Diversity in Colonial Canada
Canada in the mid-19th century was going through an identity crisis. It was less radical than the United States, but less conservative than the United Kingdom. It would remain stuck between these nations’ influences until the end of the Great War, when Canadians finally discovered what it meant to be Canadian.
What is modern-day Quebec was more homogenous than the other colonies. Its inhabitants were mostly of French decent and shared a religion, language and cultural heritage. Other colonies were a mosaic of identities, but there was no political unity among them.
Society was difficult, dangerous and sometimes violent. Addiction to rum and whisky was common.
Animosity existed between the Protestant and Catholic population. This friction appears in two of my stories, Adjustment Year and Journey of Hope. On July 12, ceremonial skirmishes were held annually to celebrate William Orange’s victory over Irish Catholics at the Battle of Boyne in 1690.
In the Canadian Shield, those of European decent were the minority, outnumbered by First Nations people.
No matter their ethnic heritage, Canadians were impacted by climate change. When trees were felled for farms, homes and businesses, water runoff washed away topsoil and the water level of streams became unpredictable. This affected animal populations, disrupted salmon runs, damaged water wheels and mills, and drove some species to near extinction.
Blacks in Colonial Canada
People of African decent, like Judith in Rose’s Assignment, arrived in Canada via the Underground Railroad. While estimates vary, the Canada government estimates more than 30,000 slaves escaped north between 1793 and 1865. Most settled on what is now Ontario, some returning to the United States after the Civil War.
Blacks also ventured north after the American Revolution and during the War of 1812. Others entered in the early 20th century in search of farmland.
Canada’s open door policy eventually closed. In 1910, the Immigration Act barred immigrants “deemed undesirable” and very few blacks entered Canada until the policy was repealed in the late 1960s.
Where to Purchase Rose’s Assignment
This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s historical fiction novella, Rose’s Assignment.
Rose excels at sweet talking. Judith escapes north to Canada searching for freedom. Two dissimilar women suddenly find their lives connected. Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover. Full list of retailers.