See also: 1896 in Canada, other events of 1897, 1898 in Canada and the list of 'years in Canada'.

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Events

• Klondike Gold Rush rages in the Yukon
• January 29 - The Victorian Order of Nurses is founded in Ottawa
• February 2 - Clara Brett Martin becomes the first woman allowed to practice law in Ontario
• February 19 - World's first Women's Institute founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario
• May 24 - Félix-Gabriel Marchand becomes premier of Quebec, replacing Edmund Flynn
• September 6 - The federal government gives the CPR a grant to allow it to reduce freight rates through Crowsnest Pass
• October - A.B. Warburton becomes Premier of Prince Edward Island
• October 7 - Responsible government is introduced in the North-West Territories: Frederick Haultain becomes the first premier
• October 29 - Henry Emmerson becomes premier of New Brunswick, replacing James Mitchell
• Lord Grey proposes that Canada create a navy to protect its west coast; Laurier does not act on the recommendation

Births

• March 9 - Sidney Smith, academic
• April 23 - Lester B. Pearson, last prime minister born in the 19th century
• September 23 - Walter Pidgeon, actor
• September 29 - Graham Towers, Governor of the Bank of Canada
• December 7 - Gordon Graydon, politician

Deaths

• February 27 - James Austin, businessman
• July 4 - Amor De Cosmos, former Premier of British Columbia