1949day.year
The Government of Canada repeals Japanese-Canadian internment after seven years.
The Canadian government ends the internment of Japanese-Canadians, seven years after World War II policies forced their relocation.
In 1949, Canada officially repealed its wartime internment policy targeting Japanese-Canadian citizens, a practice instituted in 1942 amid wartime fears.
Over 22,000 Japanese-Canadians were uprooted from their homes, businesses, and farms, and placed in internment camps across the country.
The repeal marked a significant reversal of wartime civil rights restrictions.
Although restrictions were lifted, many former internees faced challenges reclaiming property and rebuilding their lives.
This action reflected evolving attitudes toward civil liberties in post-war Canada.
Today, the repeal is remembered as a milestone in the fight against racial discrimination in Canadian history.
Government of Canada
Japanese-Canadian internment
1970day.year
President Richard Nixon signs the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law.
President Nixon enacts legislation banning cigarette advertising on TV and radio, advancing public health measures.
On April 1, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law, significantly restricting tobacco advertising.
The Act prohibited cigarette commercials on television and radio, effective January 2, 1971.
It also required stronger health warnings on tobacco packaging.
The law responded to growing evidence linking smoking to serious health risks.
Advocates hailed the legislation as a major victory for public health.
The Act paved the way for further tobacco control policies in the United States.
1970
Richard Nixon
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act
1999day.year
Nunavut is established as a Canadian territory carved out of the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.
Canada establishes Nunavut as its newest territory, granting self-governance to Inuit communities.
On April 1, 1999, the eastern portion of Canada's Northwest Territories officially becomes Nunavut.
The creation of Nunavut realizes a land claim agreement granting the Inuit greater political autonomy and rights.
Covering vast Arctic landscapes, the territory is sparsely populated but rich in indigenous culture and wildlife.
Iqaluit is designated as the capital, serving as the administrative and commercial hub.
Nunavut's establishment marks a milestone in indigenous self-determination and northern governance.
1999
Nunavut
Canadian territory
Northwest Territories
2001day.year
Same-sex marriage becomes legal in the Netherlands, the first contemporary country to allow it.
On April 1, 2001, the Netherlands became the first modern nation to legalize same-sex marriage.
The Dutch Parliament approved legislation in December 2000 that came into effect on April 1.
Ceremonies were held at city halls across the country, allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed.
This groundbreaking move set a precedent for marriage equality worldwide.
By extending full marital rights, the Netherlands advanced the global LGBT rights movement.
Its pioneering example influenced many countries to follow in the years that followed.
Same-sex marriage
Netherlands
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