Fort York located in the heart of downtown Toronto is the largest collection of buildings of the War of 1812. York was Toronto’s former name and Yorkton’s founders, the York Farmers Colonization Company chose the name for our first colony’s village site “York City” in 1882. In 2012, Canada commemorated 200 years since the War of 1812. This war was between American forces against the combined forces of Britain, Canada (very much involved) and Aboriginal tribes. Causes of the war? British attempts to restrict U.S. trade, and America’s abiding desire to expand its territory. Even though the USA took on Great Britain, poor planning caused the USA many defeats, including the capture and burning of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., in August 1814. The war ended in 1814, and the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1815 without boundary changes. In 1818 the British/Canadian and the USA agreed that the international boundary would be located at the 49th parallel. So, why pretend that Canada is only 150 years old? This has led to “false news” — such as a radio announcer commenting: “Canada became a country 150 years ago without firing a shot!” Then, I heard speakers say “We know that Canada is older than 150 years!” They then went on trying to correct the slogan CANADA 150. Here are some events that led to Canada becoming a country: -Recognizing the First Nations view of this land being thousands of years old and signing of treaties-some signed before Confederation and many afterwards. 1534 — Jacques Cartier claims the land he calls Canada for France. — Québec settlement (City) established in 1608. First farmer of Canada at Québec settlement 1617. LaVérendye, explorer during the French regime establishes Western fur posts, one Fort La Reine-in what is now Manitoba in 1734. Conflicts and wars between French and English ends with Treaty of Paris 1763, with Canada becoming British, and inhabitants become “British Subjects.” During Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier’s time 1896-1911, a Canadian Navy is founded, independent of England. Canadian women were declared “persons” by the London Privy Council 1929. Only in 1947, did we Canadians obtained Canadian citizenship. We have our own flag only since 1965. We only became an independent country with the Constitution Act, 1982. Canada’s history is 483 years old this year.
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722 heritage@yorkton.ca
