Canada–United Kingdom relations

Bilateral relations between Canada and the United Kingdom have yielded intimate and frequently co-operative contact since Canada gained independence in 1931. Canada was previously self-governing since 1 July 1867, the date that became Canada's national holiday.

Both are related by mutual migration, through shared military history, a shared system of government, western values, the English language, being Commonwealth Realms, a personal union, where both nations share the same head of state, currently King Charles III, as well as both being members of the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly known as the British Empire. Both also share a defence agreement, NATO, and frequently perform military exercises together. Canada hosts the largest British Military Base outside the United Kingdom, and the two countries share an Arctic Naval-Training Pact.

Despite the shared legacy, the two nations grew apart economically during the 20th century after the UK lost its position as Canada's largest trading partner to the United States during the 19th century. However, that trend has been reversed somewhat in the 21st century as the two countries have been negotiating freer trade as members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

History

Canada was formed in 1867 as a dominion bringing together parts of the British Empire. The Canadian Confederation federated the British crown colonies of the Province of Canada, Province of New Brunswick, and the Province of Nova Scotia. The history of relations between Canada and London, well into the 20th century, is the story of London's steadily increasing control and Canada's slow evolution towards full sovereignty.