1) The first settlers of Canada were the Vikings in Newfoundland around 1000 AD, followed by the Portuguese who established fishing outposts. The French were the first to colonize the area, establishing Quebec City in 1608.
2) After the French and Indian Wars, Britain ruled Canada for over 100 years until 1867 when Canada gained independence while still remaining connected to Britain.
3) Canada fought alongside Britain in World War I and II and has improved relations with the United States since the 1980s. The first female Prime Minister was Kim Campbell in 1993.