Would modern day

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Not to nit-pick but I believe that it is widely regarded by most historians that Canada officially became independent in 1931 (as did Australia and New Zealand) under the Statute of Westminster.

I think we're discussing two different things. Technically and legally, the Queen, or her designate the GG, are the official Head of State for Canada. Granted, it is more of a ceremonial post now, but the role does have real power if the GG elected to use it.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

I think we're discussing two different things. Technically and legally, the Queen, or her designate the GG, are the official Head of State for Canada. Granted, it is more of a ceremonial post now, but the role does have real power if the GG elected to use it.

I was referring more to 1867 as being a date related to Canada’s "independence" (as you claimed). There wasn’t anything independence-related in 1867. It was the union of four British colonies into one. July 1, 1867 has come to symbolize the beginnings of modern-day Canada as we know it, but the reality is that Canada was still not made fully independent on a legislative level until 1931. (Nor were other countries like Australia, NZ, South Africa, etc.)

As for being independent of the crown, as a non-monarchist I wholly agree with you, but Canadian monarchists nonetheless claim that we are actually totally independent, and that the Queen is the Queen of Canada and a Canadian citizen, regardless of where she resides and what other places where she also serves as Queen: the UK, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, etc.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by Acajack

I was referring more to 1867 as being a date related to Canada’s "independence" (as you claimed). There wasn’t anything independence-related in 1867. It was the union of four British colonies into one. July 1, 1867 has come to symbolize the beginnings of modern-day Canada as we know it, but the reality is that Canada was still not made fully independent on a legislative level until 1931.

Actually I meant independent in the sense that it was now the Dominion of Canada, and granted a limited degree of freedom, if not independence, and no longer a colonial holding. On re-reading I can understand the confusion.