History & Geography · Grade 8 · Creating Canada: 1850–1890 · Term 1

Charlottetown & Quebec Conferences: Negotiations

A deep dive into the negotiations between the Fathers of Confederation and the drafting of the 72 Resolutions.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: History: Creating Canada, 1850–1890 - Grade 8

About This Topic

The Red River Resistance of 1869-1870 is a defining moment in Canadian history that challenges the narrative of peaceful expansion. Students examine the Métis response to the transfer of Rupert's Land, focusing on the leadership of Louis Riel and the establishment of a provisional government. This topic is crucial for understanding the birth of Manitoba and the ongoing struggle for Métis rights and recognition within the Canadian federation.

Students will analyze the 'Bill of Rights' drafted by the Métis and how it sought to protect French language rights, Catholic education, and land titles. The execution of Thomas Scott serves as a flashpoint for discussing the deep cultural divide between Protestant Ontario and Catholic Quebec. This topic comes alive when students can engage in role plays and simulations that require them to navigate the conflicting perspectives of the Métis, the Canadian government, and the settlers in the Red River area.

Key Questions

1. Differentiate the major points of contention between Canada West and Canada East.
2. Analyze how delegates balanced regional interests with the need for a strong central government.
3. Critique the exclusion of certain groups from these constitutional negotiations.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the primary points of disagreement between Canada West and Canada East regarding representation and language rights.
• Evaluate the compromises made by delegates to balance provincial autonomy with the necessity of a federal union.
• Critique the extent to which the 72 Resolutions addressed the concerns of diverse populations within British North America.
• Synthesize the key elements of the 72 Resolutions that formed the foundation for Canadian confederation.

Before You Start

The Province of Canada: Political Deadlock

Why: Students need to understand the political instability and the reasons for seeking a new form of government in the Province of Canada before examining the conferences.

Geography of British North America

Why: Understanding the distinct regions and their geographical characteristics is essential for grasping the regional interests that fueled the negotiations.

Key Vocabulary

Representation by Population	A system where the number of elected officials a region sends to a legislature is based on its population size. This was a major point of contention between Canada West and Canada East.
Federalism	A system of government where power is divided between a central national government and regional provincial governments. Delegates debated the ideal balance of power.
72 Resolutions	A list of 72 proposed articles that formed the basis for the British North America Act and the creation of Canada. They outlined the structure and powers of the new government.
Canada West	The western part of the Province of Canada, primarily English-speaking and seeking greater representation based on its larger population.
Canada East	The eastern part of the Province of Canada, primarily French-speaking and concerned about maintaining its language, culture, and political influence.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Louis Riel wanted to break away from Canada and start a new country.

What to Teach Instead

Riel actually wanted the Red River colony to enter Confederation as a province with its rights protected. Using a 'think-pair-share' on the Métis Bill of Rights helps students see that they were seeking inclusion, not independence.

Common Misconception

The Red River Resistance was just a small, local skirmish.

What to Teach Instead

It was a major political crisis that forced the Canadian government to negotiate and led to the creation of the province of Manitoba. Analyzing the Manitoba Act through a gallery walk shows the significant impact of the resistance.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Provisional Government Meeting

Students take on roles as members of the Métis National Committee. They must debate which demands to include in their 'Bill of Rights' to ensure their community's survival as Canada prepares to take over.

60 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: Rebellion or Resistance?

Divide the class into two sides. One side argues that the events at Red River were an illegal 'rebellion' against the Crown, while the other argues it was a legal 'resistance' to protect existing rights and property.

45 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: The Thomas Scott Trial

In small groups, students examine primary source accounts of Thomas Scott's behavior and his subsequent execution. They must decide if Riel's decision was a political necessity or a strategic blunder.

50 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Constitutional lawyers today still interpret and debate the principles established during the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences when arguing cases related to federal provincial jurisdiction.
• The ongoing discussions about minority language rights and official bilingualism in Canada can be traced back to the debates over linguistic and cultural protections during the formation of Canada.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the key questions. Assign students roles representing Canada West, Canada East, or Maritime provinces. Ask them to argue for their region's priorities in the negotiations, referencing specific resolutions.

Quick Check

Provide students with a simplified list of 5-7 key resolutions from the 72 Resolutions. Ask them to write a one-sentence summary for each, explaining its purpose and who it might benefit or disadvantage.

Exit Ticket

On an exit ticket, ask students to identify one major compromise made during the conferences and explain why it was necessary for achieving confederation. They should also name one group whose interests were largely overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Red River Resistance?

The resistance was caused by the Canadian government's attempt to take over Rupert's Land without consulting the Métis and First Nations residents. The arrival of Canadian surveyors, who began re-measuring Métis farms without permission, was the immediate spark that led the Métis to organize.

Who was Louis Riel?

Louis Riel was a Métis leader, founder of the province of Manitoba, and a central figure in the Red River and North-West Resistances. He was an educated, bilingual leader who sought to protect the religious, linguistic, and land rights of his people against Canadian expansion.

What was the Manitoba Act?

Passed in 1870, the Manitoba Act was the result of negotiations between Riel's provisional government and the Canadian federal government. It created the province of Manitoba and included protections for the French language and Catholic schools, as well as land grants for the Métis.

How can active learning help students understand the Red River Resistance?

Active learning strategies like role playing the provisional government allow students to see the Métis as sophisticated political actors rather than 'rebels.' By drafting their own version of the Bill of Rights, students understand the specific fears and goals of the community, making the eventual Manitoba Act much more meaningful.