House of Commons, 4 June 1869, Canadian Confederation with Alberta and Saskatchewan
612COMMONS DEBATESJune 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
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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.
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