Debating Confederation

LOTS of Opinions

• Today- referendum- the people give their opinion directly by voting for or against an issue

• Confederation- Government either made the decision on its own OR held an election

The Province of Canada

• No election was held, but the issue was debated in the Assembly for over a month!

• Final decision was in favor of Confederation

New Brunswick

• Tilley (premier) was FOR Confederation• Saint John would get shipping business• Coal and other goods sold to Canadas• New Brunswick would need protection from USA

• A.J. Smith was AGAINST Confederation• NB- Too few representatives• Paying off the debts of the Canadas• Already had good trading relationship with USA• No guarantee of railway, only parts would benefit

• Tilley LOST the election held!!!

Prince Edward Island

• The people in PEI made it clear they were not interested in Confederation because:• Problems with absentee landlords• Railway would not reach PEI

• Premier John Gray resigned and anti-Confederation led by J.C. Pope took over!!!

Nova Scotia

• Charles Tupper had support of coal and steel industries who would benefit from Confederation.

• Many others disagreed with Confederation, including Joseph Howe. He thought:• NS would have too few representatives• Didn’t want to pay off debts of Canadas• Economic wealth came from trade across Atlantic• He felt it unfair there was no say of the people in the issue

(unless an election was held– which one was not in NS)

Newfoundland

• Delegates thought a great idea… but the people werent convinced. The colony thought they were too far away for effective transportation and communication.

• They decided to stay independent and keep strong connections with Great Britain.

Editorial Cartoon

• Symbols• Humour• Caricatures

• Take a stand either FOR or AGAINST Confederation for one of the colonies. Show your opinion in an editorial cartoon!!

Editorial Cartoon