The Influence of Liberal Ideas in Lower Canada

Constitutional Act 1791

1791: Time for Change… Again

British colonists (including the Loyalists) were unhappy with the situation in Quebec.

They wanted changes, including a legislative assmembly. This would give power to the people.

Many Canadiens wanted this as well. Influenced by LIBERAL IDEAS about

government.

Liberalism

Believes in individual freedom and equality.

People should have… Freedom of expression Equality Freedom of belief and

religion Participation in

government (and vote).

Constitutional Act - 1797

Divided Quebec into 2 parts: Upper

Canada (west)

Lower Canada (east)

Differences between Upper and Lower Canada

Lower Canada French Canadian

maj. Catholic maj. French civil law,

British criminal Law.

Upper Canada Anglophone maj. Protestant maj. British civil and

criminal law.

Changes in Government. Created

parliamentary system – the people elected representatives to a legislative assembly.

Legislative assembly could pass laws and bills – though they still had to be approved by the Legislative council and Governor (who were appointed, not voted in).

To vote, you had to: Be a British

subject. Be over 21 years

old. Own land, or

have rented for at least a year.