The Road to Confederation Charlottetown, Quebec and London Conferences….

Charlottetown Conference In the summer of 1864, politicians from NS, NB, and PEI were planning to meet to discuss a “union” of the Maritimes They received a request from the Canadas asking if they could join the discussion. August 29, 1864: “Queen Victoria” sailed into Charlottetown

George Brown, John A. Macdonald, G. E George Brown, John A. Macdonald, G.E. Cartier, Alexander Galt and D’arcy McGee were all on board They had a plan for a union of all the colonies

Delegates became convinced that “Confederation” could work For a week, the Canadians suggested reasons why the Maritimes should join in a union with the Canadas Delegates became convinced that “Confederation” could work Parties and social festivities added to the friendly atmosphere at the conference (… plus champagne!) Result? Maritime colonies agreed to meet with the Canadians for further discussions in Quebec City in October.

Quebec Conference October 1864: Everyone agreed that: 7 delegates from each of NB and PEI 5 delegates from NS… and 2 delegates from NF 12 delegates from Canada east and west Everyone agreed that: Union must be strong and unable to be broken by 1 province The central govt. must be more powerful than the provincial govts.

BUT… other details needed to be figured out as well: How many representatives would each province have in the central govt.? Where would the $$ come from to run the central govt.? What powers would the Prime Minister have? Would there be 2 “Houses” of Parliament like GB? Would there be an elected House of Commons like GB? Would other colonies, like BC, be able to join Confederation in the future? Etc…

“72 Resolutions” A plan for the new partnership of the colonies Hurdles: The plan had to be accepted by all colonies People had to be convinced

London Conference The BNA colonies belonged to GB, therefore, their union could not become official until the British Parliament approved it 16 delegates went to London to discuss it Britain was in favour of the union If the colonies united, they could look after themselves… GB would not be as responsible

Spring 1867: British North America Act introduced in the British Parliament

The BNA Act united 4 provinces: NB, NS and the Canadas… renamed Ontario and Quebec They were now known as the “Dominion of Canada” The Act was built on the “72 Resolutions” The Act passed the British Parliament without many changes Queen Victoria signed it… and July 1, 1867 was the day designated for it to come into effect July 1, 1867: Most people in the new country took a holiday Still some “anti-Confederationists”… black flags hung