Lecture on Canadian History and the Concept of Sovereignty
Introduction
Canada is often seen as a land of opportunities, beauty, and generosity.
There exists an undercurrent of unease, hinting at deception regarding Canada's history and governance.
Historical Context
Key Historical Events
1759: Great Britain defeats France at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, renaming the colony to Quebec.
1776: American colonies declare independence, forming the USA.
1791: Quebec divided into Lower and Upper Canada.
1840: Act of Union merges Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada.
1867: British North America (BNA) Act creates the Dominion of Canada, celebrated initially as Dominion Day, later as Canada Day.
British Influence and Control
Great Britain faced dilemmas post-American Civil War, influencing Canadian governance through the BNA Act.
The BNA Act was a British statute that governed Canada without true confederation.
Examination of the BNA Act
Preamble: Modified to suggest federal union desires of provinces.
1889 Interpretation Act: Defined Canada as a British colony.
Original BNA Act remains in UK, not ratified by Canadian colonies.
Territorial Expansion and Treaties
1871 Treaty of Washington: Settled claims between UK and USA, involving John A. MacDonald's representation.
Land acquisitions via Rupert's Land Act and others expanded Canadian territories.
Sovereignty and the Statute of Westminster
Understanding Sovereignty
1926: Push for Canadian sovereignty at the Imperial Conference.
1931 Statute of Westminster: Key document removing colonial law, making provinces sovereign states.
Post-1931 Governance Issues
Governor General: Previously, the sole government authority, now obsolete due to the statute.
Canadian Parliament: Attempts to amend laws without legitimacy post-1931.
Modern Implications and Misconceptions
Misconceptions About Freedom and Governance
Canada Act 1982: Misrepresented as bringing true sovereignty, not ratified properly.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Seen as an illusion under maritime law.
The Role of Quebec
Quebec's unique position under the Canada Act 1982 and reliance on equalization payments.
Current and Future Considerations
The Path Forward
Emphasis on education, breaking indoctrination, and forming provincial constitutions.
Importance of sovereignty for each province before potential federation.
Call to Action
Encourages questioning current systems, promoting local governance, and seeking genuine freedom.
Advocates for a shift in mindset from corporate control to individual sovereignty.
Conclusion
The lecture challenges traditional narratives about Canadian governance and encourages a reevaluation of Canada's historical and current political state.