The question “How old is Canada?” might seem like an incredibly straightforward question with a straightforward answer. Which it is if we take it at face value and say Canada is 157 years old based on it becoming a country in July 1867.
However, Canada’s history stretches far further than the moment it gained its independence from Great Britain. It has a rich history dating back long before the Europeans arrived with the Indigenous people who have lived here for millennia playing a vital role in shaping the history, culture, and identity of the region. Therefore, the answer to the question is more layered. It is a story that spans from pre-Confederation eras to the modern-day evolution of the country.
Continue reading this article to find out more about the age of Canada as we explore the multiple layers of its story and discover how Canada became the vibrant and diverse country it is today.
Canada’s Indigenous Roots
Long before the first European settlers arrived, the land we now know as Canada was already home to a wide range of Indigenous peoples who had their own unique cultures, languages, and histories. These peoples had lived on the continent for thousands of years, with historians having found evidence of human habitation dating back at least 15,000 years.
Indigenous peoples, from the Inuit in the far North to the Haida of the West Coast and the Mohawk of the East, have shaped the landscape of the country through their extensive knowledge of the land, water, and animals. These nations built societies, used advanced agricultural processes, created complex trade networks, and had rich spiritual traditions long before any Europeans set foot on the land.
The Indigenous cultures in Canada were diverse and reflected the vast and varied geography of the land. Canada’s nations developed sophisticated governance systems, art, and oral traditions that have continued into the modern day despite centuries of disruption caused by colonisation. However, the Indigenous peoples in Canada remained an integral part of the land’s identity even as settlers from Europe made their way across the continent.
Therefore, when we discuss the age of Canada, we must acknowledge the history that became before it became a nation in 1867. It is important to remember that Canada’s identity is not only shaped by its colonial past but also by the presence and resilience of its Indigenous peoples who have called this land their home for several millennia and continue to influence the nation today.
Life Before Colonisation
In today’s Canada, Indigenous peoples generally identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. In pre-colonised Canada, First Nations communities spread across various regions, including the forests of the east and the plains of the west while the Inuit lived in the Arctic regions, having adapted to some of the harshest living conditions on Earth. However, the Métis Nation did not exist before the colonisation since Métis are persons with mixed indigenous and European ancestry.
The First Nations groups were incredibly diverse. They had numerous cultural traditions and over 50 distinct languages. The Haida, Tlingit, and Coast Salish peoples lived in the coastal regions of what is now known as British Columbia and were expert carvers and fishers. They were known for their cedar longhouses and elaborate totem poles.
The Cree, Blackfoot, and Assiniboine peoples lived on the vast Prairies. Their lifestyle was nomadic, centered around hunting and trade, with a reliance on buffalo for their food, clothing, and tools. The Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) and Algonquin-speaking peoples lived around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and cultivated crops such as beans, corn, and squash. Their societies were well organised and they formed complex political alliances with each other.
In the Arctic areas, the Inuit people had adapted to living in extremely cold conditions. They built insulated homes such as sod houses and igloos and hunted marine animals including seals, whales, and fish. They wore special clothing made from animal hides that enabled them to survive in the cold climate. Unlike the agricultural First Nations societies in the south, the Inuit lived in highly mobile, smaller groups, and developed extensive knowledge of the wildlife and weather patterns of the Arctic.
Most Indigenous societies in pre-colonial Canada did not live in isolation. Instead, they had vast trading networks that spanned the whole continent. Spiritual beliefs had a central role in Indigenous life and many communities followed animist traditions that emphasised the sacred nature and interconnectedness of all living things.
Early Colonisers
Although the Vikings were the first Europeans to reach Canada, European exploration of the land did not begin until much later. In 1497, John Cabot, an Italian who had immigrated to England, set foot on Newfoundland. He claimed the land for England, named it New Founde Land, and was the first to map the East Coast of Canada.
Even though John Cabot had claimed the land he set foot on for England, English coloniasation of Canada only began over a hundred years later. The French were the first to settle in the country and explore it further. Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, is often credited as the leader of the first major European exploration of the region.
In 1534, Cartier landed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, claiming the area for France. He spent the next few years navigating the St. Lawrence River, travelling so far inland that he reached what is now known as Montreal. Cartier’s explorations, even if they primarily focused on finding a route to Asia, marked the first major encounter between the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the Europeans, setting the stage for future trade and colonisation.
Cartier’s explorations were only the beginning of France’s interest in the land as more French explorers and settlers were to follow and in 1608, Samuel de Champlain formed the first permanent French settlement at Québec. He laid the foundations for what was to become New France by building a fort along the St. Lawrence River .This was a strategic move that created a base for the fur trade that would flourish in the region over the coming centuries. Champlain’s diplomatic efforts and alliances with Indigenous groups, such as the Algonquin and Huron, were crucial to the colony’s early success. The relationships he formed allowed French settlers to engage in the fur trade and access valuable resources in the forests and waterways that stretched across Canada.
New France grew steadily over the next decades, and French explorers, like the famous René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, expanded France’s territory south to the Gulf of Mexico and west into the Great Lakes and beyond. The presence of French people in Canada led to the creation of a unique colonial culture, which was influenced by Indigenous knowledge, French traditions, and the fur trade.
However, the colony faced many challenges, such as conflicts with British settlers, harsh winters, and competition for control of the fur trade. The French regime would eventually be challenged by the British forces, with Britain gaining control of the land in 1763 after the Treaty of Paris.
Becoming Canada
Canada became a self-governing nation on July 1, 1867, a day known as Confederation. Before this, Canada was a collection of British colonies. Each colony had its own government but they were all still under the control of the British Empire. These Canadian colonies, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Providence of Canada (divided into Ontario and Quebec) faced various challenges such as economic instability, political issues, and a growing dissatisfaction with British rule. Ultimately, these pressures, combined with the growing desire for greater autonomy and the need for more unified defence, led to the idea of a Confederation.
Leaders such as Sir John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier were driving forces behind the Confederation. They, among others, believed that uniting the British colonies would create a stronger, more prosperous nation. However, there were others who opposed the idea, fearing that the union would lead to power becoming centralised with regions losing their local autonomies. Despite the opposition, and following several years of negotiations, the Constitution Act (originally known as the British North America Act) was passed by the British Parliament in 1867. It created a federal union and united the existing provinces under a new, single government with Macdonald as the first prime minister of Canada.
The Act marked the beginning of Canada’s transition into an independent nation rather than a collection of British colonies. It also laid out the framework for the federal system in Canada by dividing powers between provincial governments and the national government in Ottawa. Creating a national railway system was also fundamental to the plan; to connect the vast expanse of Canada and facilitate economic growth. However, this union did not include all Canadian regions. The western territories, including Manitoba, British Columbia, and later the Prairie provinces, would join the Confederation during the following decades.
How Did Canada Get Its Name?
Canada’s name comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” The name originated early on, in 1535, when Jacques Cartier explored the region around the St. Lawrence River. According to the story, the local St. Lawrence Iroquoians used the word kanata when referring to their village of Stadacona, situated near present-day Quebec City. Cartier misunderstood the term and began using “Canada” to describe not only Stadacona but also the surrounding territory.
By 1547, European maps were labelling the area north of the St. Lawrence River as “Canada.” Over time, it became the common term for the northern territories controlled by the French and later the British. When the British took control of New France, the name persisted and the British later used it for the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec).
In 1867, Canada was chosen as the official name for the country when the Constitution Act united several colonies into a single nation. Despite some discussion about alternatives, such as Borealia, Laurentia, and Albionoria, Canada was the preferred choice because of its historical significance and long-standing use.
The Growth of Canada
Following Canada becoming an independent nation in 1867, the country’s growth was a matter of both political consolidation and territorial expansion. While the initial union only included four provinces, the vision for the country extended far beyond this and new provinces and territories joined the Confederation over the next decades, reshaping Canada’s geographical boundaries with each addition.
One of the earliest expansions of the Confederation came in 1870, when the Red River Settlement, in present-day Manitoba, joined the union. It was the first addition and crucial for securing the western territories. Other areas followed gradually, such as the province of Prince Edward Island, which had initially opted out, joining in 1873. The province’s entry was facilitated by the promise of financial support and a railway, thus making it an essential part of Canada’s eastward expansion.
An important milestone in the development of the new nation came in 1885 with the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, a crucial network linking the eastern and western areas of Canada. The railway allowed Canada to assert its control over its new territories and made it easier to expand further west. British Columbia, which had so far been reluctant to join the Confederation, joined in 1871 after an agreement that included the construction of the railway.
Canada continued growing into the early 20th century as more regions became part of the Confederation. Alberta and Saskatchewan both became provinces in 1905 after European immigrants had settled in the regions. Meanwhile, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, Canada’s northern territories were gradually established, expanding Canada’s landmass into the arctic.
Canada had achieved the territorial boundaries it holds today by the mid-20th century. This vast expanse, which is rich in resources and diverse in landscape, has since become essential to Canada’s global identity.
Shaping the Canadian Identity
Canada’s journey from a British colony into a fully sovereign nation has been a gradual process that has been shaped by political, cultural, and legal developments. Despite the Confederation in 1867, Canada remained under British rule. This meant that the British monarch was still the head of state and the British Parliament held ultimate power over Canadian law. However, the creation of a federal governing system and the founding of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa allowed for a great degree of self-governance, thus setting the stage for future independence.
The first major step toward full autonomy was taken in 1931 when the Statute of Westminster, a key piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament, granted full legal equality to all self-governing dominions of the British Empire, including Canada. Before this, Canada’s laws could only be changed by the British Parliament. This Statute gave Canada the power to make its own laws and amend its own constitution, removing the need for British approval. This was a pivotal moment in Canada’s legal and political independence. Although Canada still recognised the British monarch as its head of state, the Statute marked a shift in Canada’s identity and moved it closer to full sovereignty.
Over the course of the 20th century, the move towards complete independence was solidified, especially after World War II. As Canada’s role on the world stage grew, so did its desire for full control over its constitutional and legislative powers. The process led to the patriation of the Constitution in 1982. It brought the Canadian Constitution to Canada, fully ending the practice of seeking approval from the British Parliament for constitutional amendments.
The Constitution Act of 1982 gave Canada full control over its Constitution and ensured that future changes could be made within the country itself. The Act also included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This was one of the most significant elements of the new Constitution, preserving fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to equality under the law. The Constitution Act together with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms solidified Canada’s legal independence and reinforced its identity as a multicultural and democratic society, with core values grounded in human rights and individual freedoms.
Modern Canada – a Diverse and Strong Nation
Today’s Canada is a diverse and vibrant country with an identity defined by a multicultural population, robust economy, and active role in international affairs. Canada is a nation that prides itself on inclusivity and equality, which has made it a safe haven for immigrants from around the world, with over 200 ethnicities calling Canada home. This diversity is seen as a great strength, contributing to all aspects of Canadian life, from cuisine to art and language to traditions. Canada’s official policy of multiculturalism, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act from 1988, was the first of its kind in the world and reflects the country’s commitment to embracing its multicultural population and ensuring that all cultures have the freedom to express themselves.
Canada also has a thriving economy, which is among the largest in the world. With a resource-rich economy, Canada has developed into a leader in various industries, including technology, energy, finance, and natural resources. Canada is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, while its natural resources play a key role in global markets. The emphasis on innovation and sustainability, especially in fields such as clean energy and technology, has positioned Canada as a forward-thinking global actor.
On the global stage, Canada is committed to diplomacy, peace, and humanitarianism. As a founding member of NATO, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth, Canada has an active role in global peacekeeping missions, thus contributing to international security. In addition, Canada’s commitment to human rights and environmental sustainability highlights its role as a compassionate and responsible global leader. Canada has a reputation as a peace-loving nation, which is reflected in its conflict resolution policies, aid to developing nations, and involvement in international organisations that promote global cooperation.
Canada’s global relations have also been shaped by its unique position as a bridge between the English and French speaking nations. As a bilingual country, Canada, with English and French as official languages, fosters strong ties with Europe. This bilingualism, together with Canada’s trade agreements, particularly the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has allowed the country to thrive in a global economy.
Modern Canada continues to evolve as a nation. It has learnt to embrace and build on its historical roots while looking into its future with optimism and purpose. From strong, diverse economy and global diplomacy to the commitment to social justice and inclusivity, Canada has made and continues to make significant contributions to the global community. Its identity is a mix of Indigenous heritage, European colonialism, and modern multiculturalism. As Canada moves forward, its ability to adapt will ensure it can continue to grow and prosper and maintain its reputation as one of the leading nations of the 21st century.
Sources
Government of Canada: Canadian Multiculturalism Act
Government of Canada: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Encyclopedia: The Treaty of Paris
The Canadian Encyclopedia: Cavelier de La Salle
Discover Canada: Canada’s History
The Canadian Encyclopedia: Significant Events
