| Canada was created by the British North America Act, an act of the British Parliament in 1867. The dominion developed its autonomy largely through its participation in the two World Wars and in post-war efforts to maintain international peace. The decision to bring home Canada's Constitution was not unanimous. Patriation of the Constitution was a long and complex process that caused intense political manoeuvring and often bitter political debate throughout the country. Nevertheless, in an April 1982 ceremony on Parliament Hill, Queen Elizabeth II signed two copies of the Proclamation, including the one shown here. RG 68, vol. 886 |