November 8, 1867

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

His Excellency Lord Monck, the Governor-General, delivered his Speech from the Throne yesterday afternoon, outlining the Government’s agenda for the coming first session of the Dominion Parliament.

In his speech, Lord Monck declared his own “deep feeling of gratification” at having played a role in the creation of the Dominion and stated that the foundation has been laid for “a new Nationality that I trust and believe will, ere long, extend its bounds from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.”

The government’s agenda is as follows:

• assimilation of the laws of the Provinces with respect to Currency, Customs, Excise, and Revenue;
• adoption of a uniform Postal System;
• legislation relating to the management and maintenance of the Public Works and Properties of the Dominion;
• developing a scheme for the organization of the Militia and defence of the Dominion;
• legislation relating to the administration of Indian affairs;
• uniform laws respecting Patents of Invention and Discovery;
• naturalization of Aliens;
• assimilation of the Criminal Law;
• assimilation of laws relating to Bankruptcy and Insolvency;
• legislation required to begin the construction of the Intercolonial Railroad will be introduced;
• consideration of territorial expansion to the West;
• consideration of the protection and development of Fisheries and Marine Interest;
• the definition of Parliamentary privileges; and
• the establishment of uniform election laws and the trial for Controverted Elections.

Finally, the expenditures since July 1 will be laid before the Commons for approval, along with the Estimates for this and next year.

Lord Monck closed his speech saying:

Your new nationality enters on its course backed by the moral support, the material aid, and the most ardent good wishes of the Mother Country. Within your own borders peace, security and prosperity prevail, and I fervently pray that your aspirations may be directed to such high and patriotic objects, and that you may be endowed with such a spirit of moderation and wisdom as will cause you to render the great work of Union which has been achieved, a blessing to yourselves and your posterity, and a fresh starting point in the moral, political and material advancement of the people of Canada.

After the speech was read in the Senate Chamber, it was read again in the Commons by the Hon. James Cockburn, Speaker, for the benefit of members there, following which the Prime Minister moved the speech be taken into consideration today.

The House meets this afternoon at three o’clock at which point Charles Fisher (Liberal, York, NB) will begin debate on the Governor-General’s speech by moving agreement with it. He will be seconded by a member from Québec. The debate in the Senate will be started by a senator from Ontario and seconded by a senator from Nova Scotia, thus ensuring that all four provinces are represented.

ROSE TO FINANCE

The Globe suggests that Hon. John Rose (Liberal-Conservative, Huntingdon) will be the choice to replace Hon. Alexander Galt at Finance.

Rose was earlier rumoured to be in line for the Speakership.

Rose, a lawyer, has ministerial experience in the late-Province of Canada but the fact that he oversaw the construction of the Parliament Buildings with their massive cost-overruns does not inspire a great deal of confidence.

If the appointment comes to pass, Rose will have to resign his Commons seat and stand in a by-election.