What year defines Canada as a country?

The date of Confederation (1867) is generally considered to define the beginning of Canada, but this may not be completely fair.  On this date, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act which combined the colonial provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in to the Dominion of Canada.  However, Canada already existed prior to this date, and full constitutional independence wouldn't be achieved for over a century, so its somewhat unclear that the date of Confederation is the date that should define Canada as a country.  Below are some other dates that could also be considered the definitive Canadian date:


1791:  The British controlled Quebec territory was divided into Upper Canada and Lower Canada in order to separate the jurisdictions of predominantly French speaking Lower Canada and predominantly English speaking Upper Canada.  This was the first creation of territories bearing the name "Canada."

1848:  In 1841, the territories of Upper and Lower Canada were combined into the United Province of Canada which led to a responsible government led by Louis LaFontaine in 1848.  This was the first government in Canada run directly by Canadians and had a degree of autonomy from the British government.

Louis LaFontaine: First Prime Minister of Canada?

1867:  Confederation.  As mentioned above, Confederation united the provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.  It also set up Canada's modern federal style of government and resulted in more autonomy for the elected Canadian government.

Fathers of Confederation: Not much in common with American founding fathers

1931:  The Statute of Westminster is passed by the British Parliament which reorganized the imperial system into the Commonwealth of Nations.  This granted legal independence to Canada and pretty much total legislative autonomy.  Under this definition of Canadian independence, the little known R. B. Bennett was the first Prime Minister of an independent Canada.

R.B. Bennett: First Prime Minster of Canada?

1982: Following the agreement of the British Parliament, the Constitution Act of 1982 modified the Canadian constitution so that the Canadian government could modify its constitution without requiring the agreement of the British Parliament.


So there are about 5 possible dates that could be described as the beginning of Canada.  While confederation isn't a bad date because it created the modern form of government and allowed significant autonomy, I think the most appropriate is either 1848 and Louis Fontaine's responsible government or 1931 and The Statute of Westminster.  I think the reasons these aren't generally considered is that, in 1848, no spectacular documents were drafted to allow for responsible government, and in 1931 Canada was already thought of as effectively independent, so legal independence didn't really seem like a big deal.  In conclusion: Canadian history is fascinating, I don't know why people think it isn't.