The Statue of Westminster and the Historical Importance Behind it

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The 1931 Statute of Westminster can be seen as the logical end of the years of negotiations on change between Britain and her Dominions, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Newfoundland. The origins of the Statue date back to the Imperial Conference in 1926 where Lord Balfour, Britain’s Foreign Minster, suggested that all Dominions should be given the right to full autonomy in their legislations. This would result in equality amongst Britain and its Dominions It made several key provisions; British parliament could no longer nullify laws in the Dominions, the Dominions were able to make their own extra-territorial laws, and British law no longer had to be applied in the Dominions.
The Statue of Westminster represented a significant occasion in Canadian history. Despite being granted the right to self-government in 1867, Canada was unable to enjoy full legal autonomy until the Statute came into action on December 11, 1931. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the signing of Statue of Westminster, which can be seen as Canada’s own declaration of independence.
Changes in Federal and Provincial Powers
One of the main aspects throughout the Statue include the implications it would have on the federal and provincial powers. During the Great Depression the provinces were unable to cope with major economic and social crisis alone or on an equal playing field as other provinces. Specifically, the weaker provinces at the time, such as the Prairie Provinces, fared much worse than larger provinces such as Ontario, which had an abundance of resources and financial means to fight during trying times. At the time, many called for measures to protect individuals from economic extremes, such as introducing unemp...

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... Also in 1949, the Supreme Court of Canada became the last court of appeal.
On an international scale Canada was recognized as a new independent nation. Canada developed closer relations with other countries, especially with its closest neighbor-USA. At this time, Canada was no longer the baby of Britain, and America started seeing Canada as independent from Britain.

Ultimately
While some historians may not agree that the Statue of Westminster contributed to Canada’s independence, it was nonetheless a significant occasion in Canada’s journey to sovereignty. The Statue of Westminster facilitated Canada independence from British regulations and the freedom to pass, amend, and repeal laws within an autonomous legal system. This full autonomy enabled the government the independence that helped build the legislative foundation upon which Canada stands tall on today.

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