In 1849 the peregrinating Canadian Parliament was located at Montreal . The Rebellion Losses Bill passed in the House of Assembly by 47 to 18 ; there was a majority not only amongst the British members of Lower Canada but also in Upper Canada . In spite of all protests , Lord Elgin , then Governor-General had signed the bill , compensating Lower Canadians for losses suffered during the Rebellions of 1837-38 in April 1849 . The bill was unpopular with Loyalists , known as Tories because it compensated those who had participated in the rebellion unless they had been convicted of treason . In the riots that ensued in Montreal , then the capital of Canada , Lord Elgin was assaulted and the Parliament Buildings were burned
the Parliament Buildings were burned
Burning of the Parliament Buildings in Montreal
Stony Monday Riot