Final answer:
The British North America Act came into effect in 1867, unifying several of Britain's North American colonies into the Dominion of Canada with self-governance under Queen Victoria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British North America Act came into effect in 1867. It was passed by the British Parliament to unite the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into the Dominion of Canada.
Consequently, Ontario and Quebec were part of this union, making 1867 a significant year in Canada's history as it marked the beginning of self-governance within the British Empire, with Queen Victoria as the head of state. Additionally, Sir John A. Macdonald became Canada's first Prime Minister in that same year.