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Extraordinary Canadians: Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine and Robert Baldwin

Fabian Mitchell

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The Early Years

Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine was born in Boucherville, Quebec, on October 4, 1807. His father was a wealthy merchant, and his mother was a member of the prominent Papineau family. Lafontaine was educated at the Collège de Montréal, where he excelled in his studies. After graduating, he studied law and was called to the bar in 1827.

Robert Baldwin was born in York, Upper Canada, on May 12, 1804. His father was a prominent lawyer and politician, and his mother was the daughter of a United Empire Loyalist. Baldwin was educated at Upper Canada College, where he was a top student. After graduating, he studied law and was called to the bar in 1825.

Extraordinary Canadians: Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine and Robert

by John Ralston Saul

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Language	:	English
File size	:	261 KB
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Print length	:	272 pages

The Political Arena

Lafontaine and Baldwin entered politics at a time of great change in Canada. The country was divided along linguistic and cultural lines, and there was growing demand for responsible government. Lafontaine and Baldwin were both strong supporters of responsible government, and they worked together to achieve this goal.

In 1840, Lafontaine and Baldwin helped to form the Reform Party. The Reform Party was a coalition of French and English Canadians who were united in their support for responsible government. In the 1841 election, the Reform Party won a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada.

Lafontaine and Baldwin formed a government, with Lafontaine as премьер and Baldwin as attorney general. The Lafontaine-Baldwin government was a period of great progress for Canada. The government introduced a number of important reforms, including the Municipal Corporations Act, which gave municipalities more control over their own affairs. The government also established a system of free public education.

The Legacy of Lafontaine and Baldwin

Lafontaine and Baldwin are considered two of the most important figures in Canadian history. They were instrumental in the creation of a more democratic and self-governing Canada. Their legacy continues to this day, and they are remembered as two of the greatest Canadians.

There are many monuments and memorials to Lafontaine and Baldwin in Canada. The Lafontaine-Baldwin statue in Ottawa is one of the most famous. The statue is located on Parliament Hill, and it depicts Lafontaine and Baldwin standing side by side. The statue is a reminder of the important role that these two men played in Canadian history.