In 1808, all existing militia legislation for British North America was repealed and consolidated into one comprehensive Act. The new Act included provisions for Upper Canadian militia units to be employed in Lower Canada in the event of an invasion. The militia was also allowed to cross the border in pursuit of enemy forces or destroy any vessels or supply depots built by forces threatening an invasion of Upper or Lower Canad.
Each regiment and company was territorially raised, and militiamen were required to attend annual training with their own weapons and no less than six rounds of powder and ball.
