πŸ“… This Day in Canada

Discover what happened in Canada on any date in history.

🍁 June 23 15 entries

πŸ“… Historical Events

1497

John Cabot Reaches North American Coast

Italian-born explorer John Cabot, sailing under the English flag, is believed to reach the coast of North America near Cape Breton or Newfoundland on or around June 24, 1497, making the first recorded European contact with mainland North America since the Vikings.

Exploration Newfoundland and Labrador Source β†—
1534

Jacques Cartier Arrives at Bonaventure Island

Jacques Cartier arrives at Bonaventure Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, encountering vast colonies of seabirds and continuing his exploration of the eastern Canadian coast.

Exploration Quebec Source β†—
1805

Simon Fraser Explores New Caledonia

Northwest Company explorer Simon Fraser and his party travel through the interior of what is now British Columbia, establishing trading posts and mapping the territory he names New Caledonia.

Exploration British Columbia Source β†—
1839

Lord Durham Returns to England

Lord Durham, governor-general of British North America, returns to England to write his influential report recommending the union of Upper and Lower Canada and responsible government.

Politics National Source β†—
1851

Responsible Government Achieved in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's achievement of responsible government in 1848, led by Joseph Howe, is recognized as a model for self-government within the British Empire, paving the way for similar reforms in other colonies.

Politics Nova Scotia Source β†—
1887

CPR Transcontinental Service Inaugurated

The Canadian Pacific Railway inaugurates its first transcontinental passenger service between Montreal and Port Moody, British Columbia, fulfilling the railway's promise to unite Canada from coast to coast.

Transportation National Source β†—
1919

Air Canada's Predecessor Founded

Trans-Canada Air Lines (later renamed Air Canada) is established by the federal government as Canada's national air carrier, beginning regular domestic passenger service in 1937.

Transportation National Source β†—
1939

Royal Visit of King George VI Concludes Canadian Tour

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth conclude their historic royal tour of Canada, the first time a reigning British monarch has visited the country, drawing enormous crowds across the nation.

Culture National Source β†—
1941

RCAF No. 6 Group Formed

Royal Canadian Air Force No. 6 (RCAF) Group is formed in Britain to coordinate Canadian bombing operations over Europe during World War II.

Military National Source β†—
1958

NORAD Agreement Signed

Canada and the United States sign the NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) agreement, integrating air defence systems of both countries against potential Soviet attack.

Military National Source β†—
1960

Social Credit Party Wins BC Election

W.A.C. Bennett's Social Credit Party wins the British Columbia provincial election, extending their hold on power in the province that began in 1952.

Politics British Columbia Source β†—
1977

Parti QuΓ©bΓ©cois Introduces Bill 101

The PQ government of RenΓ© LΓ©vesque introduces Bill 101, the Charter of the French Language, making French the official language of Quebec's government, courts and workplaces, transforming Quebec society.

Politics Quebec Source β†—
1985

Air India Flight 182 Bombing

A bomb planted by Canadian-based Sikh extremists destroys Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people aboard, most of them Canadian citizens, in the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history.

Crime National Source β†—
2010

National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

Canada observes the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on June 23, established to honour the 329 victims of the Air India bombing and all Canadians killed in terrorist attacks.

Culture National Source β†—
2015

Duffy Trial Opens

The criminal trial of Senator Mike Duffy opens in Ottawa, stemming from allegations of improper expense claims and triggering a major political scandal for Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government.

Politics National Source β†—