<P> The inspiration for the act is typically attributed to Lord Durham 's Report on Canada . Lord Durham was sent to the colonies to examine the causes of the Rebellions of 1837 in both Upper and Lower Canada . Lord Durham wanted to re-instate peace throughout the colonies , and recommended a political union . It was under his belief that peace could best be achieved by ensuring a loyal English majority in British North America , as well as by anglicizing French Canadians , and by granting responsible government . The union was also proposed to solve pressing financial issues in Upper Canada , which had become increasingly indebted under the previous regime dominated by the Family Compact . These debts stemmed mostly from poor investments in canals connecting Upper Canada to the port of Montreal in Lower Canada via the Great Lakes and St - Lawrence river . Due to Upper Canada 's considerable debt and chronic budget shortfalls , it was hoped that its finances could be salvaged by merging it with the then - solvent Lower Canada . </P>
<P> The inspiration for the act is typically attributed to Lord Durham 's Report on Canada . Lord Durham was sent to the colonies to examine the causes of the Rebellions of 1837 in both Upper and Lower Canada . Lord Durham wanted to re-instate peace throughout the colonies , and recommended a political union . It was under his belief that peace could best be achieved by ensuring a loyal English majority in British North America , as well as by anglicizing French Canadians , and by granting responsible government . The union was also proposed to solve pressing financial issues in Upper Canada , which had become increasingly indebted under the previous regime dominated by the Family Compact . These debts stemmed mostly from poor investments in canals connecting Upper Canada to the port of Montreal in Lower Canada via the Great Lakes and St - Lawrence river . Due to Upper Canada 's considerable debt and chronic budget shortfalls , it was hoped that its finances could be salvaged by merging it with the then - solvent Lower Canada . </P>
who recommended that upper and lower canada be merged and given a sole responsible government
who recommended that upper and lower canada be merged and given a sole responsible government
Lord Durham
Lord Durham