In 1982, Canada “patriated” its Constitution, shedding an important vestige of UK control, entrenching fundamental rights and freedoms, and instituting procedures for formal constitutional change.
Patriation was shaped by a unique constellation of political and social factors mediated by both political actors and civil society. Over the ensuing decades, Canada has experienced profound social, political, legal and institutional change. The fortieth anniversary provides an opportunity to examine patriation as a moment in constitutional design, and in terms of its profound effects on Canada and the world.
This Legacies of Patriation Conference is organized by four research centres – the Centre for Constitutional Studies at the University of Alberta, the Public Law Centre at the University of Ottawa, the Centre d’analyze politique: constitution et fédéralisme at l’Université du Québec à Montréal, and the Constitutional Studies Program at the University of Texas at Austin. We are pleased to welcome you to our Conference, examining the many, varied legacies of patriation.
What has patriation made possible? What issues and conflicts remain? Join us for two days of intense exploration.
View conference program and register here.