After the union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841, the new Parliament of the Province of Canada set up in Kingston. The choice soon proved disappointing: the city lacked the infrastructure to host the government, elected representatives sat in a disused hospital and the highly mineralized drinking water made people ill. Close to the American border, Kingston also seemed vulnerable in the event of conflict. Another capital would have to be considered.

In late 1843, Montréal won the Governor General’s favour, becoming the seat of government.

This illustration shows Kingston Hospital, which housed Parliament for a few years. Like Sainte-Anne Market, it was designed by the architects Wells and Thompson. And for its conversion into a parliament building? Once again, George Browne was brought in.