The "Canada First" Movement

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.