Update

Instead of sending Canada the originals of the British North America Act, the British government had impressive facsimiles reproduced on parchment of each of the six documents relating to our independence, which were placed in a large, hand-tooled leather box and presented to Canada as a gift.

An initiative that began two years ago is expected to gain more momentum leading up to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

Bring Back the Act was a campaign to transfer Canada’s founding document, the British North America Act, from its current holding in England to the government of Canada. Negotiated by the Fathers of Confederation and given royal assent by Queen Victoria on March 29, 1867, the BNA Act is the cornerstone of modern Canada. Organizers of the campaign say it’s time the Act is given its due attention and that Canada’s constitution should play a larger role in the understanding of our country’s past.

The initiative got underway in 2010 by a few superstars in the field of Canadian history, including Ian Wilson, Charlotte Gray, J.L. Granatstein and John English. With Canada’s 150th birthday fast approaching, as well as the refocus of the Canadian Museum of Civilization as the Canadian Museum of History, Bring Back the Act is sure to gain more attention and support in the coming years.

Online Extras

• Read a digital copy of the BNA Act at Library and Archives Canada
• Listen to a Canada's History podcast with former National Archivist Ian Wilson (original air date: June 30, 2010):