What constitutes a nation? A state, independent from the influence of other nations–sovereignty? Perhaps it could be said that the most important component, although quite a cliche, is that its people must be held collectively under a specific title (i.e. classification) that is not a direct derivative of any other country. Such is the case for Canada, who although had a constitution drafted in 1867, did not have complete independence until after the conclusion of the second world war. While the constitution did outline the parameters of the division of powers and responsibilities within political administrations on the provincial and federal levels, did not grant Canada status as a country, though all of the provinces were united under the name “The Dominion of Canada.” Rather, this honor was granted to Canada in 1947.
The strong multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism perhaps all derived from the strong role that Canada played in the second world war. Thus so, many felt that it would be fitting for Canada to be recognized as a sovereign nation and gain the status of independent statehood. As such, a symbol which would be the hallmark of Canada’s independence was needed, and where else to start than its citizens being recognized as “Canadians” rather than subjects of the vast British Empire. The Canadian government also hoped that this collective title would serve as a mechanism to alleviate tensions that stems from Canada’s then-growing diversity.
On January 1st of 1947, the Canadian Citizenship Act was implemented under then Prime Minister Lyon Mckenzie King, which allowed individuals to gain the status as a Canadian citizen regardless of the country of their origin. It outlined the criteria for how to obtain Canadian citizenship or the losing/revoking of such. It was from this that the law that all Canadian-born infants are 
granted the status of Canadians, and that all immigrants would be able to apply for citizenship for Canada after x amount of years. Furthermore, it gave more authority to women, as they would no longer lose their status upon marrying a non-Canadian citizen.
And thus it is with this, that the first citizenship ceremony was conducted, where 26 individuals on January 3rd of 1947 were presented with certificates of citizenship, the first ceremony of many, that to this date is still conducted.
