Territorial Evolution, 1867 to 1999

Canada had a relatively small area when created in 1867, but it then expanded greatly to become, by area, the second largest country in the world. This map is a composite of 18 Atlas maps which show territorial changes at specific times during the period 1867 to 1999. Not only did Canada as a whole expand over time, but also most of the provinces expanded their areas: only two provinces (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) had their present boundaries as of Confederation (1867). The boundaries and names of the territories also changed over time; one of the three existing territories, Nunavut, was created as recently as 1999.