Final answer:
The Dominion Lands Act, also known as the Dominion Lands Act of 1872, was an important piece of legislation that aimed to encourage settlement and development in the western regions of Canada.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Dominion Lands Act, also known as the Dominion Lands Act of 1872, was passed by the Canadian government. It was an important piece of legislation that aimed to encourage settlement and development in the western regions of Canada.
Under the act, any Canadian citizen or British subject over the age of 18 could apply for a quarter section of land (160 acres) for a fee of $10. The land could be obtained either by homesteading or purchasing it outright.
This act played a significant role in the rapid expansion and development of western Canada in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.