Canadian sovereignty
The sovereignty of Canada is, in legal terms, the power of Canada to govern itself and its subjects; it is the ultimate source of Canada's law and order.[1] Sovereignty is also a major cultural matter in Canada.[2] Several matters currently define Canadian sovereignty: the Canadian monarchy, telecommunication, the autonomy of the provinces, and Canada's Arctic border.
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Though unitary, the Canadian Crown is also "divided" equally among the country's 11 jurisdictions: one federal (wherein the sovereign is represented by the governor general[3]) and 10 provincial (the monarch being represented in each by a lieutenant governor[3]). The greater autonomy of each province and territory within the construct of Canadian federalism is also important to Canadian sovereignty. Quebec has twice voted on seceding from Canada.[4] Sovereignty has also been an issue for some of Canada's indigenous peoples.[1]
Canada's Telecommunications Act "specifies the need for national ownership and control of Canadian carriers".[5]
Since 2005, arctic ice melting in Northern Canada has caused issues affecting Canadian sovereignty, as some arctic countries have come in conflict over an agreement on who owns certain areas in the oil-rich Arctic.[6]
Provincial sovereignty[edit]
Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act[edit]
The Legislature of Alberta enacted, on 15 December 2022, the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, with the Executive Council claims to give "Alberta a democratic legislative framework for defending the federal-provincial division of powers while respecting Canada's constitution and the courts" and will be used only when the legislature passes a motion identifying a "specific federal program or piece of legislation as unconstitutional or causing harm to Albertans." The cabinet admits it will abide by court decisions if the aforementioned response is successfully challenged.[43]