Category Archives: History of British North America

1841 or 1848: When Did Responsible Government Begin?

Posted on 2017/01/03 by J.W.J. Bowden

The latest issue of The Dorchester Review contains my first little foray into this question of when Responsible Government began;  I hope to expand this initial contribution into a larger project. For now, you can read my initial findings here. The idea came … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorchester Review, History of British North America, Individual vs Collective Ministerial Responsibility, Origins, Responsible Government | 4 Comments

The Old House of Commons Chamber (1866-1916)

Posted on 2016/12/25 by J.W.J. Bowden

  While I was browsing at the Astrolabe on Sparks Street two days ago (which, sadly, is closing down soon), I happened upon this neat photograph of the old Canadian House of Commons, taken in 1898, 18 years before the … Continue reading →

Posted in History of British North America, Parliament, Traditions and History | 4 Comments

Justin Trudeau Has A “Basic Dictatorship” Problem

Posted on 2016/11/28 by J.W.J. Bowden

  The Root Cause of Trudeau’s Basic Dictatorship Problem Justin Trudeau has a “Basic Dictatorship” Problem. Ultimately, it stems from his political Romanticism and his attempt to deny that politics is, by definition, divisive precisely because we are free to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorchester Review, Loyal Opposition | 5 Comments

Execute Order 66: The Royal Recommendation

Posted on 2016/09/23 by J.W.J. Bowden

  I just stumbled upon something hilarious that combines my geeky interests in Star Wars and British parliamentarism. In Commonwealth Realms, the government must approve of any and all money bills and confer upon it the Royal Recommendation before parliament … Continue reading →

Posted in History of British North America, Humour | 2 Comments

Who Is Canada’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister? It Depends on When “Canada” Began

Posted on 2016/07/01 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction The Parliament of Canada — Youth Connection’s Facebook group asked on 22 June 2016, “Who is Canada’s longest-serving Prime Minister?” and asked users to submit their guesses before confirming the answer in a later post, as Mackenzie King. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitution (Written), History of British North America | Leave a comment