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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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…

7. “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

8. 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

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

10. 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