In the speech, the governor general remarks the creation of the Dominion of Canada itself and the future expansion of the country from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Some notable objectives for this first government would be to determine "Currency, Customs, Excise, and Revenue generally,-for the adoption of a uniform Postal System,-for the proper management and maintenance of the Public Works and Properties of the Dominion,-for the adoption of a well considered scheme of Militia Organization and Defence, for the proper administration of Indian affairs,-for the introduction of uniform Laws respecting Patents of Invention and Discovery,-the naturalization of Aliens,-and :the assimilation of the Criminal Law, and the Laws relating to Bankruptcy and Insolvency." He also notes the imperative immediate construction of the intercolonial railway. As well as the protection and development of Fisheries and Marine Interests. Finally, he speaks on the necessity to establish uniform laws regarding elections.[1]
In the speech, the governor general speaks on confederation and the initiatives to bring parts of the Hudson Bay Company (The Northwest Territory) and Newfoundland into the union. He also speaks on the assimilation of provincial criminal laws into federal criminal laws. He also touches on future bills focusing on Elections, Bankruptcy and Insolvency, and Patents of invention and discovery.[2]
In the speech, he remarks the growing economy of the Dominion – specifically noting the fisheries. He also speaks on the difficulties faced in acquiring the Northwest Territory and the desire to go through with the assimilation. He continues in speaking on making the election process uniform among the country. He also notes the necessity to create a Court of Appeal as well as the need to prepare for the upcoming 1871 census.[3]
In the speech, he highlights the menace of invasion from the United States. He also celebrates the creation of the province of Manitoba and looks forward to the same from British Columbia. On that topic, he speaks on the importance of the interoceanic railway to be created. He encourages more immigration to these new territories. He recommends the swift standardization of currency to not fall into the divisiveness seen in Europe. He says the census will occur on April 3, 1971. He briefly touches on some future bills pertaining to Parliamentary Elections, Weights and Measures, Insurance Companies, Savings Banks, and for the Consolidation and amendment of the Inspection Laws.[4]
In the speech, he highlights the threat of invasion of Manitoba from the United States. He remarks on a conference held in Ottawa in September 1871 on the subject of immigration. He recognizes the adoption of British Columbia into the union and the continuation of the railway project. He encourages the development of canals and a direct water communication between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy. He notes that the census has taken place. He briefly mentions future bills pertaining to Judges of Superior Courts-to the regulation and management of the Public Lands and Mines of the Dominion in Manitoba and the North West Territories, aid for the amendment of the laws relating to the Public Health.[5]
Party standings at opening of Parliament
House of Commons
Seats in the House of Commons by party and province
1 – The Anti-Confederate Party dissolved after failing to secure Nova Scotia's secession from Confederation. In 1869 its members joined other parties, or in one case sat as an independent.
6 – One Ontario MP, Alexander Morris, recontested his seat in a byelection. He was reelected in Lanark South on November 29, 1869, after being appointed Minister of Inland Revenue.
Four Quebec members recontested their seats in byelections, and were re-elected:
2 – John Rose was reelected in Huntingdon on November 28, 1867, after being named Minister of Finance.
3 – Barthélemy Pouliot was unseated on petition, but was reelected in L'Islet on July 14, 1869.
4 – Christopher Dunkin was reelected in Brome on November 29, 1869, after being named Minister of Agriculture.
5 – John Henry Pope was reelected in Compton on November 11, 1871, after being named Minister of Agriculture following Dunkin's resignation from Parliament.
New provinces
Manitoba
Manitoba joined Confederation in 1870. Elections to choose Manitoba's representatives were held on March 2 and March 3, 1871.
Queen Victoria granted royal assent to the British North America Act on March 29, 1867, forming the new nation of Canada on July 1. Dominion elections were held in August and September to elect the first House of Commons. The proclamation of Confederation on May 22 had named the 72 men (24 each for Quebec and Ontario, 12 each for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) who would sit in the Senate.
The 72 seats in the initial Senate were divided as follows: 24 to Ontario, 24 to Quebec, 12 to New Brunswick, 12 to Nova Scotia. Of the 72 appointed, two declined the appointment, and 2 seats remained vacant.
The province of Quebec has 24 Senate divisions which are constitutionally mandated. In all other provinces, a Senate division is strictly an optional designation of the senator's own choosing, and has no real constitutional or legal standing. A senator who does not choose a special senate division is designated a senator for the province at large.
On July 15, 1870, Manitoba became the 5th Canadian province and was allotted 2 seats in the Senate. With the increase, the number of seats in the Senate rose to 74. The seats were not filled until December 13, 1871, when Lord Lisgar, on the advice of John A. Macdonald, filled those two seats.
On July 20, 1871, British Columbia became the 6th Canadian province and was allotted 3 seats in the Senate, bringing the combined number of seats in the Senate to 77. On December 13, 1871, Lord Lisgar, on the advice of John A. Macdonald, appointed three persons to fill those seats.
Hodgins, William Egerton, ed. (2014) [1st Pub. 1896]. Correspondence, reports of the ministers of justice and orders in council upon the subject of Dominion and provincial legislation, 1867–1895. CIHM/ICMH Microfiche series / CIHM/ICMH collection de microfiches; no. 14543. Ottawa: Canada. Department of Justice; Government Print Bureau. hdl:2027/aeu.ark:/13960/t3zs37z6q. ISBN978-0-665-14543-8.
Government of Canada. "1st Ministry". Guide to Canadian Ministries since Confederation. Privy Council Office. Archived from the original on 2005-12-28. Retrieved 2006-11-09.
Government of Canada. "1st Parliament". Members of the House of Commons: 1867 to Date: By Parliament. Library of Parliament. Archived from the original on 2006-12-20. Retrieved 2006-11-30.
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