The Statute of Westminster (1931)

The Statute of Westminster, passed by the British Parliament in 1931, marked a key milestone in Canada’s journey to full independence. Before this moment, Canada, along with other British colonies, was part of the British Empire and subject to British laws and decisions. The Statute of Westminster granted full legislative independence to Canada and other Dominions, effectively ending the British Parliament's power over Canadian law.

Prior to the Statute, Canada was governed under the British North America Act of 1867, which allowed the country to self-govern domestically but still required British approval for significant legal matters. Canada’s leaders, particularly Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, wanted to assert more control over their own affairs. The Statute of Westminster gave Canada the power to pass laws without the need for approval from Britain.

The Statute was the result of growing Canadian sentiment for greater autonomy. The First World War had demonstrated that Canada could make its own military decisions, and by the early 1930s, Canada was ready to sever the last remaining constitutional ties with Britain. The Statute gave Canada the ability to make laws regarding trade, commerce, and foreign relations independently of Britain, though the country still maintained its membership in the British Commonwealth.

One of the most significant aspects of the Statute of Westminster was its inclusion of a provision allowing Canada to amend its own constitution. This gave Canada the legal means to change its governing laws without needing British approval. However, this ability to amend the constitution was not fully realized until the patriation of the Constitution in 1982, when Canada gained full control over its Constitution.

The Statute of Westminster also established the principle of equality between the British Commonwealth’s Dominions. Canada, along with other countries such as Australia and New Zealand, was no longer a subordinate colony but an equal partner in the Commonwealth.

While the Statute did not grant full independence to Canada, it was a critical step in the country’s gradual evolution toward complete sovereignty. It marked the end of Britain’s legislative control over Canada and set the stage for further independence. Over the next several decades, Canada would continue to assert its autonomy, culminating in the full patriation of the Constitution in 1982.