Special Council of Lower Canada


The Special Council of Lower Canada was an appointed body which administered Lower Canada until the Union Act of 1840 created the Province of Canada. Following the Lower Canada Rebellion, on March 27, 1838, the Constitutional Act of 1791 was suspended and both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council were dissolved.
The Act of Union united Upper and Lower Canada into a single province with a single parliament, consisting of an upper and lower house. Upon the first meeting of this parliament, the Special Council was dissolved.
In November 1839, the Special Council approved proposals made by Governor Sydenham for the union of the two Canadas.
There were three Special Councils:

Presiding Officer

The presiding member of the Special Council acted as Speaker.
In 1838 the Council met at Government House in Montreal and also at Quebec City. From 1839 to 1841 the Council met in Montreal only.