Category Archives: Constitution (Written)

From Leader to Laggard in Elective Upper Houses: Canada’s Elective Legislative Council, 1856-1867

Posted on 2011/10/11 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction Most Canadians are probably unaware that for a brief period in our history, the upper house in the United Province of Canada (called a Legislative Council) was making the transition from an appointive chamber to an elective one, between … Continue reading →

Posted in Responsible Government, Senate Reform, Separation of Powers | 4 Comments

The Components of Canada’s Written Constitution

Posted on 2011/08/11 by J.W.J. Bowden

In an earlier post on defining Canada’s constitution and its various written and unwritten components, I classified the types of written components and listed some of them. Thankfully, the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa provides an excellent … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitution (Written) | 4 Comments

Defining Canada’s Constitution: Canada Did Have One Before Trudeau and 1982!

Posted on 2011/07/31 by J.W.J. Bowden

Part of my research includes studying the unwritten constitution. When Americans refer to their constitution, they mean one complete and concise document; while Americans can frame a copy of their constitution and hand it on a wall, Canadians cannot, because … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitution (Written) | 6 Comments