LaFontaine, Sir Louis Hippolyte, Baronet

LaFontaine, Sir Louis Hippolyte, Baronet

(born Oct. 4, 1807, Boucherville, Lower Canada—died Feb. 26, 1864, Montreal) Canadian statesman. Called to the bar in Lower Canada in 1829, he began his political career the following year, when he was elected to the provincial assembly for Terrebonne. He supported French-Canadian grievances against the British but opposed the rebellions of 1837–38. After the union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841, he became the leader of Canada East (formerly Lower Canada). Appointed joint prime minister with Robert Baldwin (1842–43, 1848–51), he established responsible (i.e., representative) government for Canada. His Rebellion Losses Bill to compensate property owners for damages in 1837–38 provoked riots in Montreal but affirmed the strength of the government.