What does the term "dominion" signify about Canada's relationship with Britain?

The term "dominion" signifies a semi-autonomous status within the British Empire, highlighting Canada's position during the early years of its formation as a nation. This status was established in the British North America Act of 1867, which created the Dominion of Canada. It meant that Canada had a significant degree of self-governance in domestic affairs while still being tied to Britain in matters of foreign policy and defense.

The use of the term illustrates that Canada was not fully independent at that time, as it was still subject to the overarching authority of the British Parliament. However, Canada's dominion status allowed it to create its own laws and govern itself to a large extent, which was a step towards eventual full independence. This semi-autonomous relationship was a halfway point between total colonial control and complete independence. Over time, Canada would gain more autonomy, ultimately becoming a fully sovereign nation.