Lord+Durham+and+the+Union+Act

Lord Melbourne, the British Prime Minister appointed a commission to investigate and resolve the rebellions in the colonies. Lord Durham was appointed Governer-General and Lord High Commissioner of British North America. Durham promised sweeping reforms. Durham had nearly dictatorial powers but was often under political attack from London. Durham granted amnesty to all but eight of the rebels. - These eight were then convinced to plead guilty and were banished to Bermuda. This he took as an affront to his power and returned to England.

__**The Durham Report**__ In the report Durham identified several problems: - Conflict between Councils and the Assembly - Unprogressive nature of the French Canadians

Durham's Suggestions: - Responsible Government - Closer to the British System -Union of the Colonies - Representation by Population - Seperation of Power - Colonies would run their own internal affairs - Public education would be instituded - To teach the French to speak English - Judiciary free of the Executive

Durham was only in Canada for five months and spent most of it in Quebec. Overestimated the racial barriers in the society. - Racial cooperation was not long in coming Underestimated the French desire to maintain their own culture.
 * __Criticism of the Report__**

Durham did recognize the fact that British North America was emerging from its phase of colonial dependance. This was a major step in the transformation from Empire to Commonwealth.
 * __Greatness of the Report__**