Rebellion Losses Bill and the Montreal Riots, April 1849

Background. The Rebellion Losses Bill was enacted by the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1849 to compensate Lower Canadians for property losses during the 1837-1838 rebellions. The bill was controversial, particularly among English-speaking residents. The Province of Canada, formed in 1841, had its seat of government in Montreal from 1844 to 1849. The passage of the bill was seen as a test of responsible government, with the Baldwin-Lafontaine ministry relying on the largest party in the Legislative Assembly.

Political Context. In 1848, Governor General Elgin appointed a Cabinet nominated by the majority party of the Legislative Assembly, the Baldwin-Lafontaine coalition that had won elections in January. Responsible government was achieved under the second LaFontaine-Baldwin ministry in 1849, when Elgin agreed that the cabinet would be formed by the largest party in the Legislative Assembly, making the premier the head of government and reducing the governor general to a more symbolic role. The Rebellion Losses Bill arose within this arrangement.

The Riots. The signing of the bill sparked outrage among Montreal's English-speaking population. Rioters, spurred by incendiary articles in The Gazette, protested against the bill. On the night of April 25, 1849, the Parliament building in Montreal, the then-capital, was burned down. This event marked the end of Montreal's status as the capital of the Province of Canada.