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House of Commons, 4 June 1869, Canadian Confederation with Alberta and Saskatchewan

612 COMMONS DEBATES June 4, 1869

THE NORTH WEST

Sir John A. Macdonald introduced a Bill for the organization and government of Rupert's Land and the North West. The hon. gentleman said he was aware he could only introduce this Bill by the consent of the House; but he hoped that would be given. Under the address Her Majesty might at any time by an Order in Council, or a proclamation, declare the North West Territory to be part of the Confederation; and it is probable that before the Dominion Parliament meets again that proclamation will take effect. In consequence of this it was necessary that we should have authority to go there, accept the transfer, and administer the country provisionally until Parliament met. The Government did not intend at present to submit anything like a permanent measure on this subject; but had prepared the short Bill he held in his hand, which would sufficiently provide for the organization and government of the country during the few months which 613 might elapse between the issuing of the proclamation and the convening of Parliament.
Mr. Blake asked if this way the only Bill which has to be introduced on the subject. Did the Government think there would be sufficient time to consider a measure of such magnitude? The President of the Council, who was so much opposed to this measure at one period, was now among those who were pressing it on, when members were almost leaving for home.
Hon. Mr. Howe said that the business could be got through well enough if hon. gentlemen on the other side would not waste so much time in wrangling.
Mr. Mackenzie thought the President of the Council ought to be the last man to complain of taking up the time of the Dominion ; for if any person took up the time of the House, not perhaps talking nonsense, but something which had no bearing on the subject, it was that hon. gentleman. (Hear and cheers.) The President of the Council was not to be the judge of what was important and what was unimportant. (Hear). The House was told the other night that the measure just introduced was a great one on which to expend our thoughts. For his part, he thought the discussion of such a measure only a waste of time and would not enter on it.
The second reading of the Bill was ordered for Tuesday.

Source:

Canada. House of Commons Debates, 1875-1949. Provided by the Library of Parliament.

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Selection of input documents and completion of metadata: Isabelle Carré-Hudson.

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