New Deal

Passed in 1935 by the Conservative government of R.B. Bennett, it established a social insurance plan, maximum work hours and minimum wages, a marketing board for natural products and farm credit provisions. A split in support over the New Deal in the party, led Mackenzie King’s Liberals into power in 1935 and in 1937, the New Deal measures were declared unconstitutional.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

Established in 1961 by the amalgamation of the CCF and CLC parties, appealed to voters in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Under the leadership of Tommy Douglas, the party gained recognition in the federal elections of 1962 winning 19 seats and in 1969 it was elected into government in Manitoba. In 1972, the NDP won 30 seats in the federal election. Its popularity is due in great part to the fact that it has given voters an alternative to the major parties exerting constant pressure on their governments. The NDP have ensured that social issues retain political importance.

New France

This name was given to all North American territories claimed by France between 1524 and 1803. In 1534, Jacques Cartier claimed the Gaspe for the King of France by planting a cross on the shore. In 1608, Champlain established a base for fur trading in Quebec making it the centre of the French colony. By 1663, the colony had become a royal province with a governor responsible for foreign affairs, an administer of justice and a bishop to impose spiritual discipline. It did not gain a sense of political responsibility like the English colonies. However, early inhabitants like Jean Talon contributed to its economic development by encouraging fishing, farming, lumbering and ship-building.

Ninety-Two Resolutions, 1834

The ninety-two resolutions was a demand for a more democratic system of government in Upper and Lower Canada, drawn up by William Lyon Mackenzie and his group of reformers. The resolutions also called for land reform to allow small farmers access to cheaper land. Each colony had its own legislative assembly, but the assembly had little real power. The British appointed governor and his non-elected cabinet held real power. A key point of the Ninety-Two Resolutions was that cabinet members had to be chosen from the elected members of the assembly and be responsible for their actions to the assembly, a system that was called Aresponsible government.@ Responsible government, however, would not be achieved for about another two decades.

North West Company

This Canadian fur trading company was established in 1779. The company met with its partners once a year in Fort William to collect furs and make policy decisions. In spite of its success, the North West Company was absorbed into the Hudson’s Bay Company.

North-West Rebellion (1885)

Lead by Gabriel Dumont and Louis Riel, the metis of Saskatchewan along with two Native American tribes rebelled against the government’s lack of assurances or safeguards concerning the English-speaking settlers. In spite of their efforts, a large body of militia was able to crush the revolt. The militia was able to get to Winnipeg from Ottawa in six days instead of the usual two months. This was the result of the Canadian Pacific Railway, giving more reason for the government to lend it money for its completion. Dumont was able to escape, but it proved to be Riel’s undoing, as he was captured and later executed.