For Canada, the Second World War officially began on

September 10, 1939, with a declaration of war against Germany.

This occurred following the declaration of war made by England
and France on September 3rd.
The Dieppe Raid occurred on August 19, 1942. Known as
Operation Jubilee, it involved more than 6,000 men, including
almost 5,000 Canadians. The soldiers went ashore at five
different points along a 16-kilometre stretch of heavily defended
coastline. More than 3,350 Canadians became casualties,
including approximately 1,950 who were taken as prisoners of
war. In total, 916 Canadians died during the ill-fated raid.
What is known as the Italian Campaign began when Allied
Forces, including Canada, went ashore in Sicily on July 10,
1943, during Operation Husky. The Allies fought for more than
four weeks before defeating the Italians. The fall of Sicily
cleared the way for the Allies’ next step on September 3, 1943:
landing in mainland Italy. Canadian casualties in the Italian
Campaign totaled more than 26,000, of which nearly 6,000 died.
D-Day occurred on June 6, 1944, when the Allies went ashore
on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy, France. More
than 14,000 Canadians participated in what was known as
Operation Overlord. Ground, sea and air forces rehearsed
endlessly for over a year prior to the landings to make sure their
timing and coordination were perfect.
More than 50,000 women served in the military with the
Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWACs), the Royal Canadian
Air Force – Women’s Division (WDs), the Women’s Royal
Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) and as Nursing Sisters.
At least 3,000 Aboriginal Canadians volunteered to serve in the
Second World War.
Sixteen Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross for most
conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy during the
war.
The Royal Canadian Navy began the war with 13 vessels and
3,500 sailors, and ended it as the third largest Allied navy with
373 ships and more than 110,000 sailors.
More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served
in the Second World War. More than 45,000 gave their lives and
another 55,000 were wounded.
The Second World War officially ended on May 8, 1945, in
Europe (V-E Day) and on August 15, 1945, in the Pacific (V-J
Day).
Canada had great efforts in the Second World War
involved virtually the whole country whether by
serving in the military or by serving on the home front
in industry or agriculture. More than one million
Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the military
— more than 45,000 gave their lives and another
55,000 were wounded. While the great powers made
more significant contributions to the war effort; for a
country of only 11 million people Canada's
contribution was remarkable. At war's end, Canada had
become a significant military power with the world's
third largest navy, the fourth largest air force and an
army of six divisions. Canada had grown significantly
through the ordeal of war and assumed new
responsibilities as a leading member of the world
community.