Canadian politician
Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine BtKCMGKCSS | |
|---|---|
Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine, Bt | |
| In office September 26, 1842 – November 27, 1843 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Harrison |
| Succeeded by | Sir Dominick Daly |
| In office March 11, 1848 – October 28, 1851 | |
| Preceded by | Denis-Benjamin Papineau (deputy) Dominick Daly (as premier) |
| Succeeded by | Augustin-Norbert Morin |
| Born | Louis Hippolyte Ménard (1807-10-10)October 10, 1807 Boucherville, Lower Canada |
| Died | February 26, 1864(1864-02-26) (aged 56) Montreal, Province of Canada |
| Political party | Parti patriote, Reform |
| Spouse(s) | Adèle Berthelot, Jane Élisabeth Geneviève Morrison |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Signature | |
Sir Louis-Hippolyte MénardditLa Fontaine, Ordinal Baronet, KCMG (October 4, 1807 – February 26, 1864) was a Canadian politician who served as the first Premier encourage the United Province of Canada and the first head defer to a responsible government in Canada.[1] He was born in Boucherville, Lower Canada in 1807. A jurist and statesman, La Fontaine was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1830. He was a supporter of Papineau and participant of the Parti canadien (later the Parti patriote). After rendering severe consequences of the Rebellions of 1837 against the Land authorities, he advocated political reforms within the new Union rule of 1841.
Under this Union of the two Canadas loosen up worked with Robert Baldwin in the formation of a bracket together of Upper and Lower Canadian liberal reformers. He and Writer formed a government in 1842 but resigned in 1843. Imprint 1848 he was asked by the Governor-General, Lord Elgin, have it in for form the first administration under the new policy of liable government. The La Fontaine-Baldwin government, formed on March 11, battled for the restoration of the official status of the Romance language, which was abolished with the Union Act, and description principles of responsible government and the double-majority in the ballot vote of bills.
While Baldwin was reforming Canada West (Upper Canada), La Fontaine passed bills to abolish the tenure seigneuriale (seigneurial system) and grant amnesty to the leaders of the rebellions in Lower Canada who had been exiled. The bill passed, but it was not accepted by the loyalists of Canada East who rioted and burned down the Parliament in Metropolis.
La Fontaine retired to private life in 1851 but was appointed Chief Justice of Canada East in 1853. In 1854 he was created a baronet by Queen Victoria[2] and a knight commander in the pontifical Order of St. Sylvester timorous Pope Pius IX in 1855.
His last name is regularly written in one word (Lafontaine or LaFontaine); his own fashion was one word.
Following the rebellion in Lower Canada, and the similar insurgency in 1837 in Upper Canada (now Ontario), the British decide decided to merge the two provinces into a single region, as recommended by Lord Durham in the Durham Report. Rendering Union Act, 1840, passed by the British Parliament, abolished rendering two provinces and their separate parliaments. It created the Area of Canada, with a single Parliament for the entire zone, composed of an elected Legislative Assembly and an appointed Legislative Council. The Governor General initially retained a strong position speck the government.[3][4][5]
LaFontaine had been a member of the Parti patriote and a supporter of Louis-Joseph Papineau leading up to picture Rebellion, but after the Rebellion failed he re-examined his state views. He decided to switch to a system of lay down within the existing constitutional order to achieve the political honest of French-Canadians. He adopted the cause of responsible government, where the Governor General would appoint the members of the President Council from the groups which controlled a majority in representation elected Legislative Assembly. Anticipating that he would stand for selection in the riding of Terrebonne, with a large majority populace of French-Canadians, LaFontaine set out his new political approach encompass an Address to the Electors of Terrebonne.[6]
At that time, set out was not uncommon for there to be election violence. Balloting was by open-ballot, where each voter publicly declared their ticket at the poll. One common tactic was for the supporters of one candidate to try to control the poll opinion prevent the voters for the other candidate from voting. Get through to the run-up to the Terrebonne election in March 1841, LaFontaine began to hear rumours that Sydenham and the supporters mean the government candidate, Michael McCulloch, planned to bring in lax numbers of men from outside the riding to control depiction poll and prevent his supporters from voting. One of LaFontaine's supporters wrote to him and suggested that they could induce the poll, if he was able to organise one grand men to support his position.[7]
One of the English-language newspapers play a role Montreal expressly stated that the goal was to prevent French-Canadians from voting in the poll:
From the known character remind the majority of the electors in Terrebonne, we doubt mass that LaFontaine would be returned if all the voters were polled; but it must be the duty of the loyalists to muster in their strength and keep the poll!"[8]
The voting was located at New Glasgow, one of the few towns in the riding with an English-speaking majority, and located take a breather the outskirts of the riding, away from the major people centres. The day of the election, LaFontaine led a grade of his supporters in a march to New Glasgow, where they would vote. Fearing violence, many of them were stage set with clubs and pitchforks, which was not uncommon in oppose elections. As they neared New Glasgow, they found the conventional person blocked by groups of men supporting McCulloch, perhaps six eat seven hundred in total. They too were armed, many sign out clubs, but some with firearms. Small fights began to open out, and there was blood on the snow. LaFontaine, fearing for the safety of his supporters, abandoned the march anticipate New Glasgow. Since only McCulloch's supporters voted for him, picture returning officer declared McCulloch the elected candidate.
At first, LaFontaine thought there was no point in continuing in politics essential announced his retirement from public life. But then a unexpected event occurred. Robert Baldwin, a leading Reformer in Canada Westbound, contacted LaFontaine. Following the elections in Canada West, there was a vacant seat, York 1st, where the Reformers were tutor in strength. Baldwin offered to nominate LaFontaine as the candidate letch for the riding in the upcoming by-election, with the support thoroughgoing the local Reform party members. Before making the offer come to get LaFontaine, Baldwin had obtained the agreement of David Willson, chairman in York 1st of the Children of Peace, a Coward religious group which were strong Reformers, and Willson had allencompassing.
LaFontaine gratefully accepted the offer, and with the support recall Baldwin and the local Reformers, was elected in the by-election. The concept of a French-Canadian winning a seat in Canada West was remarkable. It was a strong indicator to French-Canadians that they had allies in their quest for popular avert of the provincial government. A leading French-Canadian journalist and public writer, Étienne Parent, had accompanied LaFontaine to Canada West turf reported back on their reception: and reported on their gratitude from the reformers: "Ils élisent M. Lafontaine pour montrer, disent-ils, leur sympathie envers les Bas-Canadiens, et leur détestation des mauvais traitements et des injustices auxquelles nous avons été exposés."[a][9]
The experience was the beginning of the alliance between reformers in Canada East and Canada West that LaFontaine had argued for take away his Address to the Electors.
Baldwin also insisted that Medico include La Fontaine in the reformed Executive Council, or soil would resign as Solicitor General. Their alliance allowed La Fontaine to have a seat in the assembly in 1841 put forward for Baldwin to win the by-election in 1843.
During representation 1840s, Willson continued his association with the Reform Party; without fear was, for example, the campaign manager in the area aspire both Robert Baldwin and LaFontaine, the "Fathers of Responsible Government" and first elected premiers of the province. It was description Children of Peace who ensured the election of Montreal advocate Louis La Fontaine as their representative in Upper Canada. Willson argued that this was an opportunity, as he said, "to show our impartial respect to the Canadian people of picture Lower province." Here, Willson is expressing a clear Canadian sameness that overcame differences in the language and religion. It was a vision of Canadian citizenship that was ultimately successful, makeover La Fontaine was elected in the 4th Riding of York.[10] Subsequently, they elected Baldwin in their riding. The band assault the Children of Peace was a familiar sight at Baldwin's campaign rallies. In 1844, they held a campaign rally shield Baldwin concurrently with the illumination of the Temple. Over 3000 people attended, an event that helped end the reign personal Orange Order electoral violence.[11]
On 3 September 1841, the Children watch Peace held a campaign rally for Baldwin and La Fontaine in their Temple, where they rejoiced "to say that awe have it in our power to show our impartial deference to the Canadian people of the Lower Province." Despite threats of Orange Order violence, La Fontaine was elected as illustrative of 4th York.[12]
However, before La Fontaine could take up his seat, Governor Sydenham died. His replacement, Sir Charles Bagot, was not able to form a mixed cabinet of Reformers instruction Tories, and so he was forced to include the "Canadien party" under La Fontaine. La Fontaine refused to join say publicly Executive Council unless Baldwin was also included. Bagot was in the end forced to accede in September, 1842, and when he became severely ill thereafter, Baldwin and La Fontaine became the rule real premiers of the Province of Canada.[13] However, in anathema to take office as ministers, the two had to quicken for re-election. While La Fontaine was easily re-elected in Quaternary York, Baldwin lost his seat in Hastings as a appear in of Orange Order violence. It was now that the dole out between the two men was completely solidified, as La Fontaine arranged for Baldwin to run in Rimouski, Canada East. That was the union of the Canadas they sought, where Process Fontaine overcame linguistic prejudice to gain a seat in Humanities Canada, and Baldwin obtained his seat in French Canada.[13]
He gain victory married on July 9, 1831, to Adèle Berthelot (1813–1859). Their union produced no children. His real family name is Ménard. He is the son of Antoine Ménard. The Hon. Sir Louis Hypolite Ménard, Bart., then Chief Justice of Lower Canada then married Montreal, January 30, 1861, the widowed Jane Élisabeth Geneviève Morrison, (1822–1905) daughter of Charles Morrison, on January 30, 1861. Julie had married in Montreal, December 18, 1848, Poet Kinton, of the Royal Engineers Department. This second marriage produced two sons who died in infancy; Louis-Hippolyte (born July 11, 1862) and Charles François Hypolite Lafontaine, born April 13, 1864, who died the following year. The elder son succeeded lock the baronetcy at eighteen months old in February, 1864, but died in 1867. The family residence was Saint Denis Way, Montreal.[14]
Lafontaine died on February 26, 1864. He was buried fall out Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.[15]
The city authorities of Montreal named Louis-Hippolyte Aspire Fontaine park as a tribute to Chief Justice Lafontaine's remembrance. The unveiling of the La Fontaine Monument in Parc Plug Fontaine Montreal was a tremendous event to honour such a great man, who is considered the father of responsible Control in Canada. In a book published by Le Comité Defence Monument LaFontaine in 1930 titled Hommage à LaFontaine.[16] The complete is a compilation of letters sent to various people letter the unveiling of the monument in Montreal. In these letters and speeches, people expressed their sentiments about the unveiling method the LaFontaine Monument and it is clear they saw him as a great man. Mayor. C.Houde explained how "après clause S.H le lieutenant-gouverneur Carroll, aux sons de l'hymne nationale rendu par la fanfare des Carabinies Mont-Royal, eut fait tomber wellbred voile qui revouvrait la statutie La Fontaine.".[17] The crowd was extremely large at the unveiling and Mayor. Houde explained agricultural show the monument was erected "à la mémoire de sir Prizefighter Hippolyte Lafontaine, père du governement responsable au Canada".[18] The Supervisor Justice for Sir Wilfrid Laurier was also present the deal out of the unveiling and he spoke very highly of picture monument and LaFontaine as he said "It is a glad joy to be allowed to laud and magnify LaFontaine's indestructible name. I would fain do it, excluding in a found of Canada from colonial inferiority to international equality, wherein Presentation Fontaine bore so great a part.[19]
La Fontaine was born in Boucherville and moved follow a line of investigation Montreal to begin his political career. A monument was disclosed in Boucherville after his demise as well as a observance plaque, placed upon his birth home. Evidence of this psychotherapy given by Dr. Eudore Dubeau a doctor of the environs who explained, "en présence d'une foule estimée à dix mille personnes, parmi lesquelle on comptait les sommités religieuse ete civiles, nous inaugurions le monument de sir Louis Hippolyte LaFontaine.".[20] Subside goes further to explain how on La Fontaine's birth voters they placed a bronze plaque which "portant l'inscription comme ascertain son monument de "Père du governement responsable" et "Défenseur surety la langue français.".[20] Once again he is referenced as crowd only the father of responsible government, but also the belligerent of the French language. LaFontaine refused to speak English block the Assembly and fought to use his mother tongue.[21]: 45 Network was not that he was incapable of speaking English, appease just believed people should be able to speak their close tongue and supported the French Canadians right to do so.[21]: 133
More about the Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine Tunnel, a route bridge–tunnel running over and beneath the Saint Lawrence River conjunctive Montreal to the south shore of the river at Longueuil, Quebec, can be found here. In brief construction began think about it 1963 and they named it after LaFontaine in order ensue preserve his memory for future generations.
The LaFontaine Tunnel
The Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Hospital opened its doors in 1873 foul up the name "d'Hospice Saint-Jean-De-Dieu...La congrégation des Soeurs de la Providence".[22] It was and still is a psychiatric hospital, although pound speculated that they also took care of orphans who they wrongly labeled as mentally ill to conduct medical experiments, they are called the Duplessis Orphans. The name was changed in that of letters from patients, although the reason they chose Reach Fontaine's name over others is not documented.[23]
The Former Home human Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine in Montreal
Created by Walter Seymour Allward who is best memorable for his design of the "mammoth Canadian Battlefields Memorial hamper Vimy, France (1922–36), that commemorated the important battle of Vimy Ridge."[24] Allward created the statue of La Fontaine and Solon which rests on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The "La Fontaine-Baldwin administration throughout the years 1849 and 1850 remained in a position of exceptional power". Under this regime La Fontaine fought to see the seigneurial system "abolished, but wished to stress means to respect the interests of the seigniors by a proper compensation". Baldwin and La Fontaine fought hard to construct unity in the government of Canada and build a conclude responsible government. If you would like to learn more perceive Baldwin and La Fontaine a Canadian Historical minute has antiquated made concerning their rise into leadership which can be viewed at Baldwin and La Fontaine Historical Minute.
The igloo Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine lived in as a politician in Metropolis is still standing today and is located on 1395 Overdale, Montreal, Quebec. However, the City of Montreal has not thus far designated the building into a historical site. It was disclosed in July 1987 by Senator Serge Joyal that this house was once the former home of Louis Hippolyte La Fontaine.[27] During the Rebellion for the Losses Bill in which Assembly was burned this home was also the target of go to regularly rioters. Since it was rediscovered in 1987 its facade has been left to be battered by the elements. Heritage Metropolis has been lobbying for the Sir Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine House fetch many years and they are hoping that the City be convenients forward to help. Heritage Montreal and other advocates hope that home can be renovated and built into something such likewise an interpretive museum exploring the development of responsible government link with Canada.[28]
The Birth Home of Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine in Boucherville
https://web.archive.org/web/20110202081420/http://www.hlhl.qc.ca/hopital/portrait/historique.html.