Confederationof Canadas Provinces

Ontario:
Before Confederation, Ontario was divided into two lands, Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
Despite having the same name, both countries were rebellious towards each other. In 1837, a
rebellion led to the suggestion of a combined legislative province, provided by Sir Lord Durham.
The union was finally accepted in 1841, but the province was once again divided into two areas,
named East and West Canada respectively. Each area struggled financially, as incoming
immigrants could not find work beyond the Canadian Shield. The Montreal Riots in 1849 caused
the capital of Montreal to be removed, and talks of Confederation arose. There were many
reasons that supported it. Confederation would create a more connected community that would
encourage co-operation. As well, the Civil War south of the border had to be addressed, and
many thought Confederation would provide a more reliable defence against annexation by the
Americans. In 1867, along with Quebec and the Maritime provinces besides Newfoundland,
Ontario joined the Confederation.
Quebec:
Quebec had similar issues of Ontario’s, as they were both involved in the problems of East and
West Canada. Where John A Macdonald was the main promoter of Confederation in what was
Ontario, a man named George Etienne Cartier was the one in Quebec who strongly favoured
Confederation. In 1867, Quebec was among the original founders of the Canadian
Confederation.
New Brunswick:
New Brunswick was taken by the British after a conflict with the Aboriginals already residing
there, the Mi’kmaq and the Maliseet. It was originally part of Nova Scotia, but was later
independent in 1784. In 1864, they were involved in discussion to form a single Maritime colony
with PEI and Nova Scotia. At the meeting, representatives of Canada proposed their idea of
Confederation. Their suggestion was mainly frowned upon, until the event of the Fenian Raids.
These attacks created a sense of vulnerability, and New Brunswick became part of the
Confederation in 1867.
Alberta:
In 1905, Alberta joined confederation with Saskatchewan when they became apart of the
Northwest territories. By the beginning of the 1900s, many people wanted this to change.The
economy had changed. Instead of just the fur trade, it now included farming, logging, mining
and the railway. Many people were coming into the territory to work in these new industries.
They could not afford everything that the people needed, such as schools. By forming new
provinces, they would be able to collect taxes and pay for these things. First nation groups First
nations groups Blackfoot, Kainnai, Piikuni and Gros Ventre once occupied the land.
British Columbia:
In 1858, a gold rush in the Fraser River drew thousands of people. The sudden influx of
prospectors caused Britain to separate the area and call it British Columbia, with the city of
Victoria as its capital. When the Dominion of Canada was introduced, many considered joining
the Confederation. There were many advantages; joining would help BC handle their debt and
infrastructure costs. On the 20th of July 1871, British Columbia joined Confederation.
Prince Edwards Island:
P.E.I did not join the Dominion of canada until 1873 despite the fact that they hosted
conferences. When Canada invited them a second time they decided to join, because it would
solve their 2 main problems. The first problem was a very old one and had to do with land.
Landlords who lived in England owned most of the Island. This meant that settlers could not buy
their own land and had to rent it at high cost. Canada agreed to help by buying the land from the
landlords so that settlers could then buy and own their land.
Newfoundland:
In 1949, Newfoundland became Canada’s tenth province. Near the end of the 1500s, Britain
claimed Newfoundland as one of their own. By 1949, Newfoundlands people decided about
what they wanted to do about their political future. Although some people wanted to remain a
part of Britain,
Nova Scotia:
Nova Scotia was very independent, becoming the first colony with a responsible or independent
government. Thus, the idea of Confederation wasn’t very well recieved. Many thought the idea
of joining with the province of Canada, as it was very far away. Some compared the proposition
to Britain asking to join Poland or Hungary. Through proper persuasion, the colony of Nova
Scotia reluctantly joined Confederation with the other colonies in 1867.
Manitoba:
When the US purchased Alaska, many Canadian officials were worried they would attempt to
nothing was said take Rupert’s Land. Canada purchased Rupert’s Land from the Hudson Bay
Company, though none of this information was passed on to the natives, who traded with the
Hudson Bay Company. The natives opposed this, and suggested a negotiation of the terms of
the Manitoba Act, which planned to include Manitoba in the Confederation. A protestant, named
Thomas Scott, disagreed, and was killed. After many struggles and lengthy talks, Manitoba
joined Confederation in 1870
Saskatchewan:
Saskatchewan joined confederation in 1905 along with Alberta. For about 7000 years it was
occupied by several First Nations. Some examples include Chipewyan, Amisk,Slavery, Cree,
Siksika (Blackfoot), Assiniboine and Gros Ventre.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories were part of the land Britain purchased from the HBC. It was home to
some 150000 natives as well as a few European trading posts. It was mainly governed by the
capital of Ottawa
Yukon Territories
The Yukon Territories were a region of Rupert’s Land, which was acquired by Britain from the
HBC, so they were already included in the Confederation. In 1896, the Klondike Gold Rush
started a rat race of individuals racing towards the land. To ensure control over their affairs and
the growing population, the Yukon Territories Act was passed on June 13, 1898 and made it it’s
own territory.
Nunavut
When Britain bought Rupert’s Land, many Inuit suffered economically as the fur trade was
erased. To address this, the government moved the natives into centralized populated areas. A
proposal was made to divide the province of the Northwest Territories into two smaller ones, but
the idea was held off for many years until 1992. In 1999, Nunavut joined the Canadian
ConfederationThe Canadian Pacific Railway:
It was built to fulfill the promise made to British Columbia for them to join the confederation. It
was said to be used to unite the colonies. Construction started in 1881 and was finished by
1885.

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