The Canadian Citizenship Act comes into effect on January 1, 1947. Under the new legislation, Canadians are no longer defined as “British subjects residing in Canada”, strengthening the country's position as a sovereign nation. The legislation establishes the criteria for obtaining Canadian citizenship.
Page 1 of the Canadian Citizenship Act, which came into effect on January 1, 1947. (Library and Archives Canada. Statutes of Canada. An Act Respecting Citizenship, Nationality, Naturalization and Status of Aliens, 1946. Ottawa: SC 10 George VI, Chap 15)