These sources collectively provide an overview of the political and social landscape of British North America leading up to and immediately following Confederation in 1867, with a particular emphasis on the Province of Canada. One source examines the evolution of social classes, highlighting the persistence of old hierarchies like the seigneurial system alongside the rise of merchant elites, liberal professionals, and a growing working class, also discussing the significant influence of the clergy across denominations despite sectarian rivalries. Another source details the development of the education system, focusing on the contrasting histories of Upper and Lower Canada and the impact of the Act of Union and Section 93 of the British North America Act, which protected denominational school rights, as well as the horrific legacy of residential schooling and other forms of racial segregation in the public school system. Finally, two sources provide context for the political climate, describing the formation of the Province of Canada, the struggle for responsible government, and the emergence of political factions like the Clear Grits and the Parti bleu, underscoring the political challenges arising from the dual nature of the united provinces which ultimately led to Confederation.

These sources collectively provide an overview of the Rebellions of 1837-1838 in Upper and Lower Canada, examining their causes and consequences. They highlight the political unrest stemming from frustrations with the existing governance structure and the desire for responsible government. Furthermore, the texts discuss the Lord Durham Report, a pivotal document that recommended the unification of the two colonies and the assimilation of French Canadians, and the eventual Act of Union in 1840. The sources also touch upon the transnational impact of the rebellions, particularly on the United States and Britain, and note the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding the interpretation of these events, moving beyond a purely ethnolinguistic conflict.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (French: Charte canadienne des droits et libertés), often simply referred to as the Charter in Canada, is a bill of rights entrenched in the Constitution of Canada, forming the first part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and guarantees the civil rights of everyone in Canada. It is designed to unify Canadians around a set of principles that embody those rights. The Charter was proclaimed in force by Queen Elizabeth II of Canada on April 17, 1982, as part of the Constitution Act, 1982.

This podcast focuses on the British North America Act of 1867, its historical context, and its lasting impact on Canada's governance and structure. The Act, now known as the Constitution Act, 1867, established Canada as a self-governing Dominion, outlining the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments and creating key institutions like Parliament and the courts. Subsequent amendments and the Constitution Act, 1982 further shaped Canada's constitutional framework, including the process for future changes and the addition of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ultimately granting Canada full sovereignty. The ongoing relevance of these foundational documents in defining Canada's federalism, provincial roles, and the rights of its citizens is also highlighted.

This episode detail the American invasion of Quebec in 1775-1776, a significant early campaign of the American Revolutionary War. They describe the motivations behind the invasion, the two-pronged American effort led by Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, and the ultimately unsuccessful siege of Quebec City. The sources highlight the challenges faced by the American forces, including harsh weather, disease, and insufficient supplies, culminating in their defeat and retreat. Furthermore, they touch upon the political and military aftermath, including the death of Montgomery and the continued British control of Quebec.

The Constitution Act, 1867 (French: Loi constitutionnelle de 1867), originally enacted as the British North America Act, 1867 (BNA Act), is a major part of the Constitution of Canada. The act created a federal dominion and defines much of the operation of the Government of Canada, including its federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the justice system, and the taxation system. In 1982, with the patriation of the Constitution, the British North America Acts which were originally enacted by the British Parliament, including this Act, were renamed. However, the acts are still known by their original names in records of the United Kingdom. Amendments were also made at this time: section 92A was added, giving provinces greater control over non-renewable natural resources.

The long title is "An Act for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and the Government Thereof; and for Purposes Connected Therewith."

The War of 1812 was fought by the United States and its allies against the United Kingdom and its allies in North America. It began when the United States declared war on Britain on 18 June 1812. Although peace terms were agreed upon in the December 1814 Treaty of Ghent, the war did not officially end until the peace treaty was ratified by the United States Congress on 17 February 1815.

The Constitutional Act 1791 (31 Geo. 3. c. 31) (French: Acte constitutionnel de 1791) was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain which was passed during the reign of George III. The act divided the old Province of Quebec into Lower Canada and Upper Canada, each with its own parliament and government. It repealed the Quebec Act 1774. The act remained in force until 1841, when it was largely repealed by the Union Act, 1840, which reunited the two provinces into the new Province of Canada. Some provisions relating to the clergy reserves remained in force. The remaining provisions of the act were repealed over time, with final repeal in 1966.