1776 in Canada

Events from the year 1776 in Canada.

Incumbents

Monarch: George III

Governors

Events

American Revolutionary War. United Empire Loyalists move to Upper Canada and settle.
April 29 – Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase and Rev. John Carroll, a Jesuit, urge Canadians to send delegates to Congress, promising toleration. Franklin brings a printer and press, for a newspaper, to mould public opinion. Canadians regard Franklin as an enemy, and the priests remind Father Carroll that, unlike some of the Provinces, Britain tolerates the Romish Church.
May 6 – As a British fleet is in sight, the Continental Army, before Quebec, weakened by disease, retires from a superior enemy, who await reinforcements, behind strong walls.
June 8 – Attempting to surprise Three Rivers, General Thompson, with 200 of 1,800 Americans, is taken prisoner.
June 16 – Arnold's force has retreated from Montreal.
June 18 – General Burgoyne finds that the Continental Army has evacuated St. Johns.
The eleventh Article of "Confederation and Perpetual Union" provides that: "Canada, according to this Confederation, and joining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to, all the advantages of this Union; but no other Colony shall be admitted to the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine States."
October 11 – The British are victorious on Lake Champlain.
October 13 – On Lake Champlain, Arnold runs part of his fleet ashore, to avoid capture.
The Jesuits' College, at Quebec, converted into barracks.
The American colonies declare their independence. The United States Declaration of Independence is signed July 4, 1776.Common Sense by Thomas Paine appears.
Under Guy Carleton, Quebec withstands an American siege until the appearance of a British fleet. Carleton is later knighted.

Births

January 23 – Howard Douglas, soldier, educator, author, inventor, and colonial administrator
February 21 – Joseph Barss, privateer
April 3 – François Blanchet, author, physician, teacher, militia officer, businessman, seigneur, politician, office holder
May 20 – Simon Fraser, fur-trader and explorer
July 17 – John Neilson, publisher, printer, bookseller, politician, farmer, and militia officer
August 1 – Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford, colonial administrator
August 5 – John Willson, judge and political figure

Full date unknown

Colin Campbell, army officer and colonial administrator

Deaths

March 30 – Jonathan Belcher, lawyer, chief justice, and lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia