Canadian disasters: An historical survey

Abstract

The major Canadian disasters from the 1500s to date are identified by cause and type. General disaster criteria are defined. Twenty or more deaths occurring at one time is the primary criterion. The other principal criterion is to include events which have occurred within Canada and offshore inside the 200 mile economic zone. Events such as wars, epidemics and battles between natives and European settlers during colonization have been excluded. These criteria limit the events which are discussed to a manageable number.

The results of an expanded literature search are presented and a brief description of some of the disasters is given. An historical perspective is discussed with a view to illustrating the disasters which were common in early Canadian history, and those which have occurred in modern times. Conclusions are drawn as to which types of natural and man-made disasters are likely to occur in Canada in the future.