1. Formation of a Canadian Federation: Confederation

2. Key Definitions
Confederation = the joining of the British North American Colonies to form Canada in 1867.
Federal System = Government system with multiple levels (ex: Federal, Provincial, Municipal). Each level has certain responsibilities.

3. The British had a number of colonies in North America pre-1867:
British Columbia
Province of
Canada
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward
Island

4. Three Main Reasons for Confederation
Economic – Trade with the USA had lessened after the Reciprocity Treaty was cancelled and the colonial governments had large debts.
→ By uniting as a country they were hoping to increase trade.

5. Defense: There was talk of “Manifest Destiny” in the USA
Defense: There was talk of “Manifest Destiny” in the USA. Some American politicians felt the entire North American continent belonged to them.
→ By uniting as a country the hope was that Canada could better defend itself.
Fenian threat as well

6. Who does the angel-like figure represent?
Analyze the picture:
Who does the angel-like figure represent?
What do you notice about the lighting in the picture?
1872 painting by John Gast showing America moving westward

7. Political Deadlock: The government of the Province of Canada was unstable and had 10 governments in 10 years. The parties were divided over many issues including taxation and language. → By uniting within a federal system, the deadlock could be solved. The central government and provincial government would divide responsibilities.

8. Steps to Confederation
When?
Who?
Outcome?
Charlottetown Conference
September 1864 – met for 3 days
Province of Canada, NB, NS, and PEI
Sounds like a good idea…let’s meet again!
Quebec Conference
October 1864 – met for 3 weeks
Province of Canada, NB, NS, PEI, and NFLD
Decided on important details:
- Federal System of Government
- Need to build a Railway
- Representation by Population
London Conference
– met for a few months
Province of Canada, NB, and NS
British government agrees to the request of the colonies to unite. British North America Act is passed!

9. Painting of Fathers of Confederation at the London Conference

10. Canada is Born!
The British North America Act (BNA Act) came into effect July 1, 1867

11. The capital city would be in Ottawa
The four original provinces were New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario

12. The first Prime Minister elected was John A. Macdonald
His political ally
George Etienne Cartier

13. Federal Powers Criminal Law Money & Banking Defence Native affairs
Transportation
Citizenship
Postal Service
And more...

14. Provincial Powers Civil Law Education Healthcare Lands & Forests
Municipalities
And more...