How does the monarchy work in Canada?
From the days of French colonization and British rule to today’s self-government, Canadians have lived under a monarchy. Although Canada has been a self-governing “Dominion” in the British Empire since 1867, full legislative independence for Canada was established only in 1931 by the Statute of Westminster. However, it wasn’t until the patriation of our constitution in 1982, that amendments could be made without the approval of Britain’s Parliament. Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, is also Canada’s Queen and sovereign of a number of realms. In her capacity as Queen of Canada and official Head of State, she delegates her powers to a Canadian Governor General. Canada is thus a constitutional monarchy.
