The Quebec Emigrant Society

Type of resource
Author/collaborator
Title
The Quebec Emigrant Society
Abstract
The first large influx of immigrants from post-Napoleonic War Britain during 1817-18, many of them indigent, put enormous pressure on the small community of Quebec City, the main port of disembarkation in British North America. As a result, the author points out, Quebec citizens saw the urgent need to organize a "Committee for the Relief of Destitute Emigrants" to assist with the newcomers' immediate needs and to arrange transportation for them elsewhere in Lower and Upper Canada. In 1819, the Committee became known as the Quebec Emigrant Society. The author recounts that at a time when there was little other organized help, the Society met with immigrants, provided for their wellbeing, and made it possible for them to begin a new life in their new country. The author also points out that although the Society drew its supporters mainly from Quebec City's English-speaking and Protestant community, it did include a few members from the Francophone Catholic community.
Publication
Québec Studies
Volume
Vol. 57
Pages
193-210
Date
Spring/Summer 2014
Language
en
Citation
Coleman, Brian. “The Quebec Emigrant Society.” Québec Studies Vol. 57 (Spring/Summer 2014): 193–210.
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