Which event marks a major constitutional shift by allowing the constitution to be amended without imperial approval?

• A. The Canada Act
• B. The Statute of Westminster
• C. The Meech Lake Accord
• D. The patriation of the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution Act, 1982

Answer: (D)

The key change is patriation—the Constitution being brought under Canadian control so it can be amended domestically. Before 1982, changes to the Constitution were acts of the British Parliament, so Britain technically held veto power over amendments. The Statute of Westminster helped Canada become more autonomous in ordinary affairs, but it didn’t transfer the power to amend the constitution itself. When the Constitution Act, 1982, along with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, was enacted, Canada gained a domestic amending formula, meaning amendments can be made by Canadian federal and provincial authorities without imperial approval. That’s why this event marks the major constitutional shift.