Confederation

Atlantic Colonies The Atlantic Colonies – Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia– were starting to have a down turn in the 1860’s. The Atlantic Colonies – Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia– were starting to have a down turn in the 1860’s. The Corn Laws were repelled, thus hampering economic trade and prosperity via GB. The Corn Laws were repelled, thus hampering economic trade and prosperity via GB. Even worse, the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 (another word for free trade), with the USA was going to expire in Even worse, the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 (another word for free trade), with the USA was going to expire in There was very little industry in the Maritimes, and this all led to one serious concern – economic depression. There was very little industry in the Maritimes, and this all led to one serious concern – economic depression.

Atlantic Colonies Not only was economic depression a concern, but so to was American’s Manifest Destiny. Not only was economic depression a concern, but so to was American’s Manifest Destiny. The fear of being annexed was a serious one as the politicians from USA friendly states would talk about taking over the northern colonies. The fear of being annexed was a serious one as the politicians from USA friendly states would talk about taking over the northern colonies. Because of these two main concerns (being annexed and economic recession), the Atlantic Colonies called to hold a conference in Charlottetown, PEI on September 1864, on the agenda – Maritime Union. Because of these two main concerns (being annexed and economic recession), the Atlantic Colonies called to hold a conference in Charlottetown, PEI on September 1864, on the agenda – Maritime Union. The only colonies from the Maritimes that decided to go was Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. The only colonies from the Maritimes that decided to go was Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI.

Maritime Union Maritime Union was built as an idea where the Maritime Colonies would unite as one colony. Maritime Union was built as an idea where the Maritime Colonies would unite as one colony. The Maritime people felt that they had a lot of similarities: The Maritime people felt that they had a lot of similarities: Coastal colonies Coastal colonies Shared economic resources Shared economic resources Similar Acadian/French/British background and; Similar Acadian/French/British background and; Similar governments. Similar governments.

Charlottetown Conference Great Coalition – Brown, Macdonald and Cartier combined to create a coalition that would represent the Canadian Colony. Great Coalition – Brown, Macdonald and Cartier combined to create a coalition that would represent the Canadian Colony. The Maritime Union Conference was held in Charlottetown, PEI. The Maritime Union Conference was held in Charlottetown, PEI. Brown, Macdonald, Cartier – with Alexander Galt and Thomas D’Arcy McGee – decided to crash the Maritime Union Conference. Brown, Macdonald, Cartier – with Alexander Galt and Thomas D’Arcy McGee – decided to crash the Maritime Union Conference. They sent a message to the Premiers of NS, NB and PEI that they would be showing up, and the three premiers responded in kind by letting them attend the conference. They sent a message to the Premiers of NS, NB and PEI that they would be showing up, and the three premiers responded in kind by letting them attend the conference.

Charlottetown Conference Canada made two major promises to the Maritimes if they joined confederation: Canada made two major promises to the Maritimes if they joined confederation: 1) Canada would build a railway that would connect the Maritimes with main land Canada and; 1) Canada would build a railway that would connect the Maritimes with main land Canada and; 2) a form of free trade would be created amongst the colonies. This was important to the Maritimes because that would mean they could sell their fish, timber and coal to the three millon inhabitants of Canada. 2) a form of free trade would be created amongst the colonies. This was important to the Maritimes because that would mean they could sell their fish, timber and coal to the three millon inhabitants of Canada.

Charlottetown Conference These two promises were very intriguing to the Maritime colonies – particularly to the leaders of New Brunswick’s Samuel Tilley, Nova Scotia’s Charles Tupper and Prince Edward Island’s Edward Whalen. These two promises were very intriguing to the Maritime colonies – particularly to the leaders of New Brunswick’s Samuel Tilley, Nova Scotia’s Charles Tupper and Prince Edward Island’s Edward Whalen. These three Maritime leaders agreed to meet again in Quebec City one month later where they would finalize a bill that they could present to the Queen of England so that all the British Colonies in North American would be unified. These three Maritime leaders agreed to meet again in Quebec City one month later where they would finalize a bill that they could present to the Queen of England so that all the British Colonies in North American would be unified.

Sir John A. eh? Known for his drinking, Macdonald would make sure that he was “keeping up with the Jones’” when it came to alcohol consumption at the evening festivities. Known for his drinking, Macdonald would make sure that he was “keeping up with the Jones’” when it came to alcohol consumption at the evening festivities. On the very last day of the conference, a ball was held. Lots of dancing, lots of music, a very Victorian party to say the least. On the very last day of the conference, a ball was held. Lots of dancing, lots of music, a very Victorian party to say the least. Macdonald decided to dabble in the booze. As he got more and more intoxicated – it is said – that he was able to convince everyone at the conference that Confederation would be the saviour of Canada and the colonies. People left with a good feeling about confederation, and that Macdonald was an excellent orator. They also felt that nothing but a grand future was to come to the British North American Colonies. Macdonald decided to dabble in the booze. As he got more and more intoxicated – it is said – that he was able to convince everyone at the conference that Confederation would be the saviour of Canada and the colonies. People left with a good feeling about confederation, and that Macdonald was an excellent orator. They also felt that nothing but a grand future was to come to the British North American Colonies.

Quebec Conference October of 1864, representatives of the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland all showed up to Quebec City for the final conference on Confederation. October of 1864, representatives of the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland all showed up to Quebec City for the final conference on Confederation. Note Newfoundland was not at the Charlottetown Conference. Note Newfoundland was not at the Charlottetown Conference. The delegates at the Quebec Conference came prepared to discuss, debate and decide on what confederation would look like. The delegates at the Quebec Conference came prepared to discuss, debate and decide on what confederation would look like.

Quebec Conference There were many different topics that needed to be weeded out: There were many different topics that needed to be weeded out: Federal vs Provincial powers Federal vs Provincial powers French and English concerns French and English concerns What was the makeup of parliament going to look like – i.e. is there going to be a house of representatives and a senate, or just a house of representatives? What was the makeup of parliament going to look like – i.e. is there going to be a house of representatives and a senate, or just a house of representatives? How were the seats in the House going to look like? Was it going to be rep by pop, or equal distribution? How were the seats in the House going to look like? Was it going to be rep by pop, or equal distribution? Furthermore, was this federal government going to be a responsible government? Furthermore, was this federal government going to be a responsible government?

Quebec Conference One piece of discussion that never made its way to the table, were issues of the First Nations People. One piece of discussion that never made its way to the table, were issues of the First Nations People. … …… …… ………. ………. ………….. ………….. ….. nope not a thing. ….. nope not a thing.

Quebec Conference After two weeks of debates, discussions and partying – because we all knew that these politicians liked to party – they came up with a blueprint for confederation. After two weeks of debates, discussions and partying – because we all knew that these politicians liked to party – they came up with a blueprint for confederation. This blueprint consisted of the “72 Resolutions” that would be the foundation of the creation of Canada This blueprint consisted of the “72 Resolutions” that would be the foundation of the creation of Canada / e.html / e.html / e.html / e.html

Quebec Conference Key resolutions: Key resolutions: 6. There shall be a General Legislature or Parliament for the Federated Provinces, composed of a Legislative Council and a House of Commons. (I.E. a senate – appointed by the GG - and a house of representatives – elected via responsible government) 6. There shall be a General Legislature or Parliament for the Federated Provinces, composed of a Legislative Council and a House of Commons. (I.E. a senate – appointed by the GG - and a house of representatives – elected via responsible government) 8. Upper Canada shall be represented in the Legislative Council by 24 members, Lower Canada by 24 members, and the 3 Maritime Provinces by 24 members, of which Nova Scotia shall have 10, New Brunswick 10, and Prince Edward Island 4 members. 8. Upper Canada shall be represented in the Legislative Council by 24 members, Lower Canada by 24 members, and the 3 Maritime Provinces by 24 members, of which Nova Scotia shall have 10, New Brunswick 10, and Prince Edward Island 4 members.

Quebec Conference 17.The basis of Representation in the House of Commons shall be Population, as determined by the Official Census every ten years; and the number of Members at first shall be 194, distributed as follows: 17.The basis of Representation in the House of Commons shall be Population, as determined by the Official Census every ten years; and the number of Members at first shall be 194, distributed as follows: Upper Canada -82 Upper Canada -82 Lower Canada -65 Lower Canada -65 Nova Scotia - 19 Nova Scotia - 19 New Brunswick - 15 New Brunswick - 15 Newfoundland - 8 Newfoundland - 8 Prince Edward Island – 5 Prince Edward Island – 5 (I.E. a form of rep by pop) (I.E. a form of rep by pop)

Quebec Conference 23.The Legislature of each Province shall divide such Province into the proper number of constituencies, and define the boundaries of each of them (i.e each colony is now a province and each province will get their own government). 23.The Legislature of each Province shall divide such Province into the proper number of constituencies, and define the boundaries of each of them (i.e each colony is now a province and each province will get their own government). 46. Both the English and French languages may be employed in the General Parliament and its proceedings, and in the local legislature of Lower Canada, and also in the Federal courts and in the Courts of Lower Canada. (i.e. French language and culture was to be preserved). 46. Both the English and French languages may be employed in the General Parliament and its proceedings, and in the local legislature of Lower Canada, and also in the Federal courts and in the Courts of Lower Canada. (i.e. French language and culture was to be preserved).

Whose in? After the 72 resolutions were read, only three colonies supported Confederation. After the 72 resolutions were read, only three colonies supported Confederation. Canada – under the guidance of Macdonald, Brown and Cartier, they were able to pass the 72 resolutions in the Canadian legislative assembly. Canada – under the guidance of Macdonald, Brown and Cartier, they were able to pass the 72 resolutions in the Canadian legislative assembly. New Brunswick – Premier Samuel Leonard Tilley lead the charge as the pro-confederation and was able to pass the 72 resolutions in the New Brunswick legislative assembly. New Brunswick – Premier Samuel Leonard Tilley lead the charge as the pro-confederation and was able to pass the 72 resolutions in the New Brunswick legislative assembly.

Whose in? Nova Scotia – Charles Tupper was the premier of Nova Scotia was the pro-confederation voice in the legislature. He was opposed by Joseph Howe who staunchly rejected the idea of Confederation. When the dust settled, Tupper got enough votes to pass Confederation through the N.S. legislature. Nova Scotia – Charles Tupper was the premier of Nova Scotia was the pro-confederation voice in the legislature. He was opposed by Joseph Howe who staunchly rejected the idea of Confederation. When the dust settled, Tupper got enough votes to pass Confederation through the N.S. legislature. PEI and NFLD – did not care for Confederation and as such didn’t even bring it up for a serious thought in their legislative assembly. As such they were left out of confederation… for the time being. PEI and NFLD – did not care for Confederation and as such didn’t even bring it up for a serious thought in their legislative assembly. As such they were left out of confederation… for the time being.

It passed On February 12, 1867 the 72 Resolutions (now referred to as the British North American Act) was introduced in the House of Commons in G.B. and was quickly passed. On February 12, 1867 the 72 Resolutions (now referred to as the British North American Act) was introduced in the House of Commons in G.B. and was quickly passed. On May 22, 1867, Queen Victoria proclaimed that the Dominion of Canada would become a nation on July 1, On May 22, 1867, Queen Victoria proclaimed that the Dominion of Canada would become a nation on July 1, On July 1, 1867 Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were all part of one Dominion – the Dominion of Canada. On July 1, 1867 Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were all part of one Dominion – the Dominion of Canada.

Fathers of Confederation

Canada – George Brown, John A. Macdonald, George- Etienne Cartier, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Alexander Galt, Hector Langevin, Alexander Campbell, J.C. Chapais, James Cockburn, William McDougall, Oliver Mowat, Sir Etienne-Pascal Tache, W.P. Howland. Canada – George Brown, John A. Macdonald, George- Etienne Cartier, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Alexander Galt, Hector Langevin, Alexander Campbell, J.C. Chapais, James Cockburn, William McDougall, Oliver Mowat, Sir Etienne-Pascal Tache, W.P. Howland. NB – Samuel Tilley, John Hamilton Gray (NB), Edward Barron Chandler, Charles Fisher, John Johnson, Peter Mitchell, William H. Stevens, R.D. Wilmot. NB – Samuel Tilley, John Hamilton Gray (NB), Edward Barron Chandler, Charles Fisher, John Johnson, Peter Mitchell, William H. Stevens, R.D. Wilmot. Nova Scotia – Charles Tupper, Adams Arhcibald, Robert Dickey, William Henry, Jonathan McCully, John William Ritchie. Nova Scotia – Charles Tupper, Adams Arhcibald, Robert Dickey, William Henry, Jonathan McCully, John William Ritchie.

Fathers of Confederation PEI – Edward Whelan, John Hamilton Gray (PEI), W.H. Pope, Edward Palmer, A.A. Macdonald, T.H. Haviland, George Coles PEI – Edward Whelan, John Hamilton Gray (PEI), W.H. Pope, Edward Palmer, A.A. Macdonald, T.H. Haviland, George Coles NFLD – F.B.T. Carter, Amrose Shea. NFLD – F.B.T. Carter, Amrose Shea.

When the provinces entered confederation 1867: Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia 1867: Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia 1870: Manitoba, North-West Territories 1870: Manitoba, North-West Territories 1871: British Columbia 1871: British Columbia 1873: Prince Edward Island 1873: Prince Edward Island 1898: Yukon 1898: Yukon 1905: Alberta & Saskatchewan 1905: Alberta & Saskatchewan 1949: Newfoundland (Newfoundland & Labrador in 2001) 1949: Newfoundland (Newfoundland & Labrador in 2001) 1999: Nunavut 1999: Nunavut