Military Paternalism, Labour, and the Rideau Canal Project

In studies of the Rideau Canal construction project, Labour historians have focused on the suffering of the canal workers, and have posited that the military deployed troops to suppress labour unrest and were indifferent to the suffering of the workers. This book provides a different perspective through placing the canal project within its natural and physiccal environments, and through taking into account cultural factors in examining the labour as it evolved during the construction of the canal. Within that broader framework, a totally different view emerges with respect to the causes of the suffering experienced by the canal workers, and the role of the military on the canal project. Moreover, the paternalism of Lt. Col. John By is revealed in his efforts to promote the physical, material, and moral well-being of the canal workers. Lastly, the phenomenon of military paternalism is examined further within a Marxist context, and in terms of Anglican toryism and and Lockean liberalism.

Robert W. Passfield, Senior Historian (retired), Parks Canada Agency, has published several articles in academic journals and an earlier book, Building the Rideau Canal (1982), on the construction of the canal works, and the military and engineering significance of the canal. The present work, Military Paternalism, Labour, and the Rideau Canal Project (2013), focuses on working conditions and the treatment of the labourers during the construction period, 1826-1832. To date, Labour historians have portrayed the life of the canal labourers as one of 'poverty, distress and disease' and have implied that the military deployed trops to suppress labour unrest and were indifferent to the suffering of the canal workers. This book presents a revisionist view, through placing the Rideau Canal project within its wilderness environment, and in taking into account cultural factors in examining the labour situation. Within that broader framework, a totally different view emerges of the causes of the suffering experienced by the canal labouorers, and their treatment by the mililtary. Moreover, the paternalism practiced by the Commanding Royal Engineer, Lt. Col. John By, is revealed in his ongoing efforts to promote the physical, material, and moral well-being of the canal workers. The phenomenon of military paternalism is examind further within an existing Marxist interpretive context, and in terms of the cultural values of Anglican toryism and Lockean liberalism.