February 8: Edmonton police chief Fred Rayner is fired after news of a police sting targeting a journalist and the chair of the city's police board comes to light.
February 10: Wal-Mart says it will close one of its stores in Jonquière, Québec, just as its 200 workers are about to win the first-ever union contract from the world's largest retailer.
March 11 - 2004 Canadian sponsorship scandal: The Canadian government launches a $39 million lawsuit against Lafleur Communication Marketing, GroupAction, Groupe Everest and Le Groupe Polygone.
March 11 - Without warning, Jetsgo immediately ceases all operations.
April 21 - Prime Minister Paul Martin and the leaders of the opposition address the nation separately on television on the subject of the sponsorship scandal and the possibility of a general election being called this spring.
May 10 - The House passes a motion, which the opposition says should topple the government. The governing Liberals refuse to resign following this by claiming that this is a procedural matter and not a vote of no confidence.
June 9 - The Supreme Court of Canada rules against the Quebec Health Insurance Act and Quebec Hospital Insurance Act sections that prohibit buying privatehealth insurance for medically necessary medical services.
July 8 - Adrienne Clarkson undergoes pacemaker surgery. Beverly McLachlin, as chief justice, becomes administrator of the government during Clarkson's convalescence.
January 4 — The Canadian junior men's hockey team wins the IIHF World Junior Championship, defeating Russia 6-1. The team, which went undefeated over the course of the tournament, was touted as the "Greatest Team" to ever play in the Junior men's tournament. They won Canada's first gold medal at the tournament since 1997.
