July 1, 1867, marked the birth of a new country: the Dominion of Canada. The country was an abnormality due to the fact that it was simultaneously a country and a colony of the Imperial Family. Every individual has an unique history, and at any given age, an individual's identity is formed by the events that they have experienced. Similarly, it has not been any different for Canada as a country. In the last few decades, Canada has become a strong, independent nation due to its peaceful evolution through events such as the adoption of "O Canada", the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Constitution Act. .
On July 1st, 1980, "O Canada" was officially adopted as Canada's national anthem replacing "God Save the Queen". The Statute of Westminster granted Canada full legal autonomy, but in Canada's case, it implied that the British North America Act of 1867 and the British acts amending it. Canada wanted to show the world they were independent but the anthem "God Save the Queen" showed great ties with Britain, given that it was also Britain's official anthem. When "O Canada" became official, the strong bond between Britain and Canada in their anthems slowly disappeared and Canada showed greater independence from Britain in international events such as the Olympics. "O Canada" was proclaimed 100 years after it was sung on July 24, 1880 and there were many versions that have been made over the years. The original version was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English versions includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate. With the adoption of "O Canada", Canada proved that they are individualistic and are capable of its own ideas. "O Canada" became an official symbol of the nation and known as the best patriotic song in Canada. .
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, and it has been active since January 1st, 1994.
