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House of Assembly
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1a — Hist.
the legislative body in a province of British North America, usually the lower of two bodies, the upper, called the Executive Council, sometimes being included in the designation.
Such assemblies had varied composition and power during the colonial period.
Quotations
1789
The new-corners from the States have again raised a cry for a House of Assembly, and wish to put an end to the "Quebec Bill," under which the great body of the people, the Canadians, live happily.
1811
Canada abounds with men of abilities . . . who would be an honour and an ornament to our House of Assembly. . . .
1832
The House of Assembly consists of 28 members, who are chosen by the freeholders. . . .
1948
He stated that the House of Assembly had addressed him, requesting that a patent might be issued toward carrying into effect the purposes intended in the said petition. . . .
1b — Nfld
the provincial legislative assembly.
Quotations
1832
St. Johns, N.F. Sept. 5 . . . In consequence of an application from the inhabitants of Newfoundland, the island is to have a Miniature Legislature, with a House of Assembly composed of sixty members.
1883
The system did not work well, and in 1842 the constitution was suspended, and the council abolished as a distinct branch of Legislature, and its members were authorised to sit and vote in the House of Assembly, on the same footing as if they were elected members.
1958
Hon. John Stone . . . will be sworn in at the session of the House of Assembly this afternoon.
2
the chamber or building in which such an assembly meets.
See: House of Parliament(def. 2)
Quotations
1808
There is reason to apprehend that the time is fast approaching when the House of Assembly of Lower Canada will become the centre of sedition, and a receptacle for the most desparate demagogues in the Province.
1858
In the conference between the Executive and the House of Assembly [B.C.] a different position was affirmed. . . .
1863
. . . in 1840 the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada were legally united; their representatives met in the same House of Assembly. . . .
1955
. . . all letters or communications forwarded to either of us at The House of Assembly, Halifax, N.S., will receive our earnest and careful attention.