From groundbreaking achievements to acts of courage and compassion, these are some of the moments in Canadian history that continue to inspire pride from coast to coast.
Vimy Ridge victory
The First World War’s Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as a single unit. The complete tactical surprise that resulted in the capture of a heavily defended ridge in northern France would become known as the birth of Canada’s identity as a strong, independent country.
Marathon of Hope
Despite having one leg, Terry Fox set out to run coast to coast to raise money for cancer research. Although Terry had to end his cross-country journey at 143 days and 5,373 km due to his cancer returning, he left behind an inspiration that continues to live on around the world today. To date, Terry Fox has raised over $850 million dollars for cancer research.
Welcoming 9/11 flights
During the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. closed its airspace, so “Operation Yellow Ribbon” was activated to redirect hundreds of flights into Canada. When close to 7,000 passengers from these planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland, the town temporarily became the world’s fastest-growing. Locals opened their homes and hearts to ensure these strangers had food to eat and a place to sleep.
Halifax emergency response
After the devastating 1917 Halifax Explosion, local volunteers and emergency workers organized the first large-scale centralized medical and civilian rescue operation in Canadian history.
Immediately after the explosion, doctors and nurses from area hospitals, military medical corps, and civilians worked together to transform schools, transit stations and a local YMCA into fully operational temporary hospitals capable of providing care for more than 8,000 injured victims.
Canadian Charter
In 1982, Canadians achieved full sovereignty over their Constitution through a process called patriation. This change ended the requirement of British approval for constitutional amendments and confirmed Canada’s complete independence as a nation.
The same amendment introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which expanded rights for Canadians.
Canadarm space debut
Canada cemented itself as a world leader in space technology when the first Canadian-made piece of technology was launched into space: the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, better known as the Canadarm.
Attached to the Space Shuttle Columbia, this ultra-high-technology robotic arm would become NASA’s workhorse, performing delicate orbital operations, grabbing satellites and helping to construct the International Space Station.
Same-sex marriage
Canada was one of the first countries in the world to allow same-sex marriage nationwide. In 2005, Parliament passed legislation which provided that same-sex couples have the same legal ability to marry as opposite-sex couples.
Canada’s decision drew worldwide attention. Many Canadians believed that equal marriage is fair, inclusive and treats people equally
1972 Summit Series
The dramatic eight-game hockey series between Canadian NHL all-stars and the Soviet Union national team during the Cold War came down to the final minute of game eight in Moscow.
With just 34 seconds to play, Paul Henderson scored the iconic game-winning goal to ignite a nation and unify Canadians across the country.
UN Peacekeeping
Lester B. Pearson helped to pioneer UN peacekeeping operations by introducing the idea of a neutral military force at the United Nations.
At the height of the Suez Crisis in 1956, Pearson suggested a force that would provide military support during cease-fire negotiations and ensure compliance by all parties. Pearson’s plan helped prevent a world war and won him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Overtime Olympic gold
Hosting the Olympics at home created extreme national pressure, which led to a dramatic men’s hockey gold medal game against the United States in 2010. After shouting for it at the buzzer, Sidney Crosby snapped it past the American goalie seven minutes into overtime.
Crosby’s Golden Goal sent the country into a frenzy and concluded Canada’s record-setting home Olympics.
Sheltering Syrian families
When Canada decided to show its humanitarian side to the world, it did so on a grand scale. In an organized effort between late 2015 and early 2016, Canada accepted over 25,000 Syrian refugees fleeing civil war.
Private sponsorship groups consisting of government officials and citizens rallied to help the refugees settle into Canadian communities. They offered safety, shelter, and support to these families.
ISS Space Command
Upon becoming commander of the International Space Station in 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield embraced social media to share his experience in space with millions.
Education-based videos, breathtaking photos, and even a zero-gravity rendition of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” put science back in the hands of the people. Canadians took great pride in our country’s involvement with space.
Universal Healthcare Act
Following Saskatchewan’s groundbreaking social legacy years earlier, in 1984, the Government of Canada established Medicare for all through the Canada Health Act.
Creating a publicly funded system based on principles of universality and accessibility, Canada stood apart culturally from the rest.
Tragically Hip’s farewell
After lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip announced a final summer tour in 2016. Approximately 11.7 million Canadians tuned in to watch their last concert played in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, on national TV free of commercials.
As one hundred minutes of talent and nostalgia unfolded, Canadians joined together to celebrate their country’s culture in what would be a bittersweet remembrance.
Netherlands liberation
In the last months of the Second World War, in 1945, Nazi troops were expelled from the Netherlands by the First Canadian Army, which battled through inundated areas to free the country from years of occupation.
Canadian troops also dropped food into the country as Dutch civilians faced horrific starvation in what became known as the “Hunger Winter.”
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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