British North America Act

What british colonies were situated east of the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century

The great coalition The leader of the Clear Grits wanted to put an end to ministerial instability. So, he proposed an alliance to the Conservative leaders of Upper and Lower Canada. This alliance was created in June 1864 and was called the “Great Coalition.” Lower Canada Parti Rouge Antoine Aimé Dorion Was against political reform because it was considered a threat to the French-Canadian culture Wanted reform and wanted French-Canadians to form the majority in the provincial gov. Wanted reform and to increase economic development Wanted political reform and end ministerial instability

The Coalition Government: Goals Create a confederation of the various british colonies in North America: CONFEDERATION: association of several states that delegate some of their powers to a central government while keeping some of their political authority. Create an economic unit that would allow for a stronger domestic market (trade between the provinces) Improve defence against the American neighbors’ attempt at invasion. **BUT they need to convince the other british colonies that this was a good idea…**

The Conferences Two conferences were held, in Charlottetown and Quebec, with delegates from the various british colonies in North America. At these conferences, the representatives discussed what would be the best form of union that would suit all of the colonies.

The RESULTS OF THE CONFERENCES

What is the difference between federalism and confederation??

Reactions to Confederation

Reactions to Confederation NewFoundLand and P.E.I Newfoundland and PEI did not support confederation because They were worried about having to repay the Province of Canada’s dept, caused by the building of canals and railways The system of Rep by Pop would give them less members in the legislative assembly because their population was lower than all the other colonies Newfoundland and PEI did not join confederation in 1867—they withdrew their support.

Reactions to Confederation: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Many people in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick did not support confederation. In 1865, the political party that supported confederation lost the elections In 1866, the Prime Minister of Nova Scotia agreed to join confederation IF a new railway line was built, that connected Nova Scotia to the Province of Canada. This would help encourage trade between the colonies.

Reactions to Confederation: The Province of Canada Upper Canada: Most people in Upper Canada supported confederation because: Rep by Pop would give them more members in the legislative assembly, since they had the largest population of all the colonies Confederation included a plan to take over and expand the territory— giving Upper Canada more land and more potential for development Lower Canada: Partie Bleu: supported confederation Partie Rouge: worried that Francophones would lose their influence since they were a minority in the Union

On the Map of the British North American Colonies, identify which colonies Originally Joined confederation.

On which point do these two authors Agree?

Review Questions During which conference were the 72 resolutions adopted? On what condition did Nova Scotia accept confederation? What were the reactions of the different political parties in the Province of Canada to Confederation?

The LONDON CONFERENCE December 1866, delegates from British North American colonies went to London to get approval for Confederation. They created a bill (proposed law) the BNA act and submitted it to the British Parliament On March 29, 1867 the British Parliament adopted the British North America Act (BNA Act), which became the first Canadian constitution.

BNA ACT Creates the territory known as the Dominion of Canada, made up of 4 provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick The federal government is given more power than the provincial governments: Power of disallowance: federal government can reject laws passed by provincial governments Residual powers: any power not mentioned in the constitution automatically falls under the federal government’s control The Dominion of Canada is a federation: Several provinces united under the power of a central government, that has more power.

Then and Now How does the map of the Dominion of Canada compare to the map of Canada today? Similarities Differences