Canadian history is a rich tapestry woven with threads of exploration, politics, struggle, and cultural growth. Each date carries its own unique legacy. November 4 is no exception. Over the centuries, this day has witnessed key moments that helped shape Canada’s political landscape, military history, cultural identity, and its path toward national sovereignty.
This article will explore several notable events in Canadian history that occurred on November 4. These events are presented with simple clauses and explained in detail to help all readers, whether experts or general enthusiasts, gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s historical development.
What Happened on November 4 in Canadian History?
1. November 4, 1957 – The Canada Council for the Arts Grants its First Awards
On November 4, 1957, the Canada Council for the Arts awarded its first-ever arts grants. This was a major milestone in Canadian cultural history. The Council was established in 1957 by an act of Parliament. It was created to promote the arts, humanities, and social sciences in Canada. The organization was part of the federal government’s effort to support Canadian identity and culture during a period of rapid social and economic change.
The grants went to both artists and scholars. This included painters, musicians, writers, and university researchers. The Council recognized the importance of supporting not just the economic needs of artists, but also the value of their work to Canadian society.
This event marked the beginning of sustained, federal cultural funding in Canada. It laid the foundation for a robust public arts sector. Today, the Canada Council continues to support thousands of creators across the country. The first awards in 1957, granted on November 4, were a symbolic and practical step toward a strong national arts identity.
2. November 4, 1980 – Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s National Energy Program is Introduced
On November 4, 1980, the federal government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, introduced the National Energy Program (NEP). The NEP aimed to secure Canadian energy independence and increase Canadian ownership in the oil industry.
The program came in the aftermath of the global oil crisis of the 1970s. Oil prices had skyrocketed. Many countries were rethinking their energy policies. Canada, although rich in natural resources, relied heavily on foreign oil companies, especially those based in the United States.
The policy was controversial. It was especially unpopular in oil-producing provinces like Alberta. Provincial leaders claimed it interfered with provincial rights over natural resources. Many saw it as federal overreach.
Despite the backlash, the NEP represented an important shift in Canadian federal-provincial relations and energy strategy. It had lasting political effects, particularly in western Canada. The program was eventually dismantled in the mid-1980s. But November 4, 1980, remains a crucial date in the history of Canadian federal policy.
3. November 4, 1970 – War Measures Act Extended During the October Crisis
Although the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec) crisis began in October, an important development occurred on November 4, 1970. On this day, Parliament voted to extend the use of the War Measures Act, which had been invoked by the federal government in mid-October.
The October Crisis began with the kidnapping of British diplomat James Cross and Quebec cabinet minister Pierre Laporte by the FLQ. The FLQ was a radical separatist group. It used violence to try to force the government of Quebec to separate from Canada.
On October 16, 1970, Prime Minister Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act. This gave police sweeping powers. It suspended civil liberties and allowed mass arrests without charge.
By November 4, tensions remained high. Laporte had been murdered. James Cross was still held hostage. Parliament held a special session to debate whether to continue the emergency powers. The vote on November 4 extended these powers for another 30 days.
The decision was controversial. Supporters said it was necessary to prevent terrorism. Critics said it violated civil rights. In retrospect, this extension became a major talking point in debates about the limits of state power in a democratic society.
4. November 4, 1981 – Canada Nears Agreement on Constitutional Patriation
A major turning point in Canadian political history occurred on November 4, 1981. On this day, all provinces except Quebec agreed on the final terms for patriating the Canadian Constitution. This was the result of long and difficult negotiations.
Until then, Canada’s Constitution was still a British law. It could only be amended by the British Parliament. Prime Minister Trudeau wanted to bring the Constitution home. He also wanted to include a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The negotiations involved all ten provincial premiers. The discussions took place at the Conference of First Ministers in Ottawa. On the night of November 4, known as the “Kitchen Accord,” federal Justice Minister Jean Chrétien, Ontario Attorney General Roy McMurtry, and Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister Roy Romanow reached a compromise.
The result was the Constitution Act, 1982. It included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It also set out the amending formula for future constitutional changes. The agreement excluded Quebec, which did not sign the final accord.
Nevertheless, November 4, 1981, is seen as the key moment when Canada took a final step toward full legal independence from Britain. It marked a defining chapter in the development of Canadian sovereignty.
5. November 4, 1993 – Jean Chrétien Becomes Prime Minister of Canada
On November 4, 1993, Jean Chrétien was officially sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister of Canada. His Liberal Party had won a landslide victory in the federal election held on October 25, 1993.
Chrétien was a veteran politician. He had served in many cabinet roles under previous Liberal governments. He became Liberal leader in 1990. His campaign in 1993 focused on economic renewal, job creation, and deficit reduction.
The election result was dramatic. The Progressive Conservatives, who had governed since 1984, were reduced to just two seats. The Bloc Québécois became the Official Opposition. The Reform Party also rose in the West.
Chrétien’s leadership would last for more than a decade. His government introduced the Clarity Act, oversaw the 1995 Quebec referendum, and managed several economic surpluses. He played a key role in Canada’s decision to stay out of the 2003 Iraq War.
The swearing-in on November 4 marked the beginning of a long Liberal era in federal politics. It was also a turning point after years of economic and political uncertainty.
6. November 4, 2015 – Justin Trudeau Sworn In as Prime Minister
Exactly 22 years after Jean Chrétien’s swearing-in, another Trudeau became Prime Minister. On November 4, 2015, Justin Trudeau, son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, was officially sworn in as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister.
His Liberal Party had won a strong majority in the October 19 federal election. Trudeau’s campaign emphasized a message of “real change.” He promised new infrastructure spending, middle-class tax cuts, and a more open and transparent government.
His victory followed a decade of Conservative rule under Stephen Harper. Trudeau’s rise was seen as a generational shift. His youth, energy, and emphasis on diversity helped his campaign resonate with many Canadians.
The swearing-in ceremony on November 4, 2015, was notable for its inclusive cabinet. It included an equal number of men and women. When asked why, Trudeau replied simply, “Because it’s 2015.”
The moment marked the beginning of a new era in Canadian politics, both in tone and in policy direction.
7. November 4 in Canadian Military History – Battle of Passchendaele (1917)
While not a uniquely Canadian date, November 4, 1917, marked a critical moment in the Battle of Passchendaele, a brutal World War I campaign in Belgium. Canadian forces played a leading role in this battle.
The objective was to capture the village of Passchendaele from German control. The battlefield was muddy, waterlogged, and full of shell craters. Thousands of soldiers died in horrific conditions.
By November 4, Canadian troops had fought for weeks under heavy artillery and rain. On this day, they finally took control of Passchendaele Ridge. The capture was a tactical success, but it came at a terrible cost.
Over 4,000 Canadians were killed, and nearly 12,000 were wounded in the campaign. Despite the loss, the victory showed Canada’s military strength and growing role in the war.
The Battle of Passchendaele remains one of the most tragic and heroic chapters in Canadian military history. The events of November 4, 1917, were a turning point in that struggle.
8. November 4, 1921 – Agnes Macphail Becomes First Woman Elected to Canadian Parliament
Although the federal election was held on December 6, 1921, the nomination process and political campaigning gained momentum around early November, including November 4.
One key figure was Agnes Macphail, who made history by becoming the first woman elected to the House of Commons. She ran for the Progressive Party in Ontario.
While the exact date of her nomination confirmation was not November 4, the political excitement and growing press coverage on that day signaled the beginning of a new political era in Canada. Macphail’s rise was part of a broader women’s movement following the achievement of women’s suffrage.
Macphail would go on to champion issues such as prison reform, farmers’ rights, and women’s equality. Her success opened the door for many more women to participate in Canadian political life.
Conclusion
November 4 may seem like an ordinary day, but in Canadian history, it has been anything but. From defining political transformations to cultural investments and military victories, this day reflects Canada’s evolution as a sovereign, democratic, and culturally rich nation.
Each event discussed in this article—whether the introduction of the National Energy Program, the swearing-in of Prime Ministers, or Canada’s role in a world war—has shaped the identity and values of the nation. These moments, grounded in their historical context, demonstrate how individual dates can carry the weight of history and memory.
As Canadians reflect on the significance of days like November 4, they gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of their shared past.