Editing Robert Baldwin (section)

=== Baldwin & LaFontaine ===
[[File:Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine.jpg|thumbnail|left|[[Louis Hypolyte Lafontaine|Louis-Hypolite LaFontaine]], Father of [[Responsible Government]]]]
Although Baldwin was elected in two seats in [[Canada West]], reformers were in the minority. In [[Canada East]], gerrymandering and Orange Order violence were used to prevent the election of [[Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine]], leader of the [[Canadien]] reformers in [[Terrebonne, Quebec|Terrebonne]], outside Montreal. To ensure LaFontaine a seat, Baldwin proposed to [[David Willson (1778–1866)|David Willson]], leader of the [[The Children of Peace|Children of Peace]], that they nominate LaFontaine for the seat in 4th York.{{sfn|Saul|2010|pp=122-123}} Baldwin also insisted that Sydenham include LaFontaine in the reformed Executive Council, or he would resign as Solicitor General. Their alliance allowed Lafontaine to have a seat in the assembly in 1841 and for Baldwin to win the by-election in 1843.

On 3 September 1841, the Children of Peace held a campaign rally for Baldwin and LaFontaine in their [[Sharon Temple|Temple]], where they rejoiced "to say that we have it in our power to show our impartial respect to the Canadian people of the Lower Province." Despite threats of Orange Order violence, LaFontaine was [[1st Parliament of the Province of Canada|elected as representative of 4th York]].{{sfn|Schrauwers|2009|pp=229-233}}

However, before LaFontaine could take up his seat, Governor Sydenham died. His replacement, Sir [[Charles Bagot]], was not able to form a mixed cabinet of Reformers and Tories, and so he was forced to include the "Canadien party" under LaFontaine. LaFontaine refused to join the Executive Council unless Baldwin was also included. Bagot was finally forced to accede in September 1842, and when he became severely ill thereafter, Baldwin and Lafontaine became the first real premiers of the Province of Canada.{{sfn|Saul|2010|pp=130-133}} However, to take office as ministers, the two had to run for re-election. While LaFontaine was easily re-elected in 4th York, Baldwin lost his seat in Hastings as a result of Orange Order violence. It was now that the pact between the two men was completely solidified, as LaFontaine arranged for Baldwin to run in [[Rimouski (Province of Canada electoral district)|Rimouski]], a constituency in a heavily francophone area of Canada East. This was the union of the Canadas they sought, where LaFontaine overcame linguistic prejudice to gain a seat in English Canada, and Baldwin obtained his seat in French Canada.{{sfn|Saul|2010|pp=134-135}}