Origination 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 North-West 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.

Location

At the entrance to the National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto

Themes

• Organizations
• Politics and law