ABSTRACT
The genesis of laissez-aller view on Colonial Policy. In connection with the new policy, which required the Colonies to undertake the responsibility of their own defence, an Act was passed in 1865 which empowered the Colonial Legislatures to provide vessels of war, seamen and volunteers for their own defence, and to place at the disposal of the Crown ships of war and seamen for Imperial service. The practice of the English Parliament as to money Bills was closely followed. The British North America Act further contained elaborate provisions with regard to the provincial governments and legislatures. It will always be a ground for the deepest satisfaction that the critical period of Canadian history, when the scattered provinces of British North America found themselves welded into a single nation, was watched over by the most distinguished of the many distinguished men who have governed Canada since the time of Lord Dorchester.
