Responsible Government

The Reformers in BNA all agreed on one key point:

THE GOVERNOR AND THE COUNCILS DID NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Solution? The British sent a wealthy British noble and politician to make sure more rebellions did not happen!

Discussion – What do you think Lord Durham would do?
What suggestions would he make to the King?

He decided on two key recommendations:
- Unite upper and Lower Canada
- Grant Responsible Government to the colonies

Discussion – Who would be happy? Upset?

Canada East and Canada West]

Act of Union 1841

The main provisions:
1) Elected assembly now has power! Governor Can’t Veto
2) English Language only language of government
3) Suspension of specific French Canadian institutions relating to education and civil law.

The Act naturally aroused considerable opposition. In Upper Canada, the Family Compact opposed union, and in Lower Canada religious and political leaders reacted against its anti-French measures.

Upper Canada = Canada West
Lower Canada = Canada East