Since the early 1500s, for many different reasons, the settlers of Canada came from different places - first France and England and then the United States. Later, settlers came from many other countries looking for a better life. Some came to fish, others to take part in the fur trade and still others, to farm. France encouraged people to settle in "New France" and the Loyalists settled in southern and eastern Canada. Lord Selkirk brought poor Scottish and Irish people to live at three different settlements in Canada. The building of the Canadian Pacific Railway brought thousands of settlers to the prairies and the gold rush attracted many people to British Columbia. Life for the early settlers was hard. Some died. Some gave up and left. Many struggled on and eventually found comfortable and happy lives in their new country.

"Program 705".

The beginning -- Early settlement and resources -- New France - building to stay -- Acadia -- Revolution -- Settlement - British North America -- Settlement - The West -- Summary.