What is Confederation?
Canada was a land divided into four sections before confederation. Before this land could be one, they had to some how come together Maritime Colonies: The first to consider having their own confederation Province of Canada (Canada East and Canada West): Would either be by itself or try to join with the Maritimes. Rupert s Land (N.W.T.), owned by the HBC British Columbia
The coming together or uniting of the colonies in British North America. Three colonies were made into four provinces. These were Ontario (Canada West), Quebec (Canada East), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They became the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. The other provinces and territories joined later.
Political Dead Lock in the Colonies Afraid of an American Land Takeover: BC/Rupert's Land Trading and Economic problems: Cancellation of the Reciprocity Treaty Fenian Raids Transportation Problems: Need for a railway Each colony or Province had their own reasons Creation of a new British Colonial Policy
The political deadlock in the United Province of Canada lead to an increasing interest in broadening the political base of the union. In Canada, the political system produced several equal groupings in the assembly, and the political instability which developed led to political deadlock. (Political deadlock is a situation where no one can move or win in government) which paved the way to Confederation.
All of the population in Canada was located in the Maritime provinces and in the Province of Canada. The government of Canada was afraid that the US would come up and take over the following: The colony of British Columbia was isolated from the rest of the country, they were considering joining the US. Rupert's Land was a huge area controlled by the HBC. The HBC had no way to protect the land from American settlers and land grabbers who were coming up and taking land with no deeds. In order not to lose the land, Canada bought the area from the HBC and sent the NWMP out to protect the land and enforce the laws
The Fenian s, based in the United States, had raided Canada and it was felt that a union would present a stronger defence against the United States. The Fenian s were Irish nationals who lived in the United States. They hated Britain because of English rule in their country. They hoped by attacking Canada, they could convince Britain to free their homeland.
The colonies were not connected in any way, transportation This railway would connect all parts of the country together, thus allowing trade across the land.
The colonies had no one to trade with in North America other than the US. cancellation of the Canadian-American Reciprocity Treaty (a free trade policy whereby products were allowed into United States without taxes or tariffs starting in 1854), which was then considered to be beneficial for Canada
whereby Britain no longer wanted to maintain troops in its colonies nor support it through the spending of money.
Manitoba Red River Rebellion and Métis problems Métis List of Grievances Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec) New Brunswick Nova Scotia Get a railway Prince Edward Island Wanted money Wanted more members of Parliament Canada to settle the Land Question: To buy back land from British Absentee landowners) Build a railway across the island Pay island s debts They wanted Canada to make confederation payments to them every year. Provide year round steam boat service Newfoundland Britain wanted NFLD to take over its own affairs Social Programs would be expanded Better economy Gain a railway
BC They wanted Canada to pay off their debts A road (they got a railway) built across the prairies to the Pacific They wanted Canada to make confederation payments to them every year. Northwest Territories (Alberta and Saskatchewan) To be one provice or two Division of Powers: Land ownership Resource ownership Minority rights To skip the review, click here