Keywords Constitution

In Lower Canada, Durham described the problems as racially, not politically, based. He found "two nations warring in the bosom of a single state" To ensure harmony and progress, he recommended assimilating the French Canadians, whom he called "a people with no literature and no history," through a legislative union of the Canadas, in which an English-speaking majority would dominate.

Durham's report was condemned by Upper Canada's Tory elite, but Reformers in UC and NS hailed the idea of responsible government. Montréal Tories supported the union largely because they saw it as a way to overcome French Canadian opposition to their plans for economic development. French Canadians were opposed to the union and reaffirmed their determination to defend their nationality. The British government accepted the recommendation for a union of the Canadas (see ACT OF UNION).

However, responsible government was not formally implemented until 1847 and Durham's recommendation for a division of powers between imperial and colonial responsibilities was rejected. Although controversial in its direct influence in the creation of the Province of Canada, the emergence of a party system and the strengthening of local self-government, the Durham Report is generally regarded to have played an important role in the development of Canadian autonomy.

Durham, Lord
Two nations warring in the bosom of a single state was Lord Durham's assessment of the relationship between Lower Canada's two linguistic communities (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-121846).

Author DAVID MILLS

Suggested Reading
J.M.S. Careless, The Union of the Canadas (1967) ; G.M. Craig, ed, Lord Durham's Report (1963); Chester New, Lord Durham's Mission to Canada (1963); J.M. Ward, Colonial Self-Government (1976).

Links to Other Sites
Lower Canada
This overview of the political history of Lower Canada is part of the "Canadian Confederation" website at Library and Archives Canada. Also features historical maps.