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.

To vote, you had
to:



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).

Be a British
subject.
Be over 21 years
old.
Own land, or
have rented for
at least a year.