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In 1970 a revised Canada Elections Act lowered the voting age and from 21 to 18. In the past, the government has made a continuous effort to extend the right to vote to a wider range of people. The voting age was lowered so that younger people would gain the right to vote. (Elections.ca)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it opened the opportunity for a new younger demographic to vote. That allowed for new views and ideas, which impacted how the politicians would campaign, who the elected officials would be and how they would govern. The electoral process became more democratic because more people could vote.
In democracy, voting is one of the most important rights. Up to that time the minimum age of a voter was 21 years old. This was not a good thing because I think an 18 years is old enough to have his/her own mature views and opinions, but his/her opinion did not matter because they could not vote. This Act gave these young people a voice. Therefore, I strongly believe that this event had a positive impact only, that’s why I give it +2.
The War Measures Act was a federal statute which gave broad powers to the government to maintain security and order during war or insurrection. The only use of the War Measures Act in a domestic crisis occurred in October and November 1970 when a state of "apprehended insurrection" was declared in Quebec. Emergency regulations were proclaimed in response to two kidnappings by the terrorist group Front de Liberation du Quebec. FLQ kidnapped British trade commissioner James Cross, and kidnapped and murdered Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte. As authorities grappled with the crisis, more than 450 people were detained under the powers of the Act; most were later released without the laying or hearing of charges. The suspension of civil liberties in Quebec was politically controversial. When the crisis was over, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau pledged to refine and limit the application of the Act in internal crises, but by the time of the defeat of the final Trudeau government in 1984, the Act had not been modified. (The Canadian Encyclopedia, Denis Smith)
This event is significant because:
It is the only time in Canadian history that the War Measures Act was invoked during a time of peace.
The act allowed the authorities to apprehend people without a trail or significant evidence.
The enormous controversy that it created.
The kidnappings that lead to this situation were the most potent terrorist attacks to have occurred on Canadian soil.
This event had a positive impact because the government realised the extent to which this act violates human rights, so they became reluctant to using it again. The positive impact is also measured by the fact that the terrorists were apprehended in a relatively short period of time. This event had a negative impact because during the period in which the War Measure Act was invoked civil liberties and rights were trembled in the pursuit of halting the terrorist activities. More than 450 people were detained without trail; most of them were later released without being charged. The invoking of the Act also sparked controversy and tension between British and French Canadians. The negative impacts outweigh the positives; therefore, I give it a rating of -1.
In May 1972, a chain of events lead to one of the largest general strike in North America's history: The Quebec General Strike. The origin of the big strike was a strike at the newspaper La Presse, where journalists refused the newspaper’s new owner (Paul Desmarais) attempt to transform it into a federalist and capitalist propaganda machine. The brutal response from the police prompted the creation of a common front between the three largest union organisations of that time in Quebec. The tipping point that lead to the general strike, was the imprisonment of three trade unionists who then declared "We'll go to the court and we'll plead guilty with pride." Within hours of the beginning of jail time for the 'big three', workers spontaneously started downing their tools and organising their fellow workers in what became a full-fledged revolt. Although simply self organised, the revolt involved around 300 000 people and was so widespread that the Quebec police knew they could not contain or repress it and took a position of non-intervention. In the end, the Government negotiated a truce by releasing the jailed trade unionists and in return the three trade union centres agreed to tell their members to return to work. (libcom.org, Steven)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it was one of the biggest general strikes in the history of North America. The chain of events leading up to the general strike drew a lot of attention to what the government was doing to stop the protest against “La Presse” newspaper. People started to see how others were being treated unfairly. When the government sentenced to prison the three union leaders, people had had enough, it was a spark that ignited a revolt. People were not going to give up on this situation. The revolt was so large in size that the police didn’t have power to interfere and Quebec came to a halt.
This event had a positive impact because it showed that people were not going to stand by and see others be treated unfairly. It showed social unity and caring of well being for others. What the government was trying to do to the three union leaders was unjust. If nobody would have done anything, three man who were exercising their write to protest were going to go to jail. Thankfully people didn’t give up on them and held the strike until their demands were met. They did the right thing, they fought for their rights. The only negative impact during the strike was that Quebec came to a halt, due to the number of people that went on strike. However, the negative impact was caused by good intensions; therefore, I give this event a rating of +2.
The “Anik A” satellites were three communication satellites launched by a Canadian company (Telesat Canada) respectively in November 9 1972, April 20 1973 and May 7 1975. The Anik A1 satellite was the world's first national domestic satellite. They gave CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) the ability to reach the Canadian North for the first time and with a capacity of 12 colour television channels. The naming of the satellite was determined by a national contest, which was won by Julie-Frances Czapla of St. Leonard, Quebec. In Inuktitut, Anik means "little brother". The original intention to have the satellites built in Canada was reversed in a controversial decision by Telesat to award a contract to the American firm Hughes Aircraft Company, based on their lower bid. About 20% of the value of the contract went to Canadian firms though subcontracts. (ieee.ca)
This event is significant in Canadian history because Canada became the first country in the world to have a domestic communications satellite system using a satellite in the geostationary orbit. It was a show of Canada's technological advancements. Those advancements enabled Canadian TV and radio stations to broadcast live all over Canada. It also created future business opportunities for Canadians in high tech manufacturing.
This event had a positive impact in Canadian history because it showed its advancements in science and technology. The launch also showed the very real potential of job creation in this field. Another positive impact is that the satellite enabled instant broadcasting across Canada, and improved telecommunication. This event only had positive impacts; therefore, I give it a rating of +2.
The Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA) was a federal agency formed by Parliament in 1973 to ensure that the foreign acquisition and establishment of businesses in Canada was beneficial to the country. FIRA was placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Industry. FIRA approved or disapproved a foreign investment or the takeover of a Canadian company by considering these main factors:
- Potential for increasing Canadian employment
- Potential for increasing Canadian exports
- Potential to increase productivity and technological advancement
- The degree of Canadian ownership or management
- Potential impact on competition
- Compatibility with Federal or Provincial industrial and economic policies
(The Canadian Encyclopedia, Norman Hillmer)
This is a significant in Canadian history because it was an important step in trying to protect the Canadian economy. The wok of this agency created the experience and the knowledge as of which investments would have the best positive impact. This way, the future decisions would be more accurate in really helping the economy.
This event had a positive impact because it showed that the government did care about the economy and the good of all people. The agency was formed on the basis that any foreign business established in Canada would be for the good of the country and its people. This event may have had a negative impact in cases when FIRA did not approve investments that might have helped the economy. The positive impacts outweigh the negative impacts; therefore, I give it a rating of +1.
Does the government have the right to take the life of its citizens? For the first time, the Canadian legislators said no. After a decade of fierce debate and an impassioned, last-minute speech by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the House of Commons narrowly passes Bill C-84, abolishing the death penalty in Canada on July 14, 1976. The vote on Bill C-84 was 131 to 124 in favour of abolishing the death penalty, one of the closest in Canadian parliamentary history. It was a "free vote" - Members of Parliament could vote as they wanted to, and did not have to follow their party's official position. Cabinet members were required to vote for the bill. (cbc.ca)
This event is very significant in Canadian history because it forever changed the maximum punishment that can be given to an individual for a crime committed. The maximum punishment that can be given was changed to a 25-year parole ineligibility period, which for many is a more humane and civilized route of punishment. The Canadian government gave a definitive answer to a topic that is discussed to this day.
I will start illustrating my stand on this issue by quoting a fictional character: “If I kill a killer, the number of killers in the world stays the same”. No human should have the right to kill another human as by doing so he is becoming what he is trying to stop: a killer. The death penalty is a very sensitive topic that is hard to see through. Many feel differently about it. I feel that the act is not right, by the standard of today’s world I see the act as uncivilized. I believe that the legal system can find a way to punish someone for what they have done without taking their life. The only negative that I can find is that some criminals might have been more apprehensive to commit a crime since they would fear they might be punished by death, whereas now they have the hope that one day they will be set free. However, I give this event a rating of +2.
On a trip to Lausanne in 1963, Montréal mayor Jean Drapeau began planning to obtain the Olympic Games for Montréal. On 4 December 1969, Montréal filed its application with the IOC to bid on the 1976 Olympics, as did Moscow and Los Angeles. For Montréal this was a sixth attempt following initiatives to host the 1932, 1936, 1944, 1956 and 1972 Games. On 12 May 1970 in Amsterdam, the IOC announced that Montréal would host the Games of the XXIst Olympiad, to be held from 17 July to 1 August 1976. The Games would be the first Olympics hosted by a Canadian city. Although Canada did not win a gold medal at the Games, the Canadian team won 11 medals in total —more than double the number of medals won at each of the previous two Olympic Games. The Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG), headed by president and commissioner Roger Rousseau, was responsible for planning and overseeing the construction of Olympic facilities, as well as the financing and operation of the Games. Elaborate designs and labour strikes contributed to heavy construction costs. The original cost of the Games was estimated first at $120 million (1970) and then $310 million (1973). The final tally was $1.6 billion and it took 30 years to pay off the debt. The Olympic facilities became Montréal landmarks and many are still used for training and competition. (The Canadian Encyclopedia, Paul Foisy)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it was the first time that a Canadian city hosted the Olympic games. The Olympic games are one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Hosting such an event not only comes with a lot of pride and honour, but it also places the hosting country in the center of world attention. Canada received a lot of attention from this event. People outside North America may not be very familiar with Canada, so this sporting event served as their first introduction. The event also promotes harmony for the nations participating. Sports have a way of bringing people together, they put aside their differences and root for their team or nation. Olympic facilities became important landmarks for Montreal, which attract tourist to this day.
This event had a positive impact because it brought Canada to the center of attention. It received a lot of media attention worldwide. This helped with the exposure of Canada to people worldwide. The rest of the world was going to see how this far off nation was like. Hosting an event of this caliber also brings a lot of pride and honour. When you are watching a sports game, or rooting your team on, it does not matter where you came from, what nationality you are, if you are rich or poor, your political opinions, etc. On the playing field and for the people watching, everyone is equal. On the other hand, the building of the facilities created a lot of landmarks in Montreal that are still visited and famous nowadays. This event had a negative effect because it was extremely expensive. It took Canada 30 years to get out of debt. The positive effects outweigh the negatives; therefore, I give it a rating of +1.
On October 2, 1976, the construction of CN Tower was completed. CN Tower is a 1,815.4 ft high communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto. The tower is made of concrete, and at that time, it was the world's tallest free-standing structure and the world's tallest tower. The tower was built by the railway company called "Canadian National" from where it also got its name. The initial idea to build the tower came from the need to improve the radio communication, as the quality of broadcast signals was compromised by the high buildings in the downtown area of Toronto. The tower is a central point of Toronto's urban architecture and a prime tourist attraction. (Canada Alive.wordpress.com)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it helped improve telecommunication. The immense height of the CN tower helps sending telecommunication signals further than what was possible before. It also attracted a lot of tourist activity because it was an impressive technological achievement for Canada. It was a uniquely structured building and the world’s tallest free standing structure. Furthermore, after decades of being build the CN tower is the symbol of Toronto.
This event had a positive impact because it helped businesses and individuals with telecommunication and generated revenue. The tower also generated monetary gain through tourist activities. Towers immense size drew large crowds of people for years to come, generating a lot of revenue for the city. Although, it did cost a lot to build, it returned its investment within 14 years. This event has only positive impacts; therefore, I give it a rating of +2.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission was established by Parliament in 1977 to administer the Canadian Human Rights Act. Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Commission protects the human rights of all individuals lawfully present in Canada. It promotes a vision for Canada where all individuals have equal opportunity and are able to live their lives free from discrimination. The Commission is responsible for dealing with allegations of discrimination. By law, it is bound to screen every discrimination complaint it receives. The law applies to federally regulated organizations. This includes federal government departments and agencies, Crown corporations, and private sector organizations such as banks, airlines, as well as transportation and telecommunication companies. (The Canadian Encyclopedia, Jasmin H. Cheung-Gertler)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it insured its citizens that their right and privileges will be protected by law. After the October crisis, a valid point was made about Canadian rights and what protects them. Canada has had issues of discrimination towards certain demographics dating back to when it was a British colony. This act helped reduce those issues since it could charge people who discriminate other people. It also changed how human rights are seen from a social and political perspective. They were no longer just words said without much effect, they were now a law which protected every Canadian citizen.
This event had a positive impact because it insured people that their rights and privileges are protected by the law. Everyone is equal and should have the same rights. In the eyes of the law no one is lesser than the other, so it was necessary to have a law that could ensure that everyone felt and was equal. Canada has had issues in the past with discrimination. During World Wars minority groups have been targeted by the government, French-Canadian soldiers were not respected as much as British soldiers, etc. This act helped reduce any future discrimination and continuous to help to this day. It also made Canada a more democratic and united nation. This event only had positive impacts; therefore I give it +2.
In 1974, the Liberal government of Robert Bourassa implemented Bill 22, under which French was declared the official language of Québec and all immigrants arriving in Québec were enrolled in French-language schools. For the Parti Québécois government that came into power in 1976 under the leadership of René Lévesque, a new language law was a high priority. After publishing a White Paper on the subject (1977), it introduced Bill 1, strongly supported by nationalist and union groups (whose francophone members would benefit from greater access to jobs) among other stakeholders, and just as sharply opposed by management circles and the province's Anglophone population. The bill was withdrawn because of pressure from the Liberal opposition and reappeared as Bill 101. Introduced by Camille Laurin, Bill 101, Charte de la langue française (1977), made French the official language of government and of the courts in the province of Québec, as well as making it the normal and habitual language of the workplace, of instruction, of communications, of commerce and of business. Education in French became compulsory for immigrants, even those from other Canadian provinces, unless a "reciprocal agreement" existed between Québec and that province (the so-called Québec clause). (The Canadian Encyclopedia, M. D. Beheils, R. Hudon)
This event is significant in Canadian history because it made French the official language of government and of the courts in the province of Québec, as well as making it the normal and habitual language of the workplace, of instruction, of communications, of commerce and of business. The language that should be spoken in Quebec had always been a highly-discussed topic. For many decades, Quebec nationalist had tried to make French the official language, but had always faced issues, whether from pressure of British Canadians or from legislative issues. When Bill 101 was passed, it made Quebec the only province in Canada that has French as its official language. It changed the lives of people who lived there. Some British Canadians might have left since they no longer felt comfortable, while more French Canadians may have come to Quebec since it was now all French. The passing of the bill changed Quebec and made it what it is today.
This event had a positive impact because if this bill would not have been passed, the separatist movement would have gotten much stronger and Canada would not be the Canada that we have today. The separation referendums would have won. This is also a positive event for French Canadians. Throughout the years, they have been discriminated in some ways by the British Canadians, so for them to get the ability to speak their language in a province that is mostly populated by French Canadians a positive thing. A negative impact of this event is that British Canadians living in Quebec might have found it hard to coupe with the change in language. Learning a new language is very difficult and takes time. The positive impacts outweigh the negatives; therefore, I give it a rating of +1.
The accident occurred on the night of November 10, 1979 when a 106-car freight train carrying explosive and poisonous chemicals was derailed at the intersection of Mavis Road in Mississauga. As the train passed the Milton area, about 40 kilometres from the outskirts of Metro Toronto, lack of lubrication in a wheel bearing triggered a tremendous heat build up that broke off an axle and derailed the train. It was a deafening crash and squeal of iron as cars collided. On impact, some propane cars burst into flames. As the derailed train's tank cars became twisted and tangled, tankers were punctured, spilling their poisonous chemicals on to track beds. Within a minute, flammable liquids and vapours ignited, causing a massive explosion of a tank car. The yellowish-orange fire rose to a height of 1,500 metres and could be seen 100 kilometres away. The situation only got worse with more tank explosions, police officers, firefighters and other people being hurt and poison being spread in land and air. At the day's end, about 218,000 persons had left their homes, six nursing homes, and three hospitals including Oakville-Trafalgar Hospital and Queenway Hospital were evacuated. The southern part of Mississauga, Canada's ninth largest city with a population of 284,000 was a virtual ghost town. It was the largest peacetime evacuation in North American history to that date. It took 5 days and nights of clean up and recovery before all the people were able to return home. (Mississauga.ca)
This event is significant in Canadian history because the evacuation of so many people caused a huge economic damage and social disruption. The city and its life came to a dead stop. The spills caused by the crash also caused severe environmental damage to the crash site and surrounding areas. This event tested first responders’ capabilities in mass emergency situations. Once the situation was put under control, authorities searched for the cause of the crash. What they discovered showed deficiencies in railway safety. New safety measures where later implemented.
This event had a negative impact because it severely damaged Mississauga’s economy. For a whole week the city was inactive, people didn’t go to work, schools weren’t open etc. The city took a hard hit. What also took a hard hit was the environment near the crash site. Although it was cleaned up in around one week, the poisonous spills still caused a lot of damage, erosion of soil, plant damage, habitats effected, etc.
Somehow this event had a positive impact because it showed that the current railway safety and regulations were not up to par. As a result of this the railway companies learned a lesson on how they can make the tracks safer. This event was a test for emergency response units and showed their capabilities. Of course the negative impacts were far greater therefore I give a rating of -2.
In 1974 under the lead of Jack McGinnis, seven humble countercultural people created a non-profit cooperative called "Is Five Foundation". The organization’s purpose is best described on McGinnis own words: “The idea was to find a way for people to work together so that it was exciting and inspiring, and so ultimately the whole would be greater than the sum of the parts, and what we did together would be more than if we worked on our own.” This purpose was intentionally expressed in the name of the foundation through the concept that "the synergy of two-plus-two-is-five". The Is Five Foundation engaged in a variety of activities designed to provide meaningful employment, but it found its greatest success in the field of recycling. The first effort was a roadside, multi-material pickup that operated weekly in Toronto’s east-end Beaches district. IFF members travelled door to door publicizing the program while McGinnis drove the organization’s lone vehicle, a pickup truck. Soon they were able to pick up glass, cans and newspapers every week from 80,000 households. Later on, with financial support from the Ontario business community, IFF initiated the Blue Box system. They distributed 35 000 blue coloured bins, containing educational information, at the entrance of each home in the city. The program was totally volunteer to participate and out of 35 000 homes, only four people said, ‘Come take this thing away, we’re not going to do this.’ Within a week three of these people called back and said they had changed their mind. (Prism Ucalgary.ca, Ryan O’Connor)
This event is significant in Canadian history because: it invented the Blue Box system and was an inspiration for environmental awareness. The Blue Box system had become synonymous with recycling throughout Canada and much of the world. By 2011, 95 percent of Ontario households were serviced by Blue Box recycling programs. It also inspired people to be more aware of the environment and of ways that they can protect it. People became more alert of how they can be of service to their community.
This event had a positive impact because it created a recycling system in Ontario which helped manage all of the cities recyclable garbage. It helped protect the environment while also making it easier for cities to control and sort the garbage that they produce. The system was so efficient that it spread throughout Canada, and nowadays it has spread throughout the world. The IFF also served as a great example for how people can contribute to the good of their community. Furthermore, the IFF had a non-profit policy, the foundation was built by people who wanted to make a difference, without monetary gain in mind. This event only had positive impacts; therefore I give it a rating of +2.
My criteria for ranking the events will be: the impact (positive or negative) that the event or development had to Canada and Canadians in the years to come and judged from nowadays perspective.
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
Significance
+2
Significance
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
Significance
Rationale
+1
1970
1980
1976
1978
1974
1972
War Measures Act invoked without war (October crisis)
Significance
Rationale
-1
-2
Rationale
Significance