Canadian Autonomy Essay

Canadian Autonomy was the result of the evolution of Canadian Nationalism and the development of a desire to become independent from Britain. At one time Canada was nothing more than a British colony and the only pride felt by Canadian residents was the pride in being a British subject. The 20th century/interwar period played a huge role in Canada’s liberation which came as a result of the events, occurring in this time. Because of the events during the Interwar period, Canada emerged as an autonomous nation politically, economically and socially. However, Canada still keeps in check with Britain and follows their rules and guidelines.

To begin with, The Paris Peace Conference (1919), Chanak Crises (1922) and the statue of Westminster (1931) along with other events, were crucial in reviving Canada’s political autonomy. After Canada’s major part in the war effort with over 60,000 casualties and many more wounded from the war, Prime Minister Robert Borden fought for, and successfully gained, the country’s own seat and signature at the Paris Peace Conference independent from Britain. Following this achievement, Canada again stood away from the view of it belonging to Britain in the Chanak crisis. In 1922, when asked for troops to help defend Britain’s

port of Chanak against Turkish forces, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King stated that the Canadian Parliament would consider the offer and unlike before, Britain could not be certain of receiving help from Canada. This showed that Canada was not a puppet in Britain’s control, Canada would think of its own wellbeing before assisting Britain .The final step in political autonomy for Canada was The Statute of Westminster. Passed in 1931, this bill acknowledged the specifics of the Balfour Report (which stated that Canada was basically an autonomous nation, it should be diplomatically and politically independent and the Canadian Governor General was only a representative of the British monarch). With the Statute of Westminster, the Canadian government was now able to make their own foreign policies and create embassies around the world.
This leads to economic independence, which came with events like the Halibut Treaty (1923), and investments and Brach plants that were being settled in Canada by the Americans during the 1920s. Even though the Halibut Treaty signed with the United States was just a fishery agreement, it was the first treaty signed by Canada without the presence of the British Official. When the U.S. invested in Canada, this gave Canada economic freedom. Before World War I came to an end, Canada traded primarily with Britain. After the war, the British economy declined and the U.S. took control as the world’s economic leader. In turn, the U.S. purchased many resource companies in Canada, giving the Canadian economy a significant boost. Canada became less subordinate to Britain because of the security of American investors. United States also set up branch plants in Canada to avoid high fright costs and tariffs. Canada benefitted by selling Canadian goods to other countries than only Britain.
Furthermore, with the invention of the radio in 1930s with Canadian programs such as CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Co-operation), the group of seven and the famous Hockey night introduction really made Canadians more nationalistic and patriotic, aiding in social autonomy.

During the 1930s, the radio was designed, and soon enough CBC (Canadian network) was made. It gave national coverage and was the basis of bringing the nation's people together through near-instant communication. Canadians were also united as a country with Foster Hewitt’s familiar “Hello Canada” introduction. Hockey, one of the biggest traditions and the most important and key thing that brings Canadians together was also made popular during the

1030s.
Even though Canada is an autonomous and independent country, it still recognise the British Queen. For example even though the Queen isn’t involved with political side of Canada and Canada can do what it wants, the Governor General is appointed by the British monarch. Also all ministers, legislators, members of the armed forces, public servants, and police officers swear allegiance to the Queen. Though the said court ruling is likely to be appealed, for the time being all new citizens swear allegiance to the Queen as well. All passports are likewise issued in the name of the Queen. As a constitutional monarch, The Queen stands by the decisions of the Canadian Government, but she continues to play important ceremonial and symbolic roles. Britain also has its print on Canada economically and socially by the Queen being on our currency (all coins and the $20 bill).
In summary, Canada has come a long way to become an autonomous country. Many events during the interwar years changed Canadian social outlook on independence and patriotism, such as the CBC radio and hockey night. These happenings also brought Canadian economy and political views away from being tied with Britain’s (ex. Chanak Crises and the Halibut Treaty). Over the years, Canada became a separate country that didn’t have to rely completely on Britain. Even though with all these events and changes, Canada is still not too far away from Britain’s reach, the Queen still has power over Canada. Even though the queen will always be the head, Canadians have freedom to do what they want, and the power to vote for whomever they agree with.