Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019

To see what's new on this site, you can visit the Home Page

Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone in Landscape mode (Horizontal)

The "Canada First" Movement

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004

This building, at 303 Bay Street, just south of Adelaide Street East, has this Ontario Heritage Trust plaque attached to the wall beside the front door. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.649499 -79.380480

Click here for a larger map

Originating in Ottawa, in 1868, with informal meetings of a few youthful patriots, 'Canada First' was the name and slogan of a movement to promote nationalist sentiment. Its founding members were Charles Mair, Henry Morgan, William Foster, G.T. Denison and R.G. Haliburton. Two years later the movement created the northwest Emigration Aid Society to encourage British immigration. In 1874 the group, now centred in Toronto, established "The Nation", a weekly journal, entered politics as the Canadian National Association, and founded the National Club as its rallying place. By then 'Canada First' had the support of such influential figures as Edward Blake and Goldwin Smith. Though the movement's political influence soon waned, its expression of a popular Canadian ideal had enduring significance.

Related Toronto plaques
The National Club
George Taylor Denison

More
Associations

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted Monday, February 16, 2009
I have a copy of a Canada First paper that was printed in Montreal, August 26, 1882. It is in very poor condition as it is printed on what appears to be very fragile black paper with white print. It is labeled Edition one, volume 32. Can anyone please provide me with some information about my paper.
Thanks Bruce

Here's where you can send me a comment for this page.

Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.

To send me your comment, click [email protected].

Thanks
Webmaster

Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click here.