Corn Laws

Through the Corn Laws, first introduced in 1815, Great Britain established preferential treatment of cereal imports from the colonies. The Corn Laws were repealed in 1846 as part of Britain’s dismantling of its mercantilist system for the benefit of free trade; the outcome was a huge drop in the demand for Upper Canadian flour. According to some, this change in policy necessitated the establishment of reciprocal trade with the United States to increase markets for Canadian products as well as the recognition of full responsible government in local matters.