Peopled for centuries by indigenous Amerindians and Inuit, Canada began to be settled by Europeans in the first half of the 17th century, following the English expedition led by John Cabot in 1497 and the landing of Frenchman Jacques Cartier in 1534.

• 1754–1760 British defeat French and Amerindian allies in Canada.
• 1763 Under Treaty of Paris, France cedes its St. Lawrence and Québec settlements to Britain.
• 1774 Act of Québec recognizes Roman Catholicism, French language, culture, and traditions.
• 1775–1783 American War of Independence. Canada becomes refuge for loyalists to British Crown.
• 1867 Dominion of Canada created under British North America Act.
• 1897 Klondike gold rush begins.
• 1914–1918, 1939–1945 Canada supports Allies in both world wars.
• 1931 Autonomy within Commonwealth.
• 1949 Founder member of NATO. Newfoundland joins Canada.
• 1968 Liberal Party under Pierre Trudeau in power. Separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) formed.
• 1970s Québec secessionist movement grows, accompanied by terrorist attacks.
• 1976 PQ wins Québec elections.
• 1980 Referendum rejects secession of Québec. Trudeau prime minister.
• 1982 UK transfers all powers relating to Canada in British law.
• 1984 Trudeau resigns. Elections won by PCP. Brian Mulroney prime minister until 1993.
• 1987 Meech Lake Accord on provincial–federal relationship.
• 1989 Canadian–US Free Trade Agreement.
• 1992 Charlottetown Agreement on provincial–federal issues rejected in referendum. Canada, Mexico, and US finalize terms for NAFTA.
• 1993 Crushing election defeat of PCP, rise of regional parties. Jean Chrétien becomes prime minister.
• 1994 PQ regains power in Québec. NAFTA takes effect.
• 1995 Narrow "no" vote in second Québec sovereignty referendum.
• 1995 Fishing dispute with EU.
• 1997 Regionalism dominates federal election; Liberals retain power based on support in Ontario.
• 2000 Early elections: Liberals again retain power.
• 2003 PQ ousted by Liberals in Québec after nine years in power. Chrétien stands down in favor of Paul Martin.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004