Welcome!

Our Mission

To preserve, promote and celebrate the history and contributions of the Loyalists to Canada. The Branch carries out this mission by supporting education and research, holding events, publishing a newsletter, and maintaining a Loyalist library.

Our Branch & Sir Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester

Sir Guy Carleton

The Ottawa Branch of the UELAC is named the Sir Guy Carleton Branch after Lord Dorchester (1724-1808). It was through his influence that the British Government passed the Quebec Act of 1774 which guaranteed French language and religious rights in Quebec. He was knighted Sir Guy Carleton for his defence of Quebec in 1776.

He commanded British troops during the Revolutionary War and was responsible for carrying out the Crown’s promise of freedom to slaves who joined the British cause. When the Loyalist refugees crowded into New York City, he was in charge of their care. In October 1783, he supervised the evacuation of tens of thousands of troops and displaced families. As Governor of Canada he helped the Loyalists survive their first difficult winters by providing extra supplies.

On 9 November 1789 Sir Guy Carleton, as the Governor of Quebec, declared "that it was his Wish to put the mark of Honour upon the Families who had adhered to the Unity of the Empire". As a result of this statement, militia rolls carried the notation:

“Those Loyalists who have adhered to the Unity of the Empire, and joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in the year 1783, and all their Children and their Descendants by either sex, are to be distinguished by the following Capitals, affixed to their names: U.E. Alluding to their great principle The Unity of the Empire.”

He returned to England 1796, but his memory lives on in the counties, university and schools named after him.

He returned to England 1796, but his memory lives on in the counties, university and schools named after him.

Learn more about us – read the history of Sir Guy Carleton Branch.

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Announcements

• Member participation is requested:
  • Volunteers are needed for the following positions: Treasurer, Membership chair, Social convenor, and Standard bearer;
  • Suggestions for additional Branch activities in addition to two Social meetings each year. With the flexibility offered by Zoom, we can hold talks and workshops during the weekday, evenings or weekends.

Sir Guy Carleton Branch
United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada