Exploring Canada's healthcare journey.
Welcome to Healthcare History of Canada.
This resource serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the history of Canada, with a particular focus on the evolution of nursing and the significant contributions and impacts of Indigenous peoples. It explores how historical events, legislation, and key figures shaped the nursing profession, while also examining the ongoing influence of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and healthcare practices on the development of Canada’s healthcare system. By highlighting pivotal moments and systemic changes, and to see how nursing and Indigenous knowledge have shaped healthcare in Canada over time.
Our focus
We aim to educate and inform Canadians about the historical context of their healthcare system. From the early days of medical care to the establishment of universal healthcare, we cover the essential milestones and policies.
Key events
Explore the significant events that defined Canadian healthcare history.
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation the Alberta Association of Nurses acknowledge that we live, work, and play across the province of Alberta. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the First Nations Treaty 6, 7 and 8, Métis Regions and the Inuit people. We recognize the Indigenous people who for generations have been the traditional keepers of these lands. We acknowledge health disparity, and we commit to responding to the seven health-related Calls to Action detailed within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report (AAN,2025).
About us
Healthcare History of Canada is a personal project dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational resource on the history of healthcare in Canada. Based in Calgary, Alberta, we aim to inform and educate Canadians about the evolution of their healthcare system.
Stories of care
Explore the significant events and milestones, key figures and Pivotal moments that have shaped the Canadian healthcare system. This timeline provides an overview of the Canada healthcare history focuses on the indigenous healthcare system.
