THE UNION OF THE PROVINCES. 39

A sufficient number of provinces, viz. Canada, New Brunswick
 and Nova Scotia, had by 1866 declared for union and in
shat year delegates were appointed to settle the details and
to determine the precise character of the Imperial Act necessary
 to carry the union into effect. The delegates met in
London in December 1866, under the presidency of Hon.
John A. Macdonald, and on the 7th February 1867 Lord Union
Carnarvon introduced the Bill “for the Union of Canada, Nova 4 ok
Scotia, and New Brunswick and the government thereof:
and for purposes connected therewith.” The measure received
the support of all parties and was read a third time in the
House of Lords on the 26th of February. On the 8th March
it passed through the House of Commons and on the 29th
of that month received the Royal assent.
The Act authorized Her Majesty in Council to declare
by proclamation that on and after a certain day the provinces
of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick should form one
Dominion under the name of Canada. The necessary proclamation
 was issued on the 22nd of May and the 1st of
July was fixed as the day from which the Union should take
effect.