Part 12: Constitutional Change, Energy, and National Identity (1970–1989)
Reading time: 25–30 minutes
The 1970s and 1980s were among the most consequential decades in modern Canadian history. The country confronted political violence, constitutional reform, economic uncertainty, regional tensions, and changing ideas about what it meant to be Canadian.
During this period, Canada patriated its Constitution, adopted the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, hosted the Winter Olympics, and witnessed acts of extraordinary courage such as Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. At the same time, debates over federal-provincial relations, energy policy, and national unity became defining political issues that continue to influence Canada today.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1970 | October Crisis |
| 1972 | Canada–Soviet Summit Series |
| 1980 | Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope |
| 1980 | Quebec sovereignty referendum |
| 1980 | National Energy Program |
| 1982 | Constitution Act and Charter of Rights |
| 1985 | Air India Flight 182 bombing |
| 1987 | Meech Lake Accord |
| 1988 | Calgary Winter Olympics |
| 1989 | Fall of the Berlin Wall |
111. The October Crisis (1970)
What Happened?
In October 1970, the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a militant separatist group, kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Labour Minister Pierre Laporte.
Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act, granting police and the military extraordinary temporary powers.
Pierre Laporte was later murdered by his captors.
Why It Matters
The October Crisis remains the only peacetime use of the War Measures Act in Canadian history. It sparked lasting debates about balancing national security with civil liberties.
112. The Canada–Soviet Summit Series (1972)
Although not a political event, the 1972 Summit Series became one of the most significant moments in Canadian sports history.
The eight-game hockey series between Canada and the Soviet Union captured the nation’s attention.
On September 28, 1972, Paul Henderson scored the winning goal with just 34 seconds remaining in the final game.
Lasting Impact
The Summit Series became a defining moment in Canadian culture and reinforced hockey’s place in the country’s national identity.
113. Terry Fox Begins the Marathon of Hope (1980)
After losing his right leg to cancer, Terry Fox set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
Beginning in St. John’s, Newfoundland, he ran an average of more than 42 kilometres every day.
After 143 days and over 5,300 kilometres, Terry was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when his cancer returned.
Why It Matters
Although he did not complete the journey, Terry Fox inspired millions. Annual Terry Fox Runs have since raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research around the world.
114. Quebec Holds Its First Sovereignty Referendum (1980)
The Government of Quebec, led by René Lévesque, held a referendum asking voters to support negotiating sovereignty-association with Canada.
Approximately 60 percent of Quebec voters chose “No.”
Lasting Impact
The referendum highlighted ongoing debates about Quebec’s place within Canada and influenced constitutional discussions throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
115. The National Energy Program (1980)
In response to global oil price shocks and concerns over energy security, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s government introduced the National Energy Program (NEP).
The program sought to:
- Increase Canadian ownership of the petroleum industry
- Improve national energy security
- Stabilize energy prices
- Increase federal revenues from oil production
Why It Matters
The NEP became one of the most controversial federal policies in Canadian history. While supporters argued it improved energy security, many in Alberta believed it unfairly harmed the province’s economy and strained federal-provincial relations.
116. Canada Patriates Its Constitution (1982)
On April 17, 1982, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Constitution Act, 1982 in Ottawa.
Canada gained full control over its Constitution, ending the need for British parliamentary approval for future constitutional amendments.
Lasting Impact
Patriation marked the final step in Canada’s constitutional independence from the United Kingdom.
117. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)
Included within the Constitution Act was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Charter guarantees fundamental rights including:
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of religion
- Democratic rights
- Mobility rights
- Legal rights
- Equality rights
- Minority language education rights
Why It Matters
The Charter has become one of the most influential legal documents in Canadian history and plays a central role in decisions made by Canadian courts.
118. Air India Flight 182 Bombing (1985)
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 exploded off the coast of Ireland after a bomb detonated onboard.
All 329 people aboard were killed, including 268 Canadian citizens.
It remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history.
Lasting Impact
The tragedy led to major changes in aviation security, intelligence coordination, and counterterrorism policies in Canada.
119. The Meech Lake Accord (1987)
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney negotiated the Meech Lake Accord in an attempt to secure Quebec’s formal support for the Constitution Act, 1982.
The agreement proposed:
- Recognition of Quebec as a “distinct society”
- Greater provincial powers
- Changes to constitutional amendment procedures
Despite initial support, the Accord failed to receive unanimous provincial approval by 1990.
Why It Matters
The failure of Meech Lake intensified national unity debates and influenced later constitutional negotiations.
120. Calgary Hosts the Winter Olympics (1988)
Calgary welcomed athletes from around the world for the XV Olympic Winter Games.
The Games introduced Canadians to memorable moments including:
- The debut of the Jamaican bobsleigh team
- The determination of British ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards
- Significant investments in sports infrastructure
Lasting Impact
The Calgary Olympics strengthened Canada’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events and left a lasting legacy of world-class facilities.
Life in Canada During the 1970s and 1980s
Canadians experienced rapid technological and social change.
Households increasingly embraced:
- Colour televisions
- Home computers
- Video cassette recorders (VCRs)
- Microwave ovens
- Cable television
At the same time, inflation, unemployment, and high interest rates created financial challenges for many families, particularly during the early 1980s recession.
Environmental awareness also grew, and multiculturalism became an increasingly important part of Canada’s national identity.
Did You Know?
- Terry Fox was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1980 at the age of 22, making him one of the youngest recipients ever.
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has influenced thousands of court decisions since 1982.
- The Air India bombing claimed more Canadian lives than any other terrorist attack in history.
- The Calgary Winter Olympics helped popularize winter sports across Canada and left facilities still used by elite athletes today.
- The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War, reshaping Canada’s international priorities.
Key Takeaways
The years from 1970 to 1989 reshaped Canada politically, constitutionally, and culturally. The October Crisis tested democratic freedoms during a national emergency, while the Constitution Act and Charter of Rights established a new legal framework that continues to define Canadian society.
At the same time, Terry Fox inspired a generation, debates over energy and national unity highlighted regional differences, and Canada strengthened its international reputation through diplomacy, sport, and constitutional leadership. By the end of the 1980s, Canada had become a fully sovereign nation facing new opportunities—and new challenges—as the Cold War came to an end.
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