In what context was the term "Dominion" used regarding Canada when it became a Confederation?

The term "Dominion" was used in the context of Canada becoming a Confederation to signify its sovereignty within the British Empire. When Canada was confederated in 1867, it was given the status of a "Dominion" to reflect its self-governing authority while still acknowledging its connection to the British Crown. This designation suggested that Canada had a significant degree of autonomy, able to manage its internal affairs without direct interference from Britain, although matters like defense and foreign policy still aligned with British interests.

This term was instrumental in framing Canada’s evolution towards full independence, as it represented a middle ground between complete dependence on Britain and full sovereignty, laying the groundwork for Canada’s eventual emergence as a fully independent nation. The use of "Dominion" in this historical context highlighted Canada's unique position within the empire at that time.