District of Ungava: A Political History
Established in 1895, the District of Ungava was a vast administrative region that once encompassed a significant portion of what is now northern Quebec and the surrounding maritime territories. Its creation marked a pivotal era in the territorial organization of Canada, spanning a diverse landscape of continental land and thousands of offshore islands.
The Original Scope of Ungava
At its inception, the District of Ungava was immense, covering over one million square kilometres (390,000 sq mi). Its jurisdiction included all of modern-day northern Quebec, the interior of modern-day Labrador, and the numerous islands scattered across James Bay, the Hudson Strait, Ungava Bay, and the eastern side of Hudson Bay.
Initially, the district's southern continental boundaries extended as far south as Lake Timiskaming, located on the modern border between Ontario and Quebec, well below James Bay.
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Territorial Disputes and Boundary Shifts
The history of Ungava was marked by a persistent boundary dispute between Canada and the Dominion of Newfoundland. Because Labrador was a dependency of Newfoundland, both entities claimed the far eastern portion of the district. This specific area represented just under 15% of Ungava's total landmass, and the conflict remained unresolved throughout the district's entire existence.
The Quebec Boundary Extension Act of 1898
The first major reduction in the district's size occurred three years after its creation. Through the Quebec Boundary Extension Act, 1898, the Parliament of Canada transferred the southernmost portion of the mainland to the province of Quebec. This transfer involved approximately 250,000 square kilometres (97,000 sq mi), much of which is now part of the Jamésie region. Following this act, the mainland boundary of Ungava retreated north to the mouth of the Eastmain River.
The Final Transition and Dissolution
The gradual absorption of the district continued with the Quebec Boundaries Extension Act, 1912, which transferred all remaining continental land to Quebec. However, the district's administrative life lingered on through its offshore islands.
Over 1,500 almost entirely uninhabited islands remained part of Ungava until 1920, when they were officially transferred to the District of Keewatin in the Northwest Territories. Since the district had not functioned in any administrative capacity since 1912, it formally ceased to exist in 1920.
Key Facts
- Established: 1895.
- Initial Size: Over 1 million square kilometres.
- Key Transfers: 1898 (southern mainland) and 1912 (remaining mainland) to Quebec.
- Island Count: Over 1,500 offshore islands.
- Formal Dissolution: 1920, following the transfer of islands to the District of Keewatin.
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1895 | Creation of District | Covered northern Quebec, interior Labrador, and surrounding islands. |
| 1898 | Quebec Boundary Extension Act | ~250,000 sq km transferred to Quebec; boundary moved to Eastmain River. |
| 1912 | Quebec Boundaries Extension Act | All remaining continental land transferred to Quebec. |
| 1920 | Transfer to Keewatin | Offshore islands transferred; District of Ungava formally dissolved. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the District of Ungava?
The District of Ungava was a political administrative region created in 1895 that covered much of northern Quebec, parts of Labrador, and various islands in the Hudson and Ungava Bays.
How much land was transferred to Quebec in 1898?
Approximately 250,000 square kilometres (97,000 sq mi) were transferred to Quebec, the majority of which is now located in the Jamésie region.
Why was there a dispute over the eastern portion of the district?
The dispute arose because both Canada and the Dominion of Newfoundland (which controlled Labrador) claimed the far eastern portion of the territory.
When did the District of Ungava officially cease to exist?
The district formally ceased to exist in 1920, after its remaining offshore islands were transferred to the District of Keewatin in the Northwest Territories.
Which islands were part of the District of Ungava?
The district included over 1,500 offshore islands located in James Bay, the Hudson Strait, Ungava Bay, and the eastern side of Hudson Bay.