CANADA Flashcards
Pierre Trudeau
A Canadian politician who served as the 15th prime minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984. Between his non-consecutive terms as prime minister, he served as the leader of the Opposition from 1979 to 1980.
Pierre Trudeau’s service as Prime Minister was marked by significant reforms and policies that shaped modern Canada. His legacy includes promoting bilingualism and multiculturalism, establishing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and navigating complex economic and political challenges. Trudeau’s vision of a just society and his commitment to individual rights and freedoms have left an enduring impact on Canadian society.
The Quiet Revolution
A period of socio-political and socio-cultural transformation in French Canada, particularly in Quebec, following the election of 1960.
This period was marked by the secularisation of the government, the establishment of a state-administered welfare state, a shift in political alignment toward federalist and sovereigntist (or separatist) factions, and the eventual election of a pro-sovereignty provincial government in the 1976 election.
While the Quiet Revolution is often associated with the efforts of the Liberal Party of Quebec’s government led by Jean Lesage (elected in 1960) and, to some extent, Robert Bourassa (elected in 1970 after Daniel Johnson of the Union Nationale in 1966), its profound impact has influenced the policies of most provincial governments since the early 1960s.
New France (1663)
New France becomes a royal colony of the French Empire.
Britain and France were competing intensely for land and trade on the American continent.
Hudson’s Bay Company (1670)
Hudson’s Bay Company founded.
The Hudson’s Bay Company is founded by Britain’s King Charles II. The company is given control of a vast new territory known as Rupert’s Land, comprising much of northern North America.
Dominion of Canada (1867)
Dominion of Canada established.
The British North America Act takes effect, uniting the former United Province of Canada (now split into Quebec and Ontario) with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and forming a new self-governing colony, the Dominion of Canada. The modern constitution of Canada takes effect.
Canadian Independence (1931)
The Statute of Westminster grants Canada political independence from Britain, including the right to an independent foreign policy.
Bilingualism (1969)
The passage of the Official Languages Act makes Canada an officially bilingual country with French and English as its two official languages. (Pierre Trudeau)
Constitutional Independence (1982)
Queen Elizabeth II signs the Canadian Constitution Act, transferring control of the former British North America Act — Canada’s constitution — to Canada, thereby ending any remaining British political power over Canada. The revised version contains a new Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
October Crisis (1970)
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau evokes the martial law powers of the War Measures Act to crack down on separatist terrorists in Quebec following the assassination of vice-premier Pierre Laporte.
Expo 67
1967
Expo 67 in Montreal provides impetus to Canadian national identity. French President Charles de Gaulle visits and declares ‘Vive le Quebec libre’ (Long live free Quebec).
Indigenous Rights
Pierre Trudeau
The Constitution Act of 1982 recognised and affirmed the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, marking a significant step towards addressing Indigenous issues and rights.
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
Pierre Trudeau
Advocacy: Trudeau’s government took steps to advance women’s rights, including appointing more women to cabinet positions and supporting legislation that promoted gender equality.
Bill C-150/Omnibus Bill (1969)
Trudeau
1969: Trudeau’s government introduced and passed the Omnibus Bill (Bill C-150), a comprehensive piece of legislation that reformed various aspects of Canadian law, including criminal justice, family law, and reproductive rights.
Contraceptives: Prior to the Omnibus Bill, the sale, advertising, and distribution of contraceptives were restricted under Canadian law. The bill decriminalised contraception, making it legally accessible and allowing Canadians to make private decisions about family planning without fear of prosecution.
