The National Defence Act (NDA) is the primary enabling legislation for organizing and funding Canada's military .

Passed in 1922 , it created the Department of National Defence by merging the Ministry of Militia and Defence with the Ministry of the Naval Service and the newly created Ministry of Aviation.

On 4 November 1966, Bill C-243, "The Canadian Forces Reorganization Act," was introduced to amend the National Defence Act. The aim of the bill was to reorganize the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force, previously separate and independent services, under one umbrella. Following debate in the House of Commons and further examination by the Defence Committee, the Bill was given third and final reading in April 1967, clearing the way for unification.

The Canadian Forces Reorganization Act came into effect on 1 February 1968, creating one organization responsible for the defence of Canada, the Canadian Forces, essentially replacing the National Defence Act.

The Queen's Regulations and Orders are enabled by the NDA to govern the forces.

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