Politics in 1850s Canada

Canada in the 1850s was a collection of colonies, each with its own governor, custom house, administration and postage stamp.  Governors were appointed in London and served five to seven years. While the system worked, it caused a problem – oligarchies, power in the hands of a small group of people.

The Reform Party believed the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec, then Canada West and Canada East) could not continue as it was.  It met in Toronto in 1859 and demanded a common economy but separate cultural institutions.  Party members also demanded representation in the colony’s general assembly based on population, a move that would negate Canadiens’ influence as the French side of the colony was smaller by half a million people.

“Representation by Population!” was the party’s rallying cry.  The party also did not like schools segregated by religion and supported the annexation of the western prairies.

Road to Confederation

The following is an abbreviated list of the events leading up to the founding of the nation of Canada.

The first talk of unifying the colonies occurred in 1858 following a New York Stock Exchange crash the previous year that caused a depression.

At the start of the American Civil War, Canadian newspapers told readers that the Americans will come after British North America after the war ends.

On Sept. 1, 1864, the Fathers of Confederation meet in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The following month, a meeting was held in Quebec.  The group’s proposal was sent to the British Parliament.

On March 29, 1867, Queen Victoria signed the British North American Act forming the Dominion of Canada.  It had four provinces – Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.  Ontario, the largest, held 82 seats in the new Canadian House of Commons.

The dominion went into effect at noon on July 1, 1867 – what is now Canada Day.  Sir John Macdonald, a member of the Conservative Party, became the nation’s first prime minister.

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.