Establishment of the Parliament of Canada

Definition

The establishment of the Parliament of Canada refers to the formation of the legislative framework that governs Canada, created by the British North America Act of 1867. This act united the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single Dominion, laying the groundwork for a parliamentary democracy that combined elements of British governance with local autonomy. The new Parliament was responsible for making laws and overseeing the administration of government in a newly federated nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first meeting of the Canadian Parliament took place on November 6, 1867, in Ottawa, marking the beginning of formal legislative processes in Canada.
2. The establishment of the Parliament aimed to address issues such as defense, trade, and transportation among the provinces, promoting a sense of national unity.
3. The Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons, which is elected by citizens, and the Senate, which is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
4. The creation of Parliament allowed Canada to have more control over its internal affairs while still remaining part of the British Empire, setting a precedent for future legislative independence.
5. Over time, the powers and responsibilities of Parliament have evolved, especially with subsequent constitutional changes that have expanded its authority.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Parliament of Canada reflect the political desires of various provinces during Confederation?
  • The establishment of Parliament was crucial for addressing the diverse political desires of various provinces during Confederation. Each province sought greater autonomy while also recognizing the need for a unified approach to national issues like defense and trade. The formation of a bicameral legislature balanced representation between populous and less populous regions, allowing provinces like Ontario and Quebec to have significant input while ensuring that smaller provinces like New Brunswick and Nova Scotia also had a voice in national governance.
• Evaluate how the British North America Act set up a system that would allow for both provincial and federal governance within Canada.
  • The British North America Act created a clear division of powers between federal and provincial governments, establishing a federal system that allowed each level to legislate on specific matters. The Act outlined exclusive powers for both levels: for instance, defense and immigration were federal responsibilities, while education and health care were primarily provincial. This arrangement provided flexibility for local governance while ensuring a cohesive national strategy on broader issues, shaping Canada's political landscape significantly.
• Assess the long-term implications of establishing a parliamentary democracy in Canada through its Parliament on future governance reforms.
  • Establishing a parliamentary democracy through Canada's Parliament laid the foundation for future governance reforms by promoting accountability and representative government. Over time, this framework has facilitated progressive changes such as women's suffrage and Indigenous representation within legislative processes. The principles enshrined in this system continue to influence contemporary discussions about governance in Canada, particularly regarding issues like minority rights and provincial autonomy in an increasingly diverse society. As these debates evolve, they highlight both the strengths and limitations inherent in Canada's democratic framework.

Related terms

British North America Act: The 1867 legislation passed by the British Parliament that created the Dominion of Canada and established its federal system of governance.

Federalism: A political system in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments, allowing for both levels to have authority over certain areas.

Parliamentary Democracy: A form of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature (Parliament) and the head of state is usually different from the head of government.