In Canada, capital gains have always received preferential treatment in that they are not 100% taxable. Here is a summary of the history of percentage of capital gains which were subject to tax:
October 18, 2000 – present: 1/2 of capital gains are taxable.
February 28, 2000 – October 17, 2000: 2/3 of capital gains were taxable
1990 – February 27, 2000: 3/4 of gains were taxable
1988 – 1989: 2/3 of gains were taxable
1972 – 1987: 1/2 of capital gains were taxable
pre 1972: no tax on capital gains