THE EFFECTS OF DURHAM'S REPORT
Political Changes
One of Durham's main recommendations was adopted In 1840 in the Act of Union. This meant that the two Canadas became united as a single entity known as the Province of Canada. Although this union would only last less than thirty years, there are a few important aspects we should know.
Political Changes
One of Durham's main recommendations was adopted In 1840 in the Act of Union. This meant that the two Canadas became united as a single entity known as the Province of Canada. Although this union would only last less than thirty years, there are a few important aspects we should know.
First, the former Canadian provinces (Upper and Lower) were renamed as Canada East (Quebec) and Canada West (Ontario). Although they had different names they were united under a single governmental body. Both Canada East and Canada West had an equal number of representatives that were elected through the change of policy by Great Britain known as Responsible Government (1848).
Responsible Government essentially means that the government is responsible to its people. (see p. 314)
In both East and West Canada, the people could elect their own representatives AND the crown (king) would appoint a Governor General to be his spokesman in the colony.
Although the Governor General was technically the head of state, he became a largely symbolic or ceremonial figure beginning in 1848 when Lord Elgin (GG) asked the winners of an election to form the government.
In both East and West Canada, the people could elect their own representatives AND the crown (king) would appoint a Governor General to be his spokesman in the colony.
Although the Governor General was technically the head of state, he became a largely symbolic or ceremonial figure beginning in 1848 when Lord Elgin (GG) asked the winners of an election to form the government.
We should be aware that many, many people rejected Durham's suggestion to assimilate the French into English culture. Elected politicians, both English and French, fought to have French recognized as an official language and spoke it openly in the Legislative Assembly.
The evolution of the Governor General towards a figurehead did not please some English Loyalists. As a result of this and other reasons (p. 316) many of the English loyalists revolted and burned the Canadian Parliamentary building in Montreal. It was after this event that the national capital was moved to Ottawa, a city that straddles Ontario and Quebec.
Social and Economic Changes
Economic: the most important economic change that took place during this period was the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty with the United States in 1854, a form of limited free trade. This increased trade with the United States and was the result of a government decision to end a policy of imperial preference with the British. What this meant is that goods coming from the United States became much less expensive for Canadians to buy.
The evolution of the Governor General towards a figurehead did not please some English Loyalists. As a result of this and other reasons (p. 316) many of the English loyalists revolted and burned the Canadian Parliamentary building in Montreal. It was after this event that the national capital was moved to Ottawa, a city that straddles Ontario and Quebec.
Social and Economic Changes
Economic: the most important economic change that took place during this period was the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty with the United States in 1854, a form of limited free trade. This increased trade with the United States and was the result of a government decision to end a policy of imperial preference with the British. What this meant is that goods coming from the United States became much less expensive for Canadians to buy.
It was also around this time that a number of railroads and canals were constructed.
Social: the Seigneurial System was abolished in 1854. Although it was supposed to help out poor Canadien farmers (les habitants) it actually helped out wealthy seigneurs as they were not compensated for their lost rents.
Social: the Seigneurial System was abolished in 1854. Although it was supposed to help out poor Canadien farmers (les habitants) it actually helped out wealthy seigneurs as they were not compensated for their lost rents.
Habitants Gathering the Harvest W.M. Cary, "La moisson",
published in L'Opinion publique, September 25, 1879, Musée de la civilisation,
bibliothèque du Séminaire de Québec, 660.4.11
published in L'Opinion publique, September 25, 1879, Musée de la civilisation,
bibliothèque du Séminaire de Québec, 660.4.11