The Dominions (a term applied to Canada in 1867 and used from 1907 to 1948 to describe the empire's other self-governing members) decided individually the nature and extent of their participation. In 1914 the British king declared war on behalf of the entire empire. Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier advocated for greater Canadian autonomy as a leading Dominion of the British Empire.

Wilfrid Laurier made it clear at the Colonial and Imperial Conferences in 1902, 19 that participation in imperial defence would always be on Canadian terms. First World WarĬontingents from all the self-governing British colonies took part in the South African War from 1899 to 1902.

With Confederation in 1867, Canada became the first federation in the BritishĮmpire its size, economic strength and seniority enabled it to become a leader in the widening of colonial autonomy and the transformation of the empire into a commonwealth of equal nations. By 1867 theīritish North American provinces, as well as other British colonies in Newfoundland,Īustralia, New Zealand and South Africa, were self-governing with respect to internal affairs. The roots of the Commonwealth are frequently traced back as far as the Durham Report (1839) and to the advent of Responsible Government in the 1840s.

The British monarch is head of the Commonwealth, a purely symbolic role. The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965, administers programs of co-operation, arranges meetings and provides specialist services to member countries. Governance, the rule of law, equal opportunities and free trade. These principles were reinforced by the Harare declaration in 1991 in favour of democracy, human rights, local Commonwealth members are pledged, according to a 1971ĭeclaration of principles, to consult and co-operate in furthering world peace, social understanding, racial equality and economic development. Its members are independent nations, together accounting for about one-quarter of the world's population. The Commonwealth is a loose, voluntary association of Britain and most of its former colonies.

What is the purpose of the commonwealth