If the Battle of Vimy Ridge was Canada's baptism, Expo 67 was its maturation. Expo 67 was the simultaneous celebration of Canada's centennial year and the hosting of the World's Fair in Montreal that same year. Firstly, Canada's Centennial Year was a year in which Canada needed to present itself as a modern nation fit for the world stage. In order to do this, the federal government earmarked significant amounts of money and effort to rouse Canadian nationalist sentiment and pride. Including a "centennial train" that crisscrossed the nation, a new flag that was unveiled 2 years prior, a large contingent of the Canadian Forces that engaged people about their national history, and the touring of the RCMP Musical Ride and aerial performances from the RCAF. Also, the Centennial brought many investments in arts and culture. The government invested copious amounts of money into programs such as the National Youth Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. In a more popular vein, the CBC commissioned folk singer Gordon Lightfoot to produce the "Canadian Railway Trilogy", most memorably. The second phase was the World's Fair itself in Montreal. Despite original concerns about budget shortfalls and time constraints, the fair went off without a hitch. Renewed infrastructure, and a lively Quebec that experienced rapid economic and social development in the years before.
The impact of the World's Fair and the Centennial is immense. Canada was able to prove to the world that Canada is a mature, and ready to present itself on the world's stage. Canada proved that we were a proud, developed, and advanced nation that deserved respect and recognition.
A great resource about the Expo complete with photos, videos, etc.
CBC Archives: A digital collection of videos and photos related to Expo 67
Gordon Lightfoot- Canadian Railroad Trilogy