In 1982, the process toward major constitutional reform culminated in the signing of the Constitution Act . Under this act, the British North America Act of 1867 and its various amendments became the Constitution Act, 1867-1982. The Constitution, its Charter of Rights and Freedoms , and its general amending formula redefined the powers of governments, entrenched the equality of women and men, and advanced the rights of individuals and ethnocultural groups. The Charlottetown Accord would have reformed the Senate and made major changes in the Constitution. It was rejected in a national referendum held on October 26, 1992.
Federal evolution is also underway in Canada's North.