Constitution Act, 1867

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Long title

• An Act for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Government thereof; and for Purposes connected therewith.

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The Constitution Act, 1867, originally known as the British North America Act, 1867, is a major part of Canada's Constitution. It created a federal dominion and defines much of the operation of the Government of Canada, including its federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the justice system, and the taxation system.

Historical Context

The Constitution Act, 1867 was enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom and came into force on July 1, 1867. This date is now celebrated annually as Canada Day. The Act united the three separate territories of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single dominion within the British Empire called Canada. The Province of Canada was divided into Ontario and Quebec, and along with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, formed the original four provinces of the new Dominion of Canada.

Structure and Provisions

The Constitution Act, 1867 consists of a preamble and 11 parts, containing 147 sections. Some of the key features include:

• Preamble: Establishes the union of the provinces and the creation of the Dominion of Canada.
• Part I: Preliminary: Defines the short title and commencement of the Act.
• Part II: Union: Details the union of the provinces and the establishment of the federal government.
• Part III: Executive Power: Outlines the powers of the Crown and the Governor General.
• Part IV: Legislative Power: Establishes the Parliament of Canada, consisting of the Queen, the Senate, and the House of Commons.
• Part V: Provincial Constitutions: Provides for the constitutions of the provinces.
• Part VI: Distribution of Legislative Powers: Divides powers between the federal and provincial governments.
• Part VII: Judicature: Establishes the judicial system, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
• Part VIII: Revenues; Debts; Assets; Taxation: Details financial arrangements.
• Part IX: Miscellaneous Provisions: Includes various other provisions.
• Part X: Intercolonial Railway: Provides for the construction of the railway.
• Part XI: Admission of Other Colonies: Allows for the admission of other colonies into the Dominion.

Amendments and Repatriation

The Constitution Act, 1867 has been amended several times. The most significant change came with the Constitution Act, 1982, which patriated the Canadian Constitution, making it fully Canadian and adding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The 1982 Act also provided an amending formula for future changes to the Constitution.

Significance

The Constitution Act, 1867 is foundational to the Canadian political system. It established the framework for the federal government and the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. It also laid the groundwork for the expansion of Canada as other provinces and territories joined the Confederation.

See Also

• Constitution Act, 1982
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• History of Canada
• Federalism in Canada

References

• "The Constitution of Canada". Government of Canada.