What did the British North America Act primarily aim to achieve?

• A. To unify Canada under one federal government
• B. To establish a republic in Canada
• C. To create independent provinces with individual powers
• D. To expand British territories across North America

Answer: (C)

The British North America Act, passed in 1867, was primarily aimed at unifying Canada under one federal government. This act marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history as it brought together the provinces of the Province of Canada (which was divided into Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single Dominion within the British Empire. The primary focus was on establishing a central government with certain powers while allowing the provinces to retain their authority over local matters.

This act laid the foundation for Canada’s constitutional framework, introducing a division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. While individual provinces do hold powers, the intent to unify the country under a single federal structure is what the British North America Act was fundamentally designed to achieve. It did not aim to create a republic or expand British territories, nor did it focus on establishing fully independent provinces devoid of federal oversight.