New Brunswick’s first assembly meets at Mallard House

May 12, 2017

View of Province Hall and Public Offices, Fredericton

View of Province Hall and Public Offices, Fredericton New Brunswick. Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, P11-57

1786

As there were no legislative buildings in Saint John at the time, the first meeting of the New Brunswick Legislature took place on January 3, 1786 at a King Street inn known as Mallard House. Although only 13 members attended and no business was otherwise conducted, the opening of the legislature represented the beginning of governance for the new province, which was created to deal with the influx of Loyalists following the American Revolution.

Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.