Canada’s Growing Independence

In the 1920’s and 1930’s, Canada made some significant steps in its independence from Great Britain: Creation of the C.E.F. (Canadian Expeditionary Force) to fight alongside the British in WWI Canadians distinguished themselves in battle, particularly at Vimy Ridge and during the “100 Days Campaign” that helped to end the war PM Robert Borden insisted that Canada have its own seat at the Paris Peace Conference (where the end of the war and terms were negotiated)

1922 – Chanak Crisis: PM W.L.M. King refused to support Britain when it announced plans to invade Turkey; he did not want to bring Canada into another European war. So what? In WWI, Canada had followed Britain but this time they stood on their own.

1923 – Halibut Treaty: Canada and the United States signed a treaty for the protection of the Pacific halibut fishery. King insisted that the treaty be signed by the Canadian fisheries Minister without a British representative So what? This set a precedent for Canada signing treaties independently from Great Britain

1926 – King-Byng Crisis: PM King had a minority government that relied on the support of the Progressive Party to stay in power; they lost this support after a liquor smuggling scandal So…the Conservatives called for a “motion of censure” (strong disapproval) against the govt. … if it passed, King would have to resign as PM So…King asked the GG, Viscount Byng, to call an election instead…but Byng refused. King was furious…rallied Canadians…and Byng eventually called the election

King campaigned by appealing to Canadian nationalism…and won. So what? King claimed in his campaign that it was undemocratic for a British appointed official to refuse to take the advice of an elected Canadian PM. King won the election and no GG has ever gone against the wishes of the PM since.

1926 – The Balfour Report: At the Imperial Conference, the dominions of the British Empire requested formal recognition of their autonomy (freedom to govern themselves) Lord Balfour was appointed to examine the request So what? His recommendations became law in the Statute of Westminster…

1931 – Statute of Westminster: A law passed by British Parliament that gave formal recognition to the autonomy of the dominions The British Empire became the “British Commonwealth” and the dominions became equal in status to GB So what? Britain could no longer make laws for Canada…except Canada’s Constitution remained under Britain’s control.