Frequently Asked Questions

Shaping Canada

20,000 Years ago	The settlement of North America began with the migration of the Aboriginals.

Around 1000 A.D.	Early Norse colonists arrived on our shores.

16th Century	European explorers, such as John Cabot, Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, discovered valuable fishing grounds and other rich natural resources.

17th Century	The first European settlement was founded at Port Royal in Acadia in 1604. Throughout the century, French settlers established homes in New France.

18th Century	Growing numbers of immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland settled here seeking a better life. After the American Revolution in 1776, United Empire Loyalists fled to Canada to maintain their loyalty to Britain. These were Canada's first refugees.

19th Century	British immigration continued. Later in the century Canada welcomed immigrants from central and eastern Europe to develop the land. Chinese laborers were brought in to build the transcontinental railway. But then measures were introduced to exclude or restrict Asian immigration for a number of years. 1869 The first act dealing with immigration was passed by the government of Sir John A. Macdonald.

20th Century	Immigration boomed during the period leading up to World War, reaching a peak in 1913, at more than 400,000. Immigration has fluctuated over the years, depending on pressures abroad and Canada's needs. After a lull during the Depression and Second World War, many Europeans displaced by war and persecution settled in Canada. 1947 The first Canadian Citizenship Act took effect January 1, 1947, creating Canadian citizenship. Before that, Canadians were British subjects. 1967 A more liberal immigration policy eliminated discrimination based on race, religion or national origin. The government introduced the point system for independent immigrants, based on their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. 1969 Canada signed the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) and its 1967 Protocol, guaranteeing protection for refugees on its territory. 1976 The current Immigration Act was drafted, and proclaimed in 1978. Today's immigration policy is based on this act and subsequent amendments. 1977 The current Citizenship Act was passed. 1978 Canada began resettling thousands of Vietnamese boat people. 1980s Canada accepted growing numbers of people fleeing oppression and civil war in countries such as El Salvador and Chile. 1990s Immigration levels have been set at more than 200,000 throughout the decade. Immigration from Asia has increased in recent years. 1998 In January 1998, the Legislative Review Committee suggested changes to the Immigration Act and Regulations, based on consultations with Canadians during 1997. 1999 In the spring of 1999, Canadians welcomed more than 5000 refugees from Kosovo, under an emergency evacuation program.