Province of Canada - Accomplishments

Accomplishments

Among its accomplishments, the United Province of Canada negotiated the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 with the United States, built the Grand Trunk Railway, improved the educational system in Canada West under Egerton Ryerson, reinstated French as an official language of the legislature and the courts, codified the Civil Code of Lower Canada in 1866, and abolished the seigneurial system in Canada East.

Municipal reform in Canada West was another important achievement. Local government in Canada West operated mainly at the district level until 1849, when a system based on counties was introduced. In 1841, elected district councils were introduced; before that time, officials were appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor.

Education in Canada West was regulated by the province through the General Board of Education, in 1846, until 1850, when it was replaced by the Department of Public Instruction, until 1876.

Exploration of Western Canada and Rupert's Land with a view to annexation and settlement was a priority of Canada West politicians in the 1850s leading to the Palliser Expedition and the Red River Exploring Expedition of Henry Youle Hind, George Gladman and Simon James Dawson.