The patriation of the Canadian Constitution on April 17, 1982, marked a significant milestone in Canada's constitutional evolution. This event culminated years of negotiations aimed at transitioning from the British North America Act, 1867, to a fully Canadian Constitution. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canada moved to rectify its constitutional dependency on the United Kingdom, which had exercised legislative power over Canadian laws. This effort included calls for the insertion of a Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which sought to guarantee fundamental rights to protect individuals from government action.

On the proclamation date, Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, participated in an official ceremony outside Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Various dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and provincial leaders, gathered to witness this historic moment. The new Constitution Act not only included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ensuring civil liberties and equality rights, but also established a formal procedure for amendments, providing Canada with greater autonomy. The intent behind this was to solidify national unity and instill a sense of identity separate from colonial ties.

The proclamation was met with varied public reactions, evoking excitement from supporters of a more independent Canadian identity but skepticism from those concerned about the implications of certain constitutional changes. The event was an exercise in asserting Canada's sovereignty and showcased the evolving relationship between the provinces and the federal government through discussions surrounding the new constitution, emphasizing the complexity of Canadian federalism.