Constitution Act, 1867 (annotated)

Constitution Act, 1867 (British North America Act, 1867)  (1867)

The Constitution Act, 1867 (formerly called the British North America Act, 1867), comprises a major part of Canada's constitution. The Act entails the original creation of a federal dominion and defines much of the operation of the Government of Canada, including its federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the justice system, and the taxation system. It received its current name in 1982, with the patriation of the constitution (having originally been enacted by the British Parliament). Amendments were also made at this time: section 92A was added, giving provinces greater control over non-renewable natural resources. See also this document's original version this document's unannotated version

(30 & 31 Victoria, c. 3.)

An Act for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Government thereof; and for Purposes connected therewith

29th March 1867

Whereas the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have expressed their Desire to be federally united into One Dominion under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with a Constitution similar in Principle to that of the United Kingdom:

And whereas such a Union would conduce to the Welfare of the Provinces and promote the Interests of the British Empire:

And whereas on the Establishment of the Union by Authority of Parliament it is expedient, not only that the Constitution of the Legislative Authority in the Dominion be provided for, but also that the Nature of the Executive Government therein be declared:

And whereas it is expedient that Provision be made for the eventual Admission into the Union of other Parts of British North America:

Contents

• Part I: Preliminary
• Part II: Union
• Part III: Executive Power
• Part IV: Legislative Power
• Part V: Provincial Constitutions
• Part VI: Distribution of Legislative Powers
• Part VII: Judicature
• Part VIII: Revenues; Debts; Assets; Taxation
• Part IX: Miscellaneous Provisions
• Part X: Intercolonial Railway
• Part XI: Admission of Other Colonies
• The First Schedule: Electoral Districts of Ontario
• The Second Schedule: Electoral Districts of Quebec specially fixed
• The Third Schedule: Provincial Public Works and Property to be the Property of Canada
• The Fourth Schedule: Assets to be the Property of Ontario and Quebec conjointly
• The Fifth Schedule: Oath of Allegiance
• The Sixth Schedule: Primary Production from Non-Renewable Natural Resources and Forestry Resources

Notes

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