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The Royal Proclamation
The Royal Proclamation made the common law of England applicable to the territory in Canada that was British-controlled. It also established the ownership of all non-privately held land to be owned by the government and the Crown. Also, some Aboriginal rights were allowed--for example, Aboriginal people were allowed to use and occupy land, as well as various other rights. -
The Quebec Act, 1774
The Quebec Act of 1774 allowed the French legal system's practice of civil law in Quebec, as well as outlining the rights of Quebec. The use of civil law is still in effect to this day. The main effect of this on Canada is that three of the nine Supreme Court Justices are appointed from Quebec because they will have experience and expertise with the Civil Code of Quebec. -
The Constitution Act, 1867 (The British North America Act)
This act is what made Canada a country. The British North America Act (BNA Act) served as the main document in Canada's Constitution. This act established that Canada would be modelled after Great Britain. This act also outlined the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. The document did not include an amending formula and asking the British Parliament was necessary in order to pass a bill implementing change. The BNA Act was amended over the years until 1982. -
The Statue of Westminster, 1931
The Statute of Westminster of 1931 officially allowed Canada to no longer follow laws passed by the British Parliament. The Canadian Parliament was also permitted to change previously passed acts of the British Parliament. This also allowed Canada to amend its constitution; however, the British Parliament kept authority because the provincial and federal governments could not agree. -
The first Quebec Referendum, 1980
The first Quebec Referendum, 1980 refers to when Quebec held a vote trying to attain sovereignty. The vote failed with 59.56% against separating from Canada. -
The Constitution Act, 1982
The Constitution Act of 1982 is when Queen Elizabeth II signed a proclamation allowing Canada to make seven amendments on the Constitution. Queen Elizabeth II signed the proclamation in Ottawa on April 17th, 1982. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom made up most of the Constitution Act. -
The Meech Lake Accord, 1987
The Meech Lake Accord granted Quebec distinct society recognition and that three members of the Supreme Court would be from Quebec. The provinces will have a greater role to play on immigration policies. Also all provinces are allowed to "opt out" of new federal social programs and every province gets one constitutional veto. The Meech Lake Accord failed because Elijah Harper, A Cree Member of the Manitoba Legislature, disagreed saying that Natives were being kept out of the decision making. -
The Charlottetown Accord, 1992
The Charlottetown Accord accepted the Meech Lake Accord in full as well as adding self government for Aboriginal peoples, Senate reform, strengthened gender equality, recognition of group rights in addition to individual rights, and a minimum representation of 25% in the House of Commons for Quebec. Ultimately 54% of Canadians voted against it and it failed due its attempt to address to many groups and because it was vaguely worded. -
The Second Quebec Referendum
The Second Quebec Referendum was the second attempt at separating Quebec from Canada and establishing sovereignty. The vote took place on October 30th, 1995 and inevitably failed with 50.58% against it.
