Naval Service Act

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The Naval Service Act established the Royal Canadian Navy, 4 May 1910. The Act proposed a small navy under the control of the Canadian government, with emergency provision for transfer to the British ADMIRALTY. PM Wilfrid LAURIER had been under increasing pressure from the British government and Canadian imperialists to contribute directly to the Royal Navy, in the face of a growing challenge from the German navy.

The Act was bitterly opposed by French Canadian nationalists, led by Henri BOURASSA, who opposed deeper involvement in imperial affairs. Laurier's compromise placated neither group, severely reduced his support in Québec, and ultimately contributed to his defeat in 1911. The navy survived, although it entered WWI with only 2 warships, the RAINBOW and the Niobe.

See also ARMED FORCES.

Henri Bourassa, publisher
Henri Bourassa, publisher
Founder of Le Devoir and opponent of Canadian involvement in foreign military adventures, Bourassa inspired the growth of a vigorous nationalism in Québec (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-27360/Henri Bourassa Coll).

Author ROGER SARTY


Links to Other Sites
Canadian Naval Centennial
A great source for information about celebrating the Canadian Naval Centennial. Check the menu on the left for event updates and historical notes about Canadian naval history. Click on "This Day in Canadian Naval History" for more. From the Department of National Defence.

CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
The website for the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum, located at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Vancouver Island. Special features include ship histories, local heroes, women merchant mariners, characters & controversies, and much more.

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