Canadian Identity 1945 - 2000

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The Nation Expands April 1st 1949 Newfoundland & Labrador become Canada’s 10th province NL had been self governing since 1855 and had repeatedly refused to join Confederation Sir John A. Macdonald remarked “The Dominion cannot be considered complete without Newfoundland. It has the key to our front door.” During the Great Depression with bankruptcy looming NL had to accept British administration and assistance Following WWII, Britain was anxious to be rid of the financial burden of NL and urged them to join Canada Joey Smallwood became the driving force behind NL joining confederation and its first Premier

A New Flag Prior to 1965 Canada’s official flag was the Union Jack but the Red Ensign was also commonly used across Canada Many French Canadians objected to their usage because of their association with the Br. Empire Proposals for a new flag began in the 1920s and again shortly after WW II with no success The Suez Crisis renewed the debate (see Cold War notes) in Parliament and across Canada Finally a new design was selected and passed (163 for, 78 against) by Parliament, the Senate, and received Royal assent The Maple Leaf flew for the first time on February 15, 1965

Canada’s Centennial 1967 Canada celebrates its 100th birthday Montreal hosts Expo ’67 (World’s Fair) which attracts visitors from all over the world Montreal Expos become Canada’s first MLB team (now the Washington Nationals – boo!) Canada, a middle power, whose voice was well respected in the world community

Arctic Sovereignty 1880s – Canadian government sponsored voyages to the Arctic Canadian government claims sovereignty over the region RCMP put in charge of administering justice over the region

1969 – American oil tanker, SS Manhattan, travels though the Northwest Passage in the Arctic Triggers debate between Canada and the U.S. Canada did not give permission to U.S. and believe they have sovereignty over the passage U.S. claim its an international waterway, not under Canada’s control

Promoting Canadian Identity 1951 – “Massey Report” (written by future Governor General) suggests the government promote the Canadian Arts 1951 – The National Ballet of Canada was founded September 1952 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts the first Canadian television program 1957 – Canada Council for the Arts established and the Festival Theatre was built in Stratford The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to celebrate outstanding achievement – the caption reads Desiderantes meliorem patriam (They desire a better country)

Cold War on Ice 1972 – The Canada-Russia Summit Series Best Canadian hockey players vs. the best Soviet hockey players Contest to claim bragging rights – not only in hockey but in the Cold War also First 4 games played in Canada (1-2-1), last 4 in Moscow Canada wins the final 3 games to take the series (4-3-1) with Paul Henderson scoring the winning goal with 34 seconds left

O Canada! July 1, 1980 – O Canada becomes Canada’s official anthem Originally written in 1880 it has been revised many times with the final version written by Robert Stanley Weir (1908) Did you know – there are actually 3 more verses to O Canada (see below) O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise, To keep thee steadfast through the years From East to Western sea. Our own beloved native land! Our True North, strong and free! Refrain Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our Dominion in thy loving care; Help us to find, O God, in thee A lasting, rich reward, As waiting for the better Day, We ever stand on guard. O Canada! Where pines and maples grow. Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow. How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western sea. Thou land of hope for all who toil! Thou True North, strong and free! Refrain: God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

NEP 1975 the federal government creates Petro-Canada to decrease Canada’s reliance on imported oil 1980 – The National Energy Program is created (NEP) Government took steps to control energy supplies during a global energy crisis Energy crisis highlighted our dependence on fossil fuels – encouraged research into alternative energy sources

Space...the Final Frontier 1962 first Canadian made satellite (Alouette I) in orbit 1973 – Canada became the first country to have its own satellite communications system 1981 – Canadarm first tested in space aboard the space shuttle Columbia 1999 – Spar Aerospace sold to Macdonald Douglas (Canadarm is now American!)

Canadian Astronauts Canadian Astronaut Program created in 1983 – 12 Canadians selected for space 1984 – Marc Garneau becomes Canada’s first astronaut aboard Challenger 1992 – Roberta Bondar becomes Canada’s first female astronaut in space aboard Discovery

Arctic Sovereignty Dispute Redux 1985 – US Coast Guard ship Polar Sea sailed through the Northwest Passage Canadian government warned US that failure to recognize the Arctic as Canadian territory would be viewed as “an unfriendly act” 1987 – PM Mulroney and Pres. Reagan reach an agreement – US would ask permission for passage & would support Canada’s ownership of the Northwest Passage