PoliticsJuly 15, 2026
patriation
/peɪtriˈeɪʃən/
Definition
The process of transferring constitutional authority from a colonial power to an independent state, specifically referring to Canada gaining full control over its own Constitution in 1982.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'patria', meaning fatherland or native land. It was coined as a Canadian political term in the 1970s to describe 'bringing the constitution home' to Canada.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the 1982 shift where Canada brought its Constitution home from the UK, which fundamentally changed the country's governance by emphasizing constitutional rights and judicial review.
What Is Sovereignty? Canada and the Politics of Shared Authority
Read the full article ↗Policy Magazine