Modern Canada

After the Second World War, Canada experienced economic growth and prosperity. Immigration increased, and Canada became home to millions of newcomers from Europe, and later from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

The Trans-Canada Highway, completed in 1962, is one of the longest national highways in the world. The St. Lawrence Seaway, completed in 1959, opened the Great Lakes to ocean-going ships.

In 1965, Canada adopted the red and white maple leaf flag. The flag features a stylized red 11-pointed maple leaf on a white background, bordered by two red bands.

Canada celebrated its 100th birthday on July 1, 1967, with Expo 67 in Montreal, a world exposition that showcased Canada's achievements. The Official Languages Act of 1969 gave English and French equal status in the federal government.

In 1982, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau achieved the patriation of the Constitution. Canada's Constitution was amended in Canada for the first time, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was entrenched.

In 1999, Nunavut was created as a new territory from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.

Canada continues to be a leader in international peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Canadian Forces serve around the world in support of peace and security.

Since the 1960s, Quebec sovereignty has been a major political issue. Two referendums were held on Quebec separation from Canada, in 1980 and 1995. Both resulted in a vote to remain part of Canada, with the 1995 referendum being extremely close (50.58% voted "No").

In 2005, the Civil Marriage Act legalized same-sex marriage across Canada, making it the fourth country in the world and the first outside Europe to do so.