In 2017 the great country of Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Through its 150 years, Canada has stamped its mark on history with innovation, progressivism, and remarkable talent. Considering this, It can be said that Canada has had a very rich history, however this rich history cannot be attributed to the Country as a whole but rather the remarkable individuals that helped shape Canadian history. There have been many of these extraordinary Canadian individuals however, three in particular standout. These individuals include Sir Alexander Graham Bell, Wayne Gretzky, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Throughout Canada's history many great inventors founded many great inventions. Canadian inventions such as the Canadarm, walkie
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Take the professional athlete Wayne Gretzky for example. Wayne Gretzky was a professional hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979-1999. It is said that Gretzky is the greatest Hockey player of all time. Take his individual career for proof. Wayne Gretzky holds 61 NHL records, which in itself is a record for most NHL records. These records include Most NHL points (2857), most NHL goals (894), and most NHL assists (1963). In fact if you disregard all of Mr. Gretzky's goals, he would still lead the NHL in points solely based on his assist total. Considering this it can be said that Wayne Gretzky did not just break NHL records but he shattered them, proving that Wayne Gretzky was a remarkably talented individual who showed phenomenal athleticism. Furthermore Wayne Gretzky did not just change the game of hockey on the ice, but also helped grow the game of hockey off the ice. Take his tenure for the professional hockey team the Los angeles kings as an example. Wayne played for the Kings from 1988-1996 however, the Kings were a much different franchise before and after Wayne Gretzky played for them. The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team in a less than traditional hockey market. Considering this they had trouble selling tickets for their games and their arena was rarely more than half full, that was until Wayne Gretzky played for the Kings. When Gretzky was traded to the kings in 1988, he played so well that the people of Los Angeles were astonished of his abilities and had to see his talents for them self. Shortly after his debut with team, the Kings started selling out of tickets and filling their 18,000 seat arena to the brim. It is said that Wayne Gretzky single handedly saved the Los Angeles Kings franchise and is one of the main reasons that the Los Angeles Kings franchise continues to sellout of tickets today. As a result of Wayne
Wayne Gretzky’s Impact on Hockey Wayne Gretzky played a huge role in hockey history. He was a role model for many people who watched the NHL and played hockey across America as well as in Canada. His early years and determination led him to where he is today. All of his hard work throughout his life paid off in his great success over his career. Gretzky was the greatest hockey player ever to play in the NHL, his integrity and persistence set the bar for many players today and also influenced the way the game was played.
Canadian history has shaped Canada's future for centuries now. Without the great explorers of their time, and maybe even our time, provinces and territories, gulfs, bays, rivers and land would be lost and undiscovered for many years. Our great country can thank many brave and brilliant explorers and their crew, for founding our name, and creating such an amazing land. Jacques Cartier, John Cabot and Henry Hudson, all managed to explore much of Canada. Through discovering the islands of Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island to locating the Hudson Bay, these 3 explores endure Canada's harsh winters, famine, scurvy and much more, to begin the great discover of all of Canada.
Chong, M. R. (2002). Canadian History Since WWI. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from Markville: http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/history/history/fivecent.html
“Just watch me.”Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau said in 1970. He meant it as he fought to keep Quebec a part of Canada. Not only did he do that, he managed to be prime minister for 16 years, as well as being Canada’s youngest leader at the time. He brought greater civil rights to Canadians, Quebec citizens mainly. His charismatic personality matched his innovative ideas, that enhanced Canada for the better. For his entire political career, not only did Canada watch him, the whole world watched him change the country for the better. He made a radical change to Canada by championing the idea of officially implementing bilingualism. Trudeau was a trailblazer from the moment he was elected.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau was arguably one of the most vivacious and charismatic Prime Ministers Canada has ever seen. He wore capes, dated celebrities and always wore a red rose boutonniere. He looked like a superhero, and often acted like one too. Some of the landmark occurrences in Canadian history all happened during the Trudeau era, such as patriating the constitution, creating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the 1980 Quebec Referendum. However, it is Trudeau’s 1969 “white paper” and the Calder legal challenge which many consider to be one of his most influential contributions to Canadian history.
Canada experienced the revolution of changing politics and new ideologies, it was a necessary wave
“Let us be English or let us be French . . . and above all let us be Canadians.” Born on January 11, 1815, in Glascow, Scotland, Sir John A. Macdonald became the first prime minister of Canada and one of the most transcendent that Canada has ever seen. He immigrated to Canada in 1820, at the age of five, where his family, including his mother, father and two siblings, settled in Kingston, Ontario. He spent his childhood studying at the Midland District Grammar School, where he developed his passion for the English language and at the same time, realizing his new dream of becoming a lawyer. He was unable to attend university as a result of the financial problems within his family; however, that did not stop him from achieving his goal. At the age of fifteen, Sir John A. Macdonald entered a law office as a junior and as a result of his perseverance and dexterous personality, he was called to the bar in 1836. He then began his law practice with extensive success as a commercial lawyer in Toronto and Kingston. His commendable efforts as a lawyer were well recognized by many and he became extensively popular and was regarded as a positive leader that could make a difference. By 1844, he was elected to represent Kingston in the Legislative Assembly of Canada. In 1854, he helped create the Conservative party and on July 1, 1867, the day of Confederation, he became Canada’s first prime minister. Sir John A. Macdonald contributed to Canadian history in a significant way as his actions had a positive impact on Canada, which helped it develop and prosper.
In Canadian history there are many famous people. In my mind one really stands out among the rest. His name is Terry Fox and he is one of the greatest athlete to run on the face of this planet. Terry discovered he had cancer and then decided to run across Canada. He was a brave man who would take what the world through at him. Running across Canada was his way to show the world that he was not going out with out a fight.
The history of Canada was flooded with many influential and incredible events, particularly during World War 1 and World War 2. During the 20th century, Canada got more involved in worldwide events. It was a very important period for Canada; it was where they gained their independence and progressed as a country. After this century, Canada was considered an important and powerful country. The three main 20th century events in Canadian history are the battle of Vimy Ridge, the change of woman’s rights and the battle of Juno Beach.
Pierre Trudeau is the greatest Canadian of the twentieth century due to the fact that he declared Canada’s independence from Great Britain, he abolished the death penalty, and he created the Official Languages Act, making our nation entirely bilingual.
Newman, Garfield et al. Canada A Nation Unfolding. Toronto: Mc Graw – Hill Ryerson Limited, 2000.
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
Thompson, John Herd, and Mark Paul Richard. "Canadian History in North American Context." In Canadian studies in the new millennium. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2008. 37-64.
During the last 4 months, I’ve studied a lot about Canadian history and come across many great historical events that have shaped Canadian identity. The two most defining moments between the years 1900 to 2000 were women’s suffrage which was an issue to determine if women should have the right to vote or not. The other defining moment for Canada was Expo 67, which was the most successful worlds fair in history.
There have been many high-profile names in the world of sports, which have garnered the interests of sports fans throughout the years. Distinguished such as Lebron James, Ken Griffey Jr., Donovan McNabb, and Johan Cruyff are among favorites to many who follow their respective sport. Although all are exceptionally good athletes, the names of Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, and Pele will forever a class above them. Yes for the most part, these sportsmen have demonstrated their strength, talent, and athleticism, but there is a huge gap between the first class of names I mentioned, and the second. The difference is that the later are champions. Winning is what takes very good athletes, and elevates them into the status of the “great ones”.