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Baldwin–La Fontaine

The first Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine administration, composed of reformers embodying the principle of responsible rule, governed during a period of decisive constitutional and political struggles. Called to power in 1842, La Fontaine and Baldwin undertook to see that the grievances common to the two Canadas were redressed. The following year, however, the new governor, Charles Theophilus Metcalfe, brought about their resignation. The second La Fontaine–Baldwin ministry was formed in March 1848 following a resounding victory. The new government, which came to be known as the “Great Ministry,” had a lengthy list of important reforms. Once formal responsible government was secure, Reform forces began to disintegrate, and in 1851 La Fontaine and Baldwin resigned.

Related Biographies

BALDWIN, ROBERT
BROWN, GEORGE
CAMERON, MALCOLM
DRAPER, WILLIAM HENRY
HIGGINSON, Sir JAMES MACAULAY
HINCKS, Sir FRANCIS
LA FONTAINE (Ménard, dit La Fontaine), Sir LOUIS-HIPPOLYTE
MACDONALD, JOHN SANDFIELD
METCALFE, CHARLES THEOPHILUS, 1st Baron METCALFE
PRICE, JAMES HERVEY
ROSS, DUNBAR
TACHÉ, Sir ÉTIENNE-PASCHAL

Other Resources

6 Degrees | Institute for Canadian Citizenship | Institut pour la citoyenneté canadienne. Content archived on 12 Jan. 2019
ARCHIVED - Robert Baldwin - People - Canadian Confederation - Library and Archives Canada. Content archived on 26 Nov. 2019
Baldwin & LaFontaine | Historica Canada
Baldwin-La Fontaine: Toward Responsible Government - Fondation Dialogue - Fondation Dialogue
Canada A Country by Consent: Responsible Government: Louis LaFontaine
Extraordinary Canadians: Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin | CPAC
Home | Baldwin & La Fontaine: Toward Responsible Government
Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine - Wikipedia
Robert Baldwin - Wikipedia
The Friendship that Brought Responsible Government - The Canadian Encyclopedia. Content archived on 16 June 2024
The Reform Alliance

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We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.


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