Durham's report

• Factors:

  • Durham's initial actions
  • Report non the Affairs of British North America, 1839
  • Influences of Wakefield and Buller
• What were Durham's actions as high commissioner?


  established political situations, discounted the views of those with power (FC), engaged moderate Reformers (i.e. Baldwin) in finding a political solution with London
• What happened in Durham's early career?

  Passed Great Reform Act, disliked by PM Melbourne, only accepted Canada after the revolts, Whig grandee (aristocrat) aka 'Radical Jack', his report was the first definition of responsible self-government
• What were Durham's actions in Canada?


  replaces exec council with staff, allows political prisoners exercise (popular with FC newspapers) and proclaims to work with reformers, got US govt to conferment rebel converters, sets up first police force, Commission of Inquiry of Crown Lands to explore tenure system, pardons political prisoners
• What was the controversy that led to Durham's resignation?


  Bill one Indemnity by Brougham criticises the pardoning of political prisoners

  • Durham annoyed with Melbourne and reset to answer to London
  • Durham releases proclamation defending himself
• How did the Report on the Affairs of British North America, 1839 lead to changing British relationship with Canada?


  Proposed unification (ensuring French-Canadians in minority position), Freedoms to French-Canadians under the Quebec Act (civil law + land tenure, to improve economic position of habitants and promote economic growth), Responsible to self-government (elected legislative assembly, majority party holds power with cabinet govt, governor of province in name only)
• What was Wakefield's influence in changing British relationship with Canada?


  Developed systematic colonisation, land sold to immigrants at high prices to benefit economy of province, believed free land grants caused issues, land sold at sufficient price to encourage 'worthy settlers'; suggested that tax on unsettled wild lands to be given to public works (not acted on), advocated for union of Canadas. Resulted in no change to Canada land policy
• What was Buller's influence in changing British relationship with Canada?


  Durham's official chief sec, head of Commission into Crown Lands, sympathetic to French-Canadian rebels, banished extreme rebels to Bermuda, helps Durham to draft final report; responsible for publication of responsible self-government of colonies in 1840+ advocated for this