Canada's independence was achieved by
Canada's independence was achieved through a gradual process rather than a single event. Here is how it happened:
1. Confederation: In 1867, the British North America Act was passed, creating the Dominion of Canada. This act united the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a federal system with a central government in Ottawa.
2. Autonomy: Although Canada became a self-governing entity, it still had strong ties to Britain. Over the next several decades, Canada gradually gained more autonomy and control over its internal affairs. This included the establishment of responsible government, where the executive branch of government is accountable to the elected legislature.
3. Legal and Constitutional Evolution: Through various legal and constitutional changes, Canada gained further independence from Britain. The Statute of Westminster in 1931 granted legislative independence to Canada, allowing it to pass laws without British approval. Additionally, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982 ended the ability of the British Parliament to amend Canada's constitution.
4. Symbolic Acts: While Canada's legal and constitutional independence was gained gradually, there were some symbolic acts that marked significant milestones in achieving full independence. For example, the introduction of the Canadian flag in 1965 replaced the Union Jack as Canada's official flag, asserting a distinct national identity.
It's important to note that Canada's path to independence was largely peaceful and cooperative, with the British government playing a significant role in enabling Canada's self-governance and independence.