1990s – The Time Of Reformation In Canada

Life during the 1990s is well known for the exuberant fashion, unforgettable music, and the important changes made in many different areas of our society that affected the world globally as well as in Canada. The decade of the ’90s will forever be remembered in Canada by many of its “firsts” in areas such as politics, the economy, and social events. This can be seen from the “first” few attempts of reformations to the Canadian Constitution to the first women who exceptionally obtained well-respected positions in the fields of politics and science. For this reason, the 1990s in Canada was a time of new changes to the country’s fundamental principles, and the management and responsibility of Canadian citizens. It was a time of new inventions and ideas in light of an economic recession, and a time of impactful and influential women who challenged social commonalities which changed Canada’s society up till this day.

First off, during the decade of the 1990s, there were many attempts to change and improve Canada’s fundamental principles and how Canada managed and responded to its citizens in a political sense. Some examples of this are in 1992 with the Charlottetown Accords, in 1997 with the Canadian Pension Plan reformation, and in 1999 when Nunavut was inducted as Canadian territory.

Now, the Charlottetown accords were the second attempt to change Canada’s constitution after the failed attempt of the Meech Lake Accords in 1990. It proposed something called the Canada Clause that according to Gale Canada In Context is described to be, “changes to the division of federal-provincial power, self-government for aboriginal peoples, and reforms to the Senate and the House of Commons.” Not only that but, it also proposed that Quebec be recognized as a distinct society similar to the last accord. With the given options of change, all Canadian provinces were left to vote on the accord, “However, the final nationwide tally revealed that 54 percent of Canadians voted against the proposed package of constitutional amendments”. Due to the failure of the Charlottetown accords, the Canadian Constitution has had no further attempts of reformation even to this day. Next, more reformations occured within Canada during 1997. Also, in 1999 Canada inducted Nunavut as a new territory of Canada.

Moving on, during the early 1990’s Canada entered a time of economic recession which caused the Canadian government to introduce new ideas and inventions that would assist Canada’s economic health. These examples include the Goods and Services Tax brought in 1991 and the North American Free Trade Agreement which was agreed upon in 1990. Furthermore, the 1990s were a rising time of powerful and influential women who would impact Canada and the world for decades to come. Some of these exemplary women are Kim Campbell the first female Canadian Prime Minister, Roberta Bondar the first Canadian woman in space, and Princess Diana who was a popular royal figure.

During 1993, Kim Campbell was elected to be the prime minister of Canada and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party after the resignation of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. She was Canada’s first female prime minister dating back from the day that Canada became a nation in 1867. However, “At just four months, Campbell's term as prime minister remains the third-shortest term in Canadian history, after Charles Tupper and John Turner” (Kim Campbell- Gale Canada In Context). As stated, Kim Campbell’s time of power as the prime minister did not last long and eventually, she was lost her title of prime minister after the 1993 election which greatly damaged the Conservative Party’s influence in the country. Despite her loss, she still remained and remains to this day an extremely influential woman. Especially in firsts female positions that she achieved as Minister of Justice and the Minister of National Defence. It is certain that she will forever be remembered for her time as the prime minister and her work towards improving women's rights in Canada.

In summary, the 1990s were a time of grand change and reformation to the Canadian government with the attempted modify the Canadian Constitution, the reformation of the Canadian Pension Plan, and with the induction of new territories. Moreover, it was a time of new ideas including the GST and NAFTA to boost Canada's economy with new taxing approaches and new trade agreements in a time of economic struggle. This, in turn, strengthened Canada’s economy greatly in the future. Furthermore, it was a time of upcoming, successful, and inspirational women such as Kim Campbell, Roberta Bondar, and Princess Diana who challenged Canada’s social normalities by obtaining high achievements politically, scientifically, and royally. These areas were primarily occupied by other people more specifically men, who were socially accepted at the time. In the affirmation of the past statements made, the ’90s were a time of growth and impactful people that will forever be remembered by Canadian’s for decades to follow. The people of today can learn that by looking at the choices, mistakes, and successes made in the ’90s, they can better the future of Canada, all it takes is a great idea and grand execution.