Durham Report

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Durham Report. John Lambton, earl of Durham, was appointed governor-in-chief of Canada in January 1838 following rebellions in Canada. A dispute with Melbourne's government quickly ended the mission and Durham prepared an extensive Report on the Affairs of British North America, which was leaked to The Times in February 1839. He recommended the union of Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) with local self-government. Durham's Report had limited influence at the time, but was hailed by late 19th-cent. enthusiasts as the Magna Carta of the empire. Durham's belief that French-Canadians should be encouraged to speak English remains controversial in Quebec.

Ged Martin