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The Constitution Act
The Constitution Act was a domestic event, where Canada took full control of its own laws and constitution, no longer needing the approval of the UK. It also added the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which gives all Canadians basic rights, like freedom of speech and the right to be treated equally. This act also made it easier for Canada to change its own laws without asking the UK. -
The Election of Brian Mulroney
Brian Mulroney was elected as the Prime Minister of Canada in 1984 after his party, the Progressive Conservatives, won in the federal election. Mulroney became Canada’s 18th Prime Minister, and his party gained 211 seats in the House of Commons, the largest majority in Canadian history at that time. His election represented a shift to a more conservative government, and he focused on economic reforms, free trade with the U.S., and constitutional changes, and this is a domestic event. -
Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.
The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was an international event and deal that removed trade barriers between Canada and the United States. It allowed goods and services to be traded between the two countries without most of the taxes that were previously in place. This agreement helped improve trade, made products cheaper, and increased economic ties between the two countries. It was later turned into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994. -
The Oka Crisis
The Oka Crisis was a domestic disagreement between the Mohawk people and the town of Oka, Quebec. It started when the town planned to construct a golf course on the land where the Mohawks believed was important and part of their historical territory. The Mohawks set up a protest area, which led to violent conflicts with police and the Canadian military. The issue lasted for 78 days. The crisis showed the need for better relations between Indigenous people and the Canadian government. -
Gulf War
The Gulf War was an international issue where Iraq, managed by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in 1990. Because of this, there was an alliance of countries, including Canada, the United States, and a few others, who fought to free Kuwait. Canada contributed military forces, troops, and air support causing it to be an international event. The war ended quickly with the removal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. The conflict showed Canada’s role as part of international peacekeeping and military efforts. -
The Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was a domestic event introduced by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's government. It took over the Manufacturing and Sales Tax (MST) and added a 5% tax on many goods and services across Canada. The GST was created to be a more efficient tax system and was meant to help lower Canada's national debt. Although it was unpopular at first, it became a key part of Canada’s tax system and continues to be in place today. -
Bosnian War Peacekeeping
During the Bosnian War, which was an international event, Canada played a significant role in UN peacekeeping missions. The war, which included cultural problems between Bosnian Serbs, Croats, and Muslims, wanted international assistance to protect people and keep peace. Canada sent peacekeeping forces to the region. Although the peacekeeping mission was hard and sometimes criticized, Canada's participation showed its commitment to international peace and security. -
Kim Campbell as the First Female Prime Minister of Canada
Kim Campbell became Canada’s first female prime minister after Brian Mulroney resigned. She worked as the leader of the Conservative Party and was chosen Prime Minister. Her time in office was very short, from June to November 1993. She led the country into the 1993 federal election, which her party lost by a lot. Even though she only held that position for a while, her leadership was a important milestone for gender equality in Canadian politics, and it was a domestic event. -
Quebec Referendum
The Quebec Referendum of 1995 is a domestic event and was a vote where they were asked if they wanted Quebec to become an independent country or stay part of Canada. The Yes campaign for independence, led by the Parti Québécois, slightly lost, with 50.58% voting no and 49.42% voting yes. This result showed disagreements within the province and caused many debates about Quebec's place in Canada. -
Last Residential School Closed
The last residential school in Canada was a domestic event, and it was in Gordon's Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, and it was closed in 1996. Residential schools were part of a government policy that was meant to help "fit" Indigenous children into society by removing them from their families. The stop of this issue was a major event in Canada’s history for Indigenous groups, and it helped current discussions about forgiveness and the impact of residential schools in their lives. -
The Creation of Nunavut
Nunavut became Canada’s newest territory on April 1, 1999, when it was officially separated from the Northwest Territories. This decision was the outcome of years of debates and was meant to give the Inuit people more control over their land. The creation of Nunavut provided the Inuit with a government that matches their cultural, social, and economic needs, and it was a domestic event. -
Same Sex-Marriage
Canada became the fourth country in the world to allow same-sex marriage causing it to be an domestic event, with the approval of the Civil Marriage Act. This law allowed same-sex partners across Canada to legally marry and have the same rights as heterosexual couples. This was a major event for LGBTQ+ rights in Canada. -
The Apology to Chinese Canadians
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a formal apology on behalf of the Canadian government to Chinese Canadians for the tax that was placed on Chinese immigrants between 1885 and 1923. The head tax was a discriminatory fee that Chinese immigrants had to pay to enter Canada. This apology was an important step in apologizing for the historical wrongs, and was a domestic event. -
The 2008 Global Financial Crisis
The 2008 Global (international event)Financial Crisis was a significant international economic crisis that started in the U.S. with the bankruptcy of large banks and financial establishments. It quickly spread to other countries, including Canada, affecting global markets and businesses. While Canada’s banking system was more stable than others, the crisis still led to a downturn, with higher unemployment. The Canadian government responded with banking system support to improve the economy. -
The Transition to a Green Economy
Canada has been working towards a greener economy by reducing carbon emissions, putting money in clean energy, and supporting environmentally friendly development. The movement includes things like carbon pricing, support for clean energy industries, and government policies trying to combat climate change. The process continues as Canada looks for ways to balance economic growth with environmental growth as well and this is a domestic event. -
The Oil Price Collapse
Global (international event)oil prices fell from about $100 per barrel in mid-2014 to as low as $30 per barrel by early-2016, causing the oil price collapse. The result of decreased global demand and overproduction by oil-producing nations, mainly the United States, led to this significant decline. Canada's economy depends heavily on the oil industry, and its collapse forced both the federal and provincial governments to change their economic policies. -
Justin Trudeau Becomes Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party, became Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister on November 4, 2015, after his party won in the federal election. His election marked the end of nearly a decade of Conservative government under Stephen Harper. Trudeau’s campaign focused on progressive policies, including tax cuts for the middle class, increased government spending on social programs, and a focus on diversity and inclusivity, and this was a domestic event. -
Canada’s Marijuana Legalization
On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize marijuana. This meant that adults 18 and older could legally buy, possess, and use cannabis. The legalization was part of an effort to reduce criminal activity, ensure safer products, and regulate marijuana use more effectively. The act was seen as a significant step in drug policy change and was intended to reduce the black market for cannabis, and this was an domestic event. -
The COVID-19 Pandemic In Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada in March 2020, causing lockdowns and travel bans. The government provided financial support and health measures to manage the crisis. Healthcare systems were working very hard, and vaccination began in late 2020. The pandemic changed daily life, focusing on public health, economic recovery, and social challenges, this is domestic because it talks about Canada specifically. -
Tariff Issues
In February 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico, and China. The goal was to address issues like trade shortages and illegal drug trafficking, mostly fentanyl. A 10% tariff was applied to Chinese goods, while 25% tariffs were set for Canada and Mexico but were delayed for a month. These tariffs are expected to raise prices, especially on goods like electronics, and could harm trade relationships with these countries, and this is an international event.