The Naval Aid Bill and the Canadian House of Commons: The Long Debate Begins

Abstract

The London trip of Robert Borden and subsequent deliberations of the Canadian Cabinet culminated in the presentation to Parliament of Canada’s Naval Aid Bill which was introduced on Thursday 5 December 1912, in the Second Session of the Twelfth Parliament (Appendix A.2). It was to become an acrimonious and lengthy debate, or as Gilbert Tucker put it one of the longest, most implacable, and most famous debates since Confederation was under way’.² Before the formal presentation of the Bill (No. 21), Borden gave notice to Parliament of his intentions and also found it necessary to have a consultation with Members of Parliament from Quebec. This he did on 27 November, explaining that he was also hoping to repeal the Laurier Naval Bill from 1910 and institute a more permanent naval policy for Canada. Borden believed and argued he was introducing emergency measures, which by definition would be for the short term. He appeared to have six Members from Quebec that supported his policies.³

I grew so rich that I was sent

By a pocket borough into Parliament.

I always voted at my party’s call,

And I never thought of thinking of myself at all.

I thought so little, they rewarded me

By making me the Ruler of the Queen’s Navee!

(HMS Pinafore, Lyrics by Sir William S. Gilbert and music by Sir Arthur Sullivan)¹