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Date: 1870-03-14
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, House of Commons Debates, 1st Parl, 4th Sess, 1870 at 182.
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[Page 182]

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Hon. Sir GEORGE-É. CARTIER moved that the House go into committee on Friday next to consider the resolutions respecting the admission of British Columbia. He explained that as this was a most important measure it would not be discussed till Friday next.

Hon. Mr. DORION suggested that the debate be deferred till a week from Friday next.

Hon. Sir GEORGE-É. CARTIER said it was not likely that the subject would be exhausted in one day. On next Tuesday, Mr. Trutch, who was at present in Washington, would be here, and as that gentleman wished to go to England as soon as possible, the debate would commence on Tuesday.

Hon. Mr. DORION said it was a very large measure, and it would be well to have the Ontario Opposition and the members of the Ontario Cabinet who were absent, in the House while it was under discussion. The debate would be protracted rather than advanced by the course which the Government proposed.

Mr. HARRISON said it was pleasant to observe that the hon. gentlemen opposite were alive to the fact that several Ontario members were absent from the House. Yesterday, when the arbitration question was brought up, they seemed to be quite oblivious to the fact. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. MILLS thought the House should be put in possession of a statement of the imports of British Columbia before the question should be brought before the House.

After some further discussion the motion was carried.

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