The Rebellion Losses Bill was passed by majorities in both the Lower and Upper Canadian assembly in April 1849, after a royal commission had recommended payment for losses incurred by those not actually convicted of rebellious acts during the rebellions of 1837–38. The bill, regarded by the Tory opposition as the “paying of rebels,” generated a violent storm in the legislature, abuse of Governor General Lord Elgin, and a riot in Montreal, which resulted in the burning of the city’s parliament buildings.