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Get ready to celebrate the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster on December 11! This significant day commemorates the signing of a historical document that solidified Canada's independence from Britain in 1931. The statute granted full sovereignty and legislative power to Canada, making it an important step towards becoming the independent nation we know today. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our country's rich history and appreciate the progress we have made. So let's raise our flags and celebrate this special day with pride and joy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Canada</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British North America Act creates the Dominion of Canada, but the British government retains power over foreign affairs, defence, and other matters.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1926</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Balfour Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Balfour Declaration is issued by the 1926 Imperial Conference, clarifying that British dominions are equal in status and not subordinate to the United Kingdom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1931</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statute of Westminster</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Statute of Westminster is passed by the British Parliament, granting full autonomy to Canada and other dominions, except in areas where they choose to remain subordinate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Laws Repealed</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada passes the last remnants of the British legal powers, the British North America Acts, making Canada fully independent.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Patriation of the Constitution</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Constitution Act is enacted, patriating the Canadian Constitution and ending any remaining British control over Canadian constitutional matters. The celebration of the Statute of Westminster strengthens after this.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historic sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to some of the historic sites related to the Statute of Westminster, such as Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament. Learn more about the history surrounding this important event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Throw a party with a 1931 theme, the year the Statute of Westminster was enacted. Encourage guests to dress up in 1930s attire and serve drinks and snacks from that era for a fun and unique celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a lecture or seminar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check local universities or historical societies for any lectures or seminars on the Statute of Westminster. This is a great way to learn more about its significance and engage in thoughtful discussions with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch a movie or documentary that focuses on the Statute of Westminster. This can be a fun and informative way to celebrate and learn more about this important event in history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about the Statute of Westminster</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local library or bookstore and pick up a book about the Statute of Westminster. You can also do some research online to learn more about its history and significance.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks an important moment in Canada's history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster celebrates a significant event in Canadian history. It was the day that Canada gained full legal independence from Britain and became recognized as a sovereign nation. This event helped shape Canada into the country it is today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It symbolizes the close relationship between Canada and the Commonwealth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Statute of Westminster also solidified Canada's place within the Commonwealth, a group of nations with historical ties to Britain. This relationship has had a significant impact on Canada's culture, politics, and international relations. The anniversary serves as a reminder of this important connection.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the efforts of Canadian politicians and activists</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The journey towards achieving full independence was not an easy one. It took years of hard work and dedication from Canadian politicians and activists to make it happen. The anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is a tribute to their efforts and serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for what you believe in.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Statute of Westminster Applies to Other Dominions Beyond Canada</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to Canada, the Statute of Westminster also granted legislative independence to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State, and Newfoundland, representing a major step towards autonomy for all dominions within the British Empire.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Statute of Westminster Retained Some Imperial Powers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although the Statute of Westminster significantly increased the dominions' autonomy, it retained British control over certain areas like constitutional changes. This didn't fully change until Canada's patriation of its constitution in 1982, making it fully independent.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>New Zealand Waived Implementation of the Statute Until 1947</h3><p class='facts-content'>New Zealand was cautious about accepting the full independence offered by the Statute of Westminster. Despite being enacted in 1931, New Zealand did not adopt the Statute until 1947, preferring the British government to handle its foreign affairs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The British Monarch Remained the Head of State for Canada</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite gaining legislative independence under the Statute of Westminster, Canada chose to retain the British monarch as its head of state, a role that is predominantly symbolic and continues today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Statute of Westminster is a Significant Legal Document in Commonwealth History</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Statute of Westminster is studied as a key document in legal history across the British Commonwealth. It marked a radical shift in the relationship between Britain and its dominions, setting the stage for the present-day Commonwealth of nations.</p></div></div>
The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is celebrated on December 11 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
Dec 11
Monday
2024
Dec 11
Wednesday
2025
Dec 11
Thursday
2026
Dec 11
Friday
2027
Dec 11
Saturday
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