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Canada's journey to independence is a fascinating one, as it did not follow the conventional path of a violent revolution or a sudden declaration of independence. Instead, it was a gradual process of increasing autonomy and self-governance that took place over several decades.

The process began with the British conquest of New France in 1760, which marked the beginning of British rule in what is now Canada. Over the next century, the British colonies in North America gradually gained more self-governance through the establishment of responsible governments. This meant that the colonies had their own elected legislatures and were able to pass laws, although ultimate authority still rested with the British Parliament.

The reference to the year 1867 is particularly significant. On July 1st of that year, the British North America Act, also known as the Constitution Act, 1867, was passed by the British Parliament. This act created the Dominion of Canada, which was a self-governing entity within the British Empire. The Dominion included the provinces of Ontario (formerly Upper Canada), Quebec (formerly Lower Canada), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. This event is often celebrated as Canada Day, marking the beginning of Canada as a nation.

However, it's important to note that the term "independence" in the context of Canada's history is a bit nuanced. While the Dominion of Canada had significant autonomy, it was still part of the British Empire. The British monarch remained the head of state, and the British government retained some control over foreign affairs and defense.

Over the following decades, Canada continued to gain more independence. The Statute of Westminster in 1931 was a pivotal moment, as it granted legislative equality to the dominions of the British Empire, including Canada. This meant that Canada and the other dominions were no longer legally subordinate to the British Parliament.

Canada's full independence is often considered to have been achieved with the passage of the Constitution Act, 1982, which patriated the Canadian Constitution from the United Kingdom, allowing Canada to amend its constitution without the need for British approval. This act also entrenched the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, further solidifying Canada's status as an independent nation.

In summary, Canada did not gain independence from Britain in the traditional sense. Instead, it evolved from a British colony to a self-governing dominion and then to a fully independent nation through a series of legislative acts and constitutional amendments. The British North America Act of 1867 was a crucial step in this process, but it was part of a longer journey towards the Canada we know today.

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Later in the year, another conference was held in Quebec, and in 1866 Canadian representatives traveled to London to meet with the British government. On July 1, 1867, with passage of the British North America Act, the Dominion of Canada was officially established as a self-governing entity within the British Empire.read more >>