Can Canada be considered a sovereign nation?

Canada is considered a sovereign nation and has been a sovereign nation since 1867. However, since it is part of the Commonwealth, new citizens are still required to pledge allegiance to the Queen of England.


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The sovereignty of Canada has been debatable throughout it's history. The British North America Act of 1867 is the beginning of "Canada" as a nation, but not totally sovereign.

The Statute of Westminster (1931) transferred several political powers from the UK parliament to the Canadian Parliament. Some see this as the marker of Canada as a sovereign nation.

Others still don't see Canada as a truly independant nation until 1982. It was this year that Prime Minister Trudeau "brought home" or patriated the Canadian Constitution. Until then, any changes to the Canadian Constitution had to be passed by the British legislature.

Since then, Canada is as sovereign as a nation can be. However, Canada's federal government has slowly transferred many of its powers to the provinces, making Canada the most decentralized nation in the world. This question of decentralization is an entirely different topic of sovereignty altogether.

In conclusion, YES, Canada is a sovereign nation, but when it was gained is up for you to decide.

First answer by Twoisthelegacy. Last edit by Jdcole. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]