Natural Resources Canada

In 1871, British Columbia joins the federation as a province with the boundaries it attained in 1866. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1873, Prince Edward Island joins the Confederation as the seventh province. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

New provisional boundaries are assigned to northern Ontario in 1874. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The District of Keewatin is formed from part of the Northwest Territories in 1876. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1880, Canada acquires title to the Arctic Islands that become part of the Northwest Territories. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

Manitoba is enlarged in 1881 by extending its boundaries westward, northward and eastward. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The provisional district of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Athabaska and Alberta are created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The south-western boundary of Keewatin is adjusted in 1886 to conform to the boundaries of the districts created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1889, Ontario is enlarged west to Lake of the Woods and north to the Albany River. The southwestern boundary of Keewatin is adjusted to conform with boundaries of the districts created in 1882. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of...

Ungava, Mackenzie, Yukon and Franklin are established in 1895 as additional districts in the Northwest Territories. The districts of Athabaska and Keewatin are enlarged. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate...

Boundaries are changed in 1897 for the districts of Franklin, Keewatin, Mackenzie, Ungava and Yukon. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The District of Yukon is separated from the Northwest Territories to become Yukon Territory with the boundaries as assigned to the district in 1895. The boundaries of Quebec are extended northward to the Eastmain River. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two...

The boundaries of Yukon Territory in 1901 are changed to those of today. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1905, Alberta and Saskatchewan are created as provinces with the boundaries they have today. The District of Keewatin is transferred back to the Northwest Territories.

In 1912, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec are extended northward. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

The boundaries of the districts within the Northwest Territories are redescribed in 1920. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1927, the boundary between Canada and Newfoundland is defined by the Imperial Privy Council. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

In 1949, Newfoundland enters Confederation as the tenth province with the boundaries as delimited in 1927. Canada’s long and diversified settlement history is reflected in the two distinct patterns of boundaries that differentiate between eastern and western Canada.

Nunavut becomes Canada's third territory on April 1, 1999. For the first time since the entry of Newfoundland into Confederation fifty years before, the internal boundaries of Canada have changed. The boundaries of this new territory respect the traditional Aboriginal concept of territoriality.

In 1996, Canadian exports of cattle and beef accounted for 2.1 billion, the second single largest agricultural export product after wheat ($4.7 billion). Although 72% of the cow-calf farms are in Western Canada, Eastern Canada is still an important meat producer and represents most of the...