In Ottawa, on this day in 1982, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, proclaimed the Constitution Act, 1982.

The signing of the Proclamation in 1982 was the result of over 100 years of Canadian political progress, beginning with the signing of the British North America Act in 1867, also known as the BNA Act, which established the Dominion of Canada.

Throughout the 20th century, Canadians worked to gain autonomy and then independence from the United Kingdom. By 1982, Canada was fully independent in every respect, except for the ability to amend its Constitution.

After much political debate and negotiation in Canada, the British Parliament passed the Canada Act in March 1982. This Act transferred all legislative authority to Canada, including the power to amend the Constitution.

The Constitution Act, 1982 enshrined the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution and completed the unfinished business of Canadian independence — allowing Canadians to amend their own Constitution without requiring approval from Britain. 

The Constitution not only outlines Canada's system of government, laws, and civil rights, it also guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadians through The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Proclamation of the Constitution Act is a fundamental document for all Canadians, as it symbolizes Canada's evolution into a fully independent nation.