Nations award for sheltering world refugees (Oct. 6). Canadian John Polanyi shares the Nobel prize for chemistry.

1987
Mulroney and the provincial Premiers agree in principle to the Meech Lake Accord designed to bring Québec into the new Constitution (Apr. 30). A tornado rips through Edmonton, killing 26 and injuring hundreds (July 20). Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson sets a new world record (Aug. 30) for the 100-metre dash. The Canada- U.S. Free Trade agreement is reached (Oct. 3), but still requires ratification. Stock prices tumble throughout the world (Oct. 19).

1988
The Supreme Court strikes down existing legislation against abortion as unconstitutional (Jan. 28). The Winter Olympics open in Calgary (Feb. 13). David See-Chai Lam, born in Hong Kong, becomes British Columbia's lieutenant-governor (Sept. 9). Ben Johnson sets a world record and wins the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics in Korea (Sept. 24). Testing positive for steroids, he is stripped of his medal two days later. The Supreme Court strikes down Québec's French-only sign law (Dec. 15). Finding a loophole (the "notwithstanding" clause) in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the province reinstates the law (Dec. 21). Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon slows the ratification of the Meech Lake Accord in reaction to Québec's move. Free Trade legislation passes the House of Commons and the Senate (Dec.).

1989
Free Trade goes into effect (Jan 1). Heather Erxleben becomes Canada's first acknowledged female combat soldier. One-dollar bills are replaced by the one-dollar coin, popularly called the "loonie." The government announces cuts in the funding of VIA Rail, to much public outcry (June 5). The first woman to lead a federal political party, Audrey McLaughlin replaces Ed Broadbent as head of the NDP (Dec. 2). Fourteen female engineering students are separated from their male colleagues and murdered by a gunman at the University of Montréal (Dec. 6).

1990
Newfoundland Premier Clyde Wells further slows down the signing of the Meech Lake Accord, but a native member of the Manitoba legislative, Elijah Harper, deals it the fatal blow with his absolute refusal to accept Québec as Canada's principal, if not only, "distinct society" (June 22). One of the many responses is the formation of the Bloc Québecois by a handful of disenchanted politicians (July 25). Bob Rae upsets David Peterson and, with a surprising majority, becomes Ontario's first NDP Premier (Sept.). Despite the Liberals' sometimes peculiar stalling tactics, the Senate passes the unpopular Goods and Services Tax (Dec.). A recession is officially announced.

1991
The unpopular Goods and Services Tax comes into effect (Jan. 1). Canadian forces join the multinational forces in the battle to drive Saddam Hussein's Iraqi troops from Kuwait (Jan. 15). British Columbia premier Bill Van Der Zalm resigns in the midst of a real estate scandal. George Erasmus, leader of the Assembly of First Nations, resigns at the end of his second term (May); he is succeeded by Ovide Mercredi, whose popularity earns him the nickname of "eleventh premier." Yet another committee crosses the country soliciting citizens' opinions on proposed constitutional reforms. David Schindler of the University of Alberta wins the first international Stockholm Water Prize for environmental research. In a Brantford, Ontario courtroom, a Six Nations man is the first to be allowed to make a traditional native oath instead of swearing on the Bible (Nov.). The Tungavik sign an agreement with Ottawa to create a new, quasi-independent Inuit territory in the eastern Arctic.

1992
The Miss Canada pageant is scrapped. Roberta Bondar is Canada's first female astronaut in orbit. Ontario lawyers vote no longer to swear an oath to the Queen (Jan.). Canada is the first country to sign the international bio-diversity convention at the Earth Summit in Brazil (June). Although the players are all American, the Toronto Blue Jays become the first nominally Canadian team to win baseball's World Series. Canadians vote "no" in a referendum seeking popular support for the Charlottetown Agreement, intended as a corrective to the Canadian Constitution in the wake of the failed Meech Lake Accord (Oct. 26).

1993
Catherine Callbeck becomes the first woman Premier, in Prince Edward Island. Environmental activists cause minor damage to government buildings in Victoria, B.C., during a demonstration (Mar.). Kim Campbell replaces Brian Mulroney as the head of the Progressive Conservatives, becoming Canada's first woman Prime Minister (June). Part of northwest B.C. is set aside as a world heritage conservation site. Protesters block loggers' access to ancient forests near Clayoquot Sound (July-Aug.). The Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series for the second year in a row (Oct. 23). Liberal leader Jean Chrétien is elected in a landslide victory, with Lucien Bouchard's Bloc Québecois and Preston Manning's Reform Party only one seat apart in distant second and third places (Oct. 25). The Progressive Conservatives, in power for nine years, are reduced to a mere two seats -- less than is required to be considered an official party.

1994
The Canadian pilot of a Korean airliner that crashed is arrested for endangering the lives of his passengers. Cigarette taxes are lowered in an attempt to reduce smuggling. Trade barriers between provinces are reduced. The Inuit of Northern Québec arrange for self-government. The Parti Québecois win a narrow majority.

1995
The Canadian Airborne Regiment is disbanded in the midst of public outcries over hazing. The East is embroiled in fishing disputes. The provincial government of Newfoundland takes control of its schools from the church. Premier Jacques Parizeau explains the narrow failure of a Québec sovereignty referendum with some ill-advised remarks regarding non-francophones; he is soon replaced by Lucien Bouchard. The Québec Cree and Inuit peoples hold their own referenda and reject separation from Canada. Alexa McDonough is elected leader of the federal NDP (Oct.) An intruder breaks into the Prime Minister's residence (Nov.).

1996
Huge spending cuts are initiated in most provinces. A major land-claim agreement is made with the Nisg'a of B.C. The two-dollar coin is unveiled (Feb.). Mike Harcourt, plagued by allegations that fundraisers diverted charity funds to the NDP, is succeeded by Glen Clark as Premier of B.C. The Somalia inquiry is underway. Federal legislation attempts to ban discrimination against homosexuals. The Chicoutimi region of Québec is hit by major flooding. A major international AIDS conference is held in Vancouver (July).

1997
A thirteen kilometre bridge connecting Prince Edward Island to the mainland is opened. Massive flooding approaches Winnipeg (May). Disputes over salmon fishing lead to tension between the U.S. and Canada in the Pacific Northwest. Ontario teachers stage a huge walkout to protest unpopular policies of the Mike Harris government. A murder in Victoria draws attention to growing violence among teenaged girls (Nov.). The Supreme Court rules that natives' oral history is legitimate in making land claims in B.C. (Dec.).

1998
A powerful ice storm paralyzes huge portions of Québec and Ontario. The federal government issues a formal apology to native peoples for past injustices like the residential school system (Jan.). Native loggers protest restrictions in the forests of New Brunswick (Apr.). Controversy surrounds the Nisga'a treaty, including some measure of self-government. A Human Rights Tribunal concludes that the Public Service Alliance of Canada has a right to call for pay equity (Jul.). The value of the Canadian dollar declines precipitously (Aug.). A Swissair MD-11 crashes into the sea off Peggy's Cove, N.S., killing 229 people (Sep.).

1999
Several successive waves of illegal immigrants arrive on the shores of B.C. (Aug.) In the B.C. interior, native peoples log in defiance of government authorities; on the east coast, native peoples fish in defiance of government authorities (Sep.).

2000
Controversy rages about financial mismanagement of billions of dollars of public grants (Feb.).

 

[gettingfat]

That post/rant was a little perplexing. So how does it convince people that Canada should be in the game?

Haha, sorry about that if it disturbs you. I know it's OT, but I simply couldn't control my fingers on the keyboard. If you're a Canadian you'll understand where it comes from. Over 80% of us have that "punch that condescending, arrogant American neighbour's face" mentality, and have that uncontrolled urge to respond after hearing those "American dream", "American values", "our democracy and freedom" phrases. I admit it's a bit sick

My point is, don't mix up influence and culture, although they are related. Once the economy (and the military, which is supported by their economy) factors kick in, I have to accept that the US is a much more influential country. However, it's not like the US has so much more "culture" than Canada.

If there is a real-life Civ game. The US player basically starts on floodplain/grassland with all kind of resources in their neighbourhood, while the Canadian player gets a near tundra start. It's OK for the Canadian player to eventually lose the game, but it's annoying to hear the US player regularly bragging about how he plays the game with unique style and master touch.

 

[Sir-Skogheim]

To be blunt no. Canada is a relativly new civilization (I Agknowledge that America is To) and are not that powerful. In a scenario they would be quite fine though once you think about it, other than that i dont think they would quite fit in.

 

[enigmagic]

I like Canada a lot. In fact, if I was to emigrate from England for whatever reason then Canada would be my first choice. Having said that though, I can't think of a good reason why they should be included above more deserving nations. It's a nation I'd like to live in should I ever emigrate but not a nation I want to 'play'.

I can't think of any particularly interesting leaders for a start.

 

[gettingfat]

Well, I think there are a lot of other civs that are undeserving.

Sorry to be blunt and probably politically incorrect, but personally I don't see how some civs (or to some extent, a collection of related tribes), say native Americans, really have much impact on human history which makes them good candidate to be included in the Civ games. Why is Huayna made so strong as a leader? Was Inca really that powerful?

I am not denying they have some interesting culture, but on relative terms, have they done something to change the course of human race? I doubt that. If they are not located in America or near there, will they draw that much attention?

Canada is nonetheless a G7 nation, a strong contributor in WW2, the 2nd biggest country in the world. With all the oil reserve, it's going to make stronger impact in future. What makes it so undeserving?

Well, don't throw stones at me.

 

[enigmagic]

That it introduced, the telephone, the TV.

Controversial.

Bragging about its world renowned music (Celine Dion and Bryan Adams ?) only hurts your argument rather than supports it And inventing a baseball glove hardly compares to other civilisations great acheivements and is hardly sufficient grounds for inclusion into the game.

 

[enigmagic]

Well, I think there are a lot of other civs that are undeserving.

Sorry to be blunt and probably politically incorrect, but personally I don't see how some civs (or to some extent, a collection of related tribes), say native Americans, really have much impact on human history which makes them good candidate to be included in the Civ games. I am not denying they have some interesting culture, but on relative terms, have they done something to change the course of human race? I doubt that. Well, don't throw stones at me.

I'd agree that some Civs are less deserving of others but that doesn't equate to Canada deserving to be in there. Canada, while being a fine country, just doesn't strike me as being much fun to play.

 

[Dnomal]

I find it.. Ignorant? That many posts above have spoken of Canada as an "Insignificant" country.

Here I was with the impression that it was the second largest country in the world. -The- most valuable country in the world in terms of natural resources. That it was a membet of both NATO and NAFTA. That it had one of the top education systems in the world. That it introduced peace-keeping. That it invented hockey, basketball, the telephone, the TV. Lead the way for the super-sonic yet. That it is one of the g-7 countries. That it has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. One of the few that has medical covered by its government. That it is a leader in state of the art technology; From technological wounders such as the space arm and advanced graphics(See: 300 movie), to medical break throughs ahead of any other country. Canada invted refinning. Has more accessable clean water than any other nation. Canda has the worlds longest street, the worlds tallest self supported structure, the worlds longest bridge. A -falling- crime rate. Higher ranked scholars than most countries (See: Microsoft employees).
Canadians invented the baseball glove. Discovered and mass produced insulin. INVITED THE KICHEN STOVE. Had headlined womans rights. Canada has had a woman 2nd in command at the UN. Canada has the longest inclined tower in the world. Canada has a trade surplus. Canada has world reknown music and art. Canadian citizens have the longest life expentancy out of any country in the world. Over-all has the best "quality of life" rating compaired to any other country in the world. Canadian doctors where the first to map the human brain. Canada has never owned slaves. Canada is among the most popular tourist destination in the wrold. Canada recieves twice as many immigrants per capita than the US. Canada is pat of the UN security council. Canada leads all economic powers in economic growth. It has the worlds -best- infastructure. Very low inflation. Falling unemployment rates. Unsurpassed social programs. Soaring stocks. Canada generally takes more metals per cpaita than any other country at the Olympics. Oh.. Did I mention that the US's world famous nuclear bombs.. Came from Canada? Or at least all of the important resources required to build them.

The Canadian military played a ~huge~ part in WW1 and WW2. Possibly effecting the outcome of the wars directly. The strongest military in the world right now (The US Army) was trained directly by the Canadian Armed Forces. And though the US has unriviled military strength (Numbers wise) Canada still remains among the best trained military in the world. With advances from the simple soldier to aerospace fields. It is a fact that Canadian soldiers are often used by the US army because their own personal lack training on the same level. [Oh did I mention that Canada has -the best- snipers in the world? For recent news on Canadian snipers (See: Afganistan)]

Oh hey.. And I thought i'd add a breif, breif summery of the country the land that is currently called "Canada". Perhaps anyone that still believes Canada is 'insignificant' (Yes.. Canada.. That country that if it where to be 'removed' from that face of the earth, the world market would crash. The Us econ would instantly bottom out, and they would be left starving. Litterly. Yep.. That one.. Canada) perhaps they could give the short timeline a quick read:

You really have a lot of things to say, firstly Russia is the most plentiful nation in the world for resources, along with having the largest land area. By super sonic "yet" i assume you mean jet, which s incorrect, since the jet engine was invented by Whittle, who was British, and the earliest jet experiments were done by the British and Germans, we (the british) had a upersonic jet ready to use, but the governemnt decided to pull the plug on financing. The Atomic bomb may have had Canadian minerals, but the early plans and a great deal of the scientists were from the university of Brimingham, Einstein was German, as was many of the scientists working on the bomb. It was not a huge American effort, but instead a multi-national effort out of sheer desperation.

Furthermore, things like member of G7, or largest road in the world aren't spectacular in Civ terms, especially since the game shows 8,000 of human history.

Fastest growing economy, that would be China, nationalised health service is also something Canada cannot copyright, the British implemeted this as off 1945, it is Cuba that has the best health care system, second to Scandanivian countries.

Again you say that if Canada was removed from the world tommorow the world economy would collapse, i agree, but if you removed France, China, Germany, Britain the same would happen, if China disappered the world economy would shatter into a million pieces. Canada supplies a vast amount of grain, more than the US does, although its often forgotten that Canadian farmers destroy tons of their crops to keep prices up, while millions starve to death in Africa.

You say the Canadian impact on WW1 and WW2 was very important, even implying that the wars might have been lost Canada, these kind of statements can be found from anyone around the world. The fact remains that in WW1 Germany wasn't beaten on the battlesfield, but at home, it was the British blockade that bought Germany to its knees the people revolted, the Armies were ill-equiped and the nation revolted, although everyone likes to think the men who died in the trenches died for freedom against oppresion the fact remains that they're duper0human efoort did very litttle to contribute to the final defeat of the Germans. The second world war was won by Russia, not the west, over 90% of the German armed forces died in the war against the USSR.

Fnially the telephone and TV were invented by a Scottish men. Not to mention the telegraph which was more influential and world changing than both the TV and phone., with the pioneer of television being Nazi Germany, who had the furst running service.

I like Canada, but it has not altered world history to an extent large enough to warrant its entry into Civ 4, especially since other civs like Byzantium, Maya, Babylon, Saffanids etc. would lose their place.

Oh finially japan is the most advandced nation in the world Technologically(in the civliain market place at least), they're about five years ahead of the US in that area, while most electonics are from Japan or S.Korea, or at least their designs are.

p.s. Aussie Lurker when i said Native Americans i ment tribes such as Urqoius, not the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas, sorry, its my own mistake. I still believe that point to be valid, that even if the native american tribes did settle down into towns, they surely wouldn't number in the hundreds of thousands as other cities of the day.

 

[Quagga]

I noted missing from the extensive Canadian timeline was the most important date of all: The birth of William Shatner.

Which brings to mind the game that already features Canada as a central element, the Dead or Canadian Game. I say a name of somebody famous, such as Michael J Fox. You guess whether he's dead or Canadian. Fun! Adding Canada to Civ pales in comparison.

And when talking about Canadian sports, please do not forget Curling. Sweep!

I thank Canada (Channel 9, Windsor) for introducing me to Monty Python. I also thank the bed and breakfast owner on PEI that let me borrow his car. And Hello to my relatives in Saulte Ste. Marie and Sudbury. Science North is fantastic. And the Canadian side of the Falls is the best, no doubt.

 

[Syagrius]

i've seen this canada discussion everywhere doesn't matter the thread subject.

well this is a thread where u shoulöd discuss canada.

Should Canade be in this game or not?

comment and poll

Hey Potato-head!! Find another forum for your teen age antics. PS: Get a life!!

 

[deanjack]

I like Canada. Later on in my life i might mover their but there is only one reason that i don't think that it should be in the MAIN game. The nationsin the game have been justified in some way e.g. large, influential empire (Britain should be in the game and NO England is not Britain no matter what anyone says, thats just historiacally ignorant). Or they had some influence in history or other reasons.

I think Canada should be kept in mods like ViSa