ConfederationThe Road to the Canadian federation

Key DefinitionsConfederation = 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.

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

Three Main Reasons for Confederation1) 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.

2) 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

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

3) 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.

Steps to ConfederationWhen? 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

1866-67 – 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!

Painting of Fathers of Confederation at the London Conference

Canada is Born!The British North America Act (BNA Act)

came into effect July 1, 1867

The capital city would be in OttawaThe four original provinces were New

Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario

The first Prime Minister elected was John A. Macdonald

His political ally George Etienne Cartier

Federal PowersCriminal LawMoney & BankingDefence Native affairsTransportationCitizenshipPostal ServiceAnd more...

Provincial PowersCivil LawEducationHealthcare Lands & ForestsMunicipalities And more...