History
The Constitution Act, 1982
In 1982, Canada patriated its Constitution, gaining the power to amend it without the approval of the British Parliament, and added the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Key facts
- ◆ Patriation gave Canada full control over its own Constitution.
- ◆ The Constitution Act, 1982 added the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- ◆ Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the Act in Ottawa on April 17, 1982.
- ◆ It also recognised and affirmed the existing rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.