Why did the execution of Thomas Scott cause controversy across Canada?

The execution of Thomas Scott, an English-speaking settler from Ontario, became a major point of contention during the Red River Rebellion because it served as a powerful symbol to incite hostility against the Métis people.1

Scott was captured and imprisoned at Upper Fort Garry by the provisional government led by Louis Riel due to his vocal opposition to the insurgency. Despite pleas for clemency, Riel permitted Scott to be court-martialed and executed by firing squad. This act inflamed passions among Protestants in Ontario, who viewed the execution as an outrage. Consequently, the death of Scott was used to stir up anti-Métis sentiment across the region and influenced the Canadian government’s refusal to grant an unconditional amnesty to Riel and his fellow rebel leaders.21