In what year was the British North America Act signed?

• A. 1867 (became effective on July 1)
• B. 1870
• C. 1901
• D. 1857

Answer: (A)

The event being tested is when Canada’s constitutional framework first took effect through the act that united the original provinces. The British North America Act was enacted in 1867, and while it received Royal Assent that year, it didn’t start operating until July 1, 1867, which is when Confederation officially began and the Dominion of Canada came into being. So, the year you’re looking for is 1867, with the practical start date July 1 of that year. The other years don’t align with when the act was signed and began to govern Canada.