Building the National Railways (1851 - 1885)

The Canadian Pacific Railway Act, 1874

L’Acte du chemin de fer Canadien du Pacifique, 1874

This act officially creates the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is to run from the Pacific Ocean into Northern Ontario around the Lake Nipissing region.

Document Summary:

Some important sections:

1: A railway called The Canadian Pacific Railway is to be built from the south of Lake Nipissing in Ontario to the Pacific Coast in British Columbia.

2: Construction of the railway is to be divided into four sections.

7: Puts the project under the direction and management of the Department of Public Works.

10: Allows the federal government to purchase portions of the railway as needed.

11: The House of Commons must approve of all contracts involved with the railway's construction.

19: The Minister of Public Works must present reports on the progress of railway construction to the House of Commons and Senate within a month of the start of each session of Parliament.

20: The Governor in Council can suspend construction at any time.

21 - 22: Deal with payment of loans to complete construction.