Canadian Confederation In addition to uniting the colonies, Lord Durham also recommended “responsible government” Means government responds to it’s own people; not a foreign power or a king Responsible government was not granted until 1855 across all Canada

This meant the governor had less and less influence The governor had to accept the recommendation of an executive council Executive council was hand-picked by the Prime Minister Prime Minister was the head of the largest party in the Assembly.

As the colonies grew closer together, the pressure to Confederate grew: Separate, they faced an uncertain future that probably led to amalgamation in the United States, who had recently announced their policy of “Manifest Destiny” Manifest Destiny – the belief that expansion of the United States across North America was both obvious “manifest” and certain “destiny”.

Colonial interests interfered with Britain’s desire to improve relations with the now powerful United States. Political deadlock – it was believed Confederation would force resolution to political stalemates in the Assembly Economic development – it was difficult to attract foreign investment to places that were too unstable. Confederation would promote stability.

Railways – it was difficult to build railroads across colonies and railroads had proven themselves to be a key for growth and prosperity. Trade – Confederation would improve trade into bigger markets. Defense – Britain was anxious to shift the cost of defense from themselves to the Canadas

September 1, 1864 –Delegates from Canada East, Canada West, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick meet in Charlottetown – agreement is reached in principle. November 1, 1864 – Delegates meet in Quebec and outline terms. 1866-1867 – Delegates meet in London and draft the agreement. It is ratified in March and British North America Act is proclaimed July 1st

The BNA Act Signed into law by Queen Victoria on March 29th, 1867, and agreed it would become effective on July 1st 1867 The new nation was given the name of the “Dominion of Canada” and consisted of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, an New Brunswick

Let’s Think… Whose voices are not represented at the Confederation Conferences?

Section 91 The relationship and responsibilities that First Nations had established with the British Crown were now transferred to the new Canadian federal government This transfer was never negotiated with First Nations They were ignored throughout most of the process

What kind of state was forged? The new Canadian state, a DOMINION, was formed by the BNA Act was a blend of Canada’s two biggest influences: Britain – Canada was to be a parliamentary state America – Canada was to have a written constitution.

Canada was to become a federated state ruled by a parliamentary system Federalism – a system of government in which several states or provinces unite but remain independent in internal affairs  Majority Government- a government formed by a governing party having the majority of seats in the House of Commons Coalition Government – a temporary alliance between political parties; occurs when two parties are too small to be effective independently, but form a majority together Constitutional Government – a monarch is the head of government, but does not make laws; however, royal assent is provided through the governor general

All bills passed in Canada require Royal assent Royal assent occurs when the queen’s representative signs bills passed by the House of Commons.

If the Constitution guaranteed the rights of citizens and of the rule of law, what’s to stop the majority poor from overtaxing or seizing the property of the rich? The members of the House are appointed by the central government (PMO). Its main function was to protect property rights. Members of the Senate hold their positions for life to make sure that senators can act independently. The Senate is a check on the lower chamber (HOC). However, http://canadaonline.about.com/od/bills/p/senatetenure.htm

The leader of the majority party assumes the role of Prime Minister The leader of the majority party assumes the role of Prime Minister. The second largest party becomes the official opposition.

What were our options for government? The American constitution was effective. However, the constitution in the U.S.A. had a flaw – it gave too much power to the states. This flaw gave way to the American Civil War. Therefore, more power was to be given to the federal government in Canada. Also, the American constitution was written. The constitution in Canada would be as well, so that it could stand up in a court of law. The British constitution was not written. It was based on precedent.

Unitary government—a country with only one government, a central administration Federal - a country in which separate and distinct national and provincial governments exist

Much of the greatest debates and problems in Canadian history are an expression of the struggle between federal and provincial rule Government existed to maintain law and order and to provide defence. It was supposed to create an environment in which individuals could work and make money. The federal government was responsible for things thought to be national and thus for building and shaping the nation. The provinces were given the responsibilities for caring for the needs of the people in each region.

Section 91 of the BNA Act Section 91 outlined the federal powers. The federal government was responsible for the post office, banks, criminal law and defence. Also, the federal government controlled trade and commerce and had unlimited taxing powers.

Section 93 of the BNA Act Section 93 allocated all the powers of caring for the special needs of each region’s populations to the provinces that knew them best. Education Healthcare

Think of it like this…(At the risk of promoting gender stereotypes) Dad = federal government, they have the big powers and bring in all the bacon and think they run the family… But, Mom = provincial government, takes care of you because dad can only cook wieners and beans. And if you’re bad, dad will come home from work and kick yer butt. Mom is the real power in the family.

What power did the “peace, order and good government” clause give to the federal government? Residual power refers to the fact that the federal government can make laws about any issue that is not specifically given to the provinces (Section 92).

Two major areas where the federal government has the right to interfere in provincial affairs. The federal government could veto any legislation within a year of passage if they felt that it was contrary to federal interests. The federal government had the right to take action to protect Catholic or Protestant schools, even though education is a provincial field. Catholics were a minority in Ontario and Protestants were a minority in Quebec.

They shared power in the areas of immigration and agriculture. In which two areas do the federal and provincial government share power? They shared power in the areas of immigration and agriculture.

Besides the BNA Act, what further limited what the provinces could do Besides the BNA Act, what further limited what the provinces could do? What methods could the provinces use to raise revenue? They were limited by lack of money. Grants from the federal government were not very generous. The only way they could raise revenue was through taxation of property, which, as now, was very unpopular. Provincial governments hesitated to raise money in this way.