March 8 is an important date for Canada. On this day back in 1867 the British House of Lords gave final reading to the British North America Act.
It created the new Dominion of Canada by joining the United Province of Canada (which became Québec and Ontario), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It also provided for entry of other colonies or British possessions into the new federation.
The BNA Act forms the basis of Canada’s government; it’s legal and parliamentary system and powers of the federal and provincial governments, all based largely on British models.
On this day the Act passed easily through the British Parliament with few changes, primarily because few MPs and Lords bother to attend to vote.
Later though many more rush in when a vote was to be held on a more contentious bill to place a tax on dogs.
The BNA Act was given Royal Assent March 22; proclaimed March 29. in London, England
Then also on a March 8, but in 1982, the British House of Commons passes the Canada Act, allowing Canada to patriate its constitution, which meant that Canada no longer had to ask Britain to approve amendments to its Constitution. The House of Lords will give final reading March 25, 1982.
Queen Elizabeth II will sign the Royal Proclamation of the Constitution in a ceremony April 17, 1982 on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, the national capital.
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