Lafontaine, representing the Reform interests of Canada East, and Baldwin, representing those of Canada West, were jointly asked by the Governor General to form a new administration. While in government, Lafontaine worked tirelessly to prove that the union of the Canadas could serve the interests of French Canada.

Castile expanded during the 9th century but remained a fragmented collection of petty counties, whose rulers were nominated by the kings of Asturias and Leon, until the counties were united by Fernán González (died 970), the first count of all Castile. With him the political history of Castile begins.