Quebec Resolutions

The Quebec Resolutions, also known as the seventy-two resolutions, were a group of statements written at the Quebec Conference of 1864, which laid out the framework for the Canadian Constitution. They were adopted by the majority of the provinces of Canada, and became the basis for the London Conference of 1866. Some of the major points that were addressed in the resolutions are as follows: Canada will have a strong central government (federal government), the central government is to be responsible for the legislation of peace, order and good government, provinces will have defined powers and will be accountable for handling local affairs and social and cultural issues, the United Province of Canada (as they called it), will be split into Quebec and Ontario, a federal government will be composed of two law making houses. These are just five of the important acts used to construct Canada as it is today.

The 72 resolutions were:

1. The best interests and present and future prosperity of BNA will be promoted by a Federal Union under the Crown of Great Britain, provided such Union can be effected on principles just to the several Provinces.

2. In the Federation of the British North American Provinces, the system of Government best adapted under existing circumstances to protect the diversified interest of the several Provinces, and secure efficiency, harmony and permanency in the working of the Union, would be a general Government, charged with matters of common interest to the whole country; and Local Governments for each of the Canadas, and for the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, charged with the control of local matters in their respective sections. Provision being made for the admission into the Union, on equitable terms, of Newfoundland, the North-West Territory, British Columbia and Vancouver.

3. In framing a Constitution for the General Government, the Conference, with a view to the perpetuation of our connection with the Mother Country, and to the promotion of the best interests of the people of these Provinces, desire to follow the model of the British Constitution, so far as our circumstances will permit.

4. The Executive Authority or Government shall be vested in the Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and be administered according to the well-understood principles of the British Constitution, by the Sovereign personally, or by the Representative of the Sovereign duly authorized.

5. The Sovereign or Representative of the Sovereign shall be Commander- in-Chief of the Land and Naval Militia Forces.

6. There shall be a General Legislature or Parliament for the Federated Provinces, composed of a Legislative Council and a House of Commons.

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