After a law was enacted creating common schools, Catholics who were against it staged a protest that deteriorated into a riot. Two people lost their lives.
HISTORICAL CONTEXTConfederation, which was signed in July 1867, had a definite impact on the events in
Caraquet, as it handed over jurisdiction of schools to Canadian provinces. Prior to that, schools were independent because they were financially self-sufficient, but when these new powers were granted to New Brunswick, the notion of establishing a consistent school system launched a debate. The law on common schools in New Brunswick was also based on the Tupper Law signed in Nova Scotia in 1864.
SUMMARYPrior to 1871, French and English
Catholic schools taught
catechism courses. Nuns and priests in their traditional dress usually taught these courses without having studied at the
Teachers' Training College. Under the New Brunswick government of George King, a Law was passed in favour of common schools in May 1871. The Law was designed to provide free, standardized education, the creation of new school districts], the construction of new schools and the control of
teaching certificates. As a result, all schools became
non-denominational, and the teaching of catechism courses was therefore forbidden. Teachers had until January 1, 1872 to obtain their teaching certificate if they were to continue teaching. Furthermore, they had to cease wearing religious garments or accessories. The ensuing debate turned nasty, as the Catholic schools found themselves deprived of a number of rights acquired in the previous years. The debate even found its way into the House of Commons, where Timothy Anglin and John Costigan called upon the
Federal Government to repeal the Law and even appealed to the Privy Council of London, to no avail. The
Catholic schools managed to obtain some concessions, but Bishop John Sweeny attempted to get more. At that point, some Catholics refused to pay their school taxes.
Tax collectors seized their possessions and some parish priests were jailed. A
protest, organized by the Acadians was held in Caraquet to protest against the implementation of the Law. The protest deteriorated into a
riot which caused considerable material damage. Approximately one week later, Robert Young, who was then President of the Executive Council, appealed for help from the authorities to stop the rioting crowds. Shots were fired between the Acadians and police officers, killing one Acadian and one volunteer.
CONCEPTSConfederation / Dominion of CanadaThe Confederation treaty signed in July 1867 was called the Dominion of Canada and united New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada (Upper and Lower Canada, united in 1841). Eastern Canada became Quebec and Western Canada became Ontario. Three years later, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories joined the fold. In 1871, British Columbia joined Confederation, followed by Prince Edward Island in 1873 and, lastly, Newfoundland in 1949.
CatholicA Christian who recognizes the authority of the Pope in all faith-related matters. In that era, most francophones were Catholic and most anglophones Protestant. The major exception to the rule was the significant Catholic Irish population.
CatechismTeaching the Christian faith and doctrines as part of the religious education of school children.
Teachers' Training CollegeSchool whose mission is to train teachers recognized by the government. These educators would usually obtain a teaching certificate at the end of their studies.
Teaching certificateCertificate granted to a teacher whose skills are recognized by public authorities.
Non-demoninationalSecular, or non-religious schools.
Federal governmentCentral government with powers covering all of Confederation. Its powers are established by the Constitution. In Canada, the Federal Government has more power than any Canadian provincial government.
Catholic schoolsSchool system for Catholics. The languages of education were French and English, and Catholic religion was in the curriculum. Separate schools had enjoyed the benefits of Constitutional protection since Confederation in 1867.
Collector (of taxes or income tax)Bureaucrat in charge of receiving taxes or income taxes.
ProtestA march or public rally of a group of people who wish to express their opposition to an issue so that authorities take note.
RiotPublic uprising, generally spontaneous and not organized in advance. Unlike an insurrection, a riot is not intended to overthrow the established powers.
