When Were Canada’s Provinces Founded?

The Dominion of Canada came into being on July 1, 1867. Dominion indicated Canada was a self-governing colony of the British Empire.

On the day Canada came into being, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec became its first provinces.

Further provinces and territories were added over the years, with the most recent territory – Nunavut – forming in 1999.

Dates of Canadian Province and Territory Formation

1867 – Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

1870 – Manitoba, Northwest Territories (N.W.T.)

1871 – British Columbia

1873 – Prince Edward Island

1880 – Transfer of the Arctic Islands (to N.W.T.)

1898 – Yukon Territory

1905 – Alberta, Saskatchewan

1949 – Newfoundland and Labrador

1999 – Nunavut