Canadian Confederation was one of the most important historical events in the history of Canada. Canadians celebrate it each year on Canada Day.
What is Canadian Confederation?
Confederation refers to the process of federal union where the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada combined to form the Dominion of Canada. The event took place on July 1, 1867. This date is celebrated as Canada Day.
Before Confederation, British North America (meaning Canada) encompassed Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Rupert’s Land, and the North-Western Territory. Colonial leaders, later known as the Fathers of Confederation, convened in Charlottetown, Quebec City, and London from 1864 onwards. They negotiated the terms of Confederation, leading to the British North America Act that formed basis for Canada’s Constitution passed by the British Parliament. Initially, the Dominion of Canada consisted of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Subsequently, between 1867 and 1999, six more provinces and three territories joined Confederation.
Reasons for Confederation
The push for Confederation in British North America stemmed from various concerns and opportunities in the 1860s. There was apprehension about potential American dominance and annexation, particularly heightened after the American Civil War. The chaos of the war highlighted the need for a stronger central government, contrasting with the perceived weaknesses of the US government. Additionally, British support for the American South during the conflict led to tensions with the North. That caused the US to cancel a trade treaty with British North America. The cancellation prompted the colonies to consider forming a united front. British North America increasingly feared American expansionism after the war and the US purchase of Alaska. Confederation presented an opportunity for the colonies to establish a new free-trade market. It also promised alleviating Britain’s economic and military obligations in North America.
The Dominion of Canada emerged from a series of diplomatic negotiations and conferences, ultimately uniting New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada on July 1, 1867. This marked the beginning of a gradual nation building process that expanded to encompass other territories and provinces, realizing the vision of a unified country “from sea to sea.”
Here is the list of the provinces and territories and the year in which they joined the Canadian Confederation.
| Province or Territory | Joined Confederation |
| Alberta | 1905 |
| British Columbia | 1871 |
| Manitoba | 1870 |
| New Brunswick | 1867 |
| Newfoundland | 1949 |
| Northwest Territories | 1870 |
| Nova Scotia | 1867 |
| Nunavut | 1999 |
| Ontario | 1867 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1873 |
| Quebec | 1867 |
| Saskatchewan | 1905 |
| Yukon | 1898 |
Fathers of Confederation
Confederation resulted from three conferences attended by delegates from five colonies, with thirty-six men traditionally recognized as the Fathers of Confederation. These figures represented the British North American colonies at the conferences leading to Confederation.
Several Fathers of Confederation played crucial roles. George Brown‘s determined efforts were instrumental, while Sir George-Étienne Cartier advocated for essential provincial rights. Sir John A. Macdonald orchestrated the political maneuvers necessary for agreement. Alexander Galt alongside John Ross and Sir George-Étienne Cartier went to London to convince the British to make British North America into the first sovereign country within the British Empire.
Some debate has arisen regarding who should be considered a Father of Confederation. The definition may extend to those involved in bringing Manitoba (such as Louis Riel), British Columbia (like Amor de Cosmos), Newfoundland and Labrador (including Joey Smallwood), and Nunavut (such as Tagak Curley) into Confederation.
