1. Canadian Identity

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3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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!)

13. 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

14. 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