When did the British North America Act come into effect?

What should you know about this topic?

The British North America Act, now called the Constitution Act, 1867, came into effect on July 1, 1867. It created the Dominion of Canada by uniting three British colonies: the Province of Canada (which was divided into Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This event is called Confederation, and July 1 is celebrated each year as Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day.

The Act set up Canada's system of government. It divided powers between the federal Parliament and provincial legislatures and kept the Crown as the head of state. The leaders who worked out the agreement over several conferences, including at Charlottetown and Quebec in 1864, are known as the Fathers of Confederation. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister, and Sir George-Étienne Cartier was a key French-Canadian partner.

Other provinces and territories joined later: Manitoba and the Northwest Territories in 1870, British Columbia in 1871, Prince Edward Island in 1873, the Yukon in 1898, Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949, and Nunavut in 1999. Several of these dates appear as wrong options on this question, so learning the timeline helps. In 1982 the Constitution was patriated and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was added. The four original provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Learning these joining dates in order makes many history questions easier.

Why are the other answers wrong?

• 1871: 1871 is when British Columbia joined Confederation.
• 1898: 1898 is when the Yukon became a separate territory, during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• 1905: 1905 is when Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces.

What is the most common mistake?

Learners mix up 1867 with the dates when later provinces joined. The BNA Act itself, and Confederation, date to 1867.

How can you remember the answer?

July 1, 1867: "1-8-6-7, Canada's born, four provinces sworn."