Chapter 1.4: British North American Act Flashcards
How did the Great Coalition come to be?
In 1864, Canada was in a political deadlock (5 min. gov. in 2 years) and suffered from economic problems. Brown (rep by pop) suggested teaming up with Cartier (prov. gov. controls education to protect lang. and religion) and Macdonald (increase gov. power) to each get what they wanted.
What happened during the Charlottetown Conference of 1864?
Suggest the idea of forming a federal union, where fed. gov. would have power over the most important things.
What happened during the Quebec Conference of 1864?
Conversations continue from the Charlottetown Conf. + Newfoundland. Create Quebec Resolutions/72 Resolutions, basis of the country’s first constitution.
What came from the Quebec Resolutions?
House of Commons (LA) elected rep by pop, Senate 72 appointed members (24 UC, LC, Maritimes). Fed. gov. control general interests of the country, prov. local and cultural matters. Intercolonial Railway to strengthen the economy and political ties between regions.
How did the colonies feel after the Quebec Resolutions?
Dorion against it because French would be a minority. Atlantic colonies believed they’d have less power and more taxes. NFLand and PEI did not care about the railway at first. Province’s delegates went to London for their Conference which put in place the BNA Act, the colonies fifth constitution, Dominon of Canada.
Describe the British North American Act.
July 1, 1867, 4 provinces of Dominon of Canda (QC, ON, NS, NB) now have autonomy over internal affairs
How does the Parliament change after the BNAA?
PM - exec power
Cabinet of ministers (EC) - exec power
Senate (LC) - leg power
House of Commons (LA)- leg power
How does forming a law work after the BNAA?
- cabinet proposes a bill
- house rejects/accepts
- review and debate
- gov.gen. approves and signs, denial very rare
- PM puts into place
