1. Political Deadlock in the Canadas
And the creation of the Great Coalition

2. In the united Canada of the 1860’s, the government and opposition parties were almost equal in numbers
Also… “loose fish” – independent members of the Elected Assembly
Result of this?
It was almost impossible to get “bills” passed or to make new laws
No party could form a majority and no one could agree on a “coalition”
The government of Canada was in chaos

3. Between 1849-1864, there were 12 govts. How did this happen?
“Responsible government” requires “confidence” in the govt. and its policies
Voting against the govt. shows a feeling of “non- confidence”… and this meant calling a new election again & again…
Between , there were 12 govts.
How did this happen?
Both Canada West and Canada East received an equal # of seats in the Elected Assembly… even though the East had more people

4. Canada East wanted “representation by the population”… but Canada West did not.
By 1861, Canada West had more people… and now they wanted “rep. by pop”
In June 1864, John A. Macdonald’s govt. was defeated by 2 votes… and they would have to call an election… but would it solve the problem of “political deadlock” in the colony?

5. Solution?
Proposed by George Brown, the leader of the “Clear Grits” (Reform party); he disliked the Canadiens, Catholics and Conservatives.

6. An “all-party” committee, led by Brown, presented a report to the Assembly in June which said that the deadlock could only be broken by:
A federal union or “confederation” of the 6 BNA colonies; prov. And 1 central govt.
Splitting the united Canada into Ontario and Quebec; allow them to govern selves.

7. With a confederation, there would be
2 levels of govt., each with an Elected Assembly
Federal – responsible for things that affect everyone in the union, e.g.: taxes, currency, defence, trade…
Provincial – laws to deal with local matters

8. Brown announced that he would join with Macdonald and the Conservatives (his rivals) to form a “coalition govt.” and end deadlock
So… the leaders of the:
Clear Grits (Brown)
Conservatives (Macdonald)
Bleus (G.E. Cartier)
+ a leading Independent (Galt)
Shared leadership in the “Great Coalition”
- Committed to seeking a federal union of the Canadas and the Maritime colonies
- “Confederation” was gaining momentum…