Canadian Confederation: July 1, 1867
CONFEDERATION FACTS:
• Date: July 1, 1867
• Act: British North America Act
• Original Provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
• Nova Scotia Status: Founding province
• Capital Chosen: Ottawa (compromise between Toronto/Montreal)
Nova Scotia's Path to Confederation
PRE-CONFEDERATION NOVA SCOTIA:
• Status: British Colony (1749-1867)
• Population: ~387,800 (1861 census)
• Economy: Shipbuilding, fishing, agriculture, trade
• Capital: Halifax (established 1749)
• Self-Government: Responsible government since 1848
Key Nova Scotia Figures
CHARLES TUPPER (1821-1915):
• "Father of Confederation" from Nova Scotia
• Premier of Nova Scotia (1864-1867)
• Later became Prime Minister of Canada (1896)
• Strong advocate for Maritime union and Confederation
OTHER NOVA SCOTIA DELEGATES:
• Adams George Archibald: Lawyer and politician
• William Alexander Henry: Judge and politician
• Jonathan McCully: Journalist and politician
• Robert Barry Dickey: Businessman and politician
• All attended Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences
Confederation Conferences
CHARLOTTETOWN CONFERENCE (September 1864):
• Original purpose: Maritime Union discussions
• Canada West/East delegates joined unexpectedly
• Broader Confederation proposal emerged
• Nova Scotia delegation actively participated
QUEBEC CONFERENCE (October 1864):
• 72 Resolutions drafted for new nation
• Nova Scotia delegates helped shape federal structure
• Agreed to bicameral Parliament
• Settled provincial vs federal powers
• Established Senate representation for regions
Opposition and Resistance
ANTI-CONFEDERATION MOVEMENT:
• Joseph Howe: Leading opponent, "Tribune of Nova Scotia"
• Concerns: Loss of provincial autonomy
• Economic fears: Trade disruption, taxation
• 1867 Election: Anti-Confederates won 18 of 19 federal seats
HOWE'S ARGUMENTS:
• Nova Scotia's prosperity would decline
• Distance from Canadian markets
• Loss of British trade preferences
• Fear of being dominated by Ontario/Quebec
• "Better Terms" movement (1868-1869)
The Confederation Process
LONDON CONFERENCE (1866-1867):
• Final negotiations in London, England
• British North America Act drafted
• Royal assent: March 29, 1867
• Effective date: July 1, 1867
July 1, 1867: Confederation Day
DOMINION OF CANADA CREATED:
• Four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
• Federal capital: Ottawa
• First Prime Minister: Sir John A. Macdonald
• Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor: Charles Hastings Doyle
• Population: ~3.5 million total
Nova Scotia's Federal Representation
ORIGINAL REPRESENTATION:
• House of Commons: 19 seats
• Senate: 10 seats (Maritime region)
• First Nova Scotia MP: Charles Tupper (Cumberland)
• Cabinet Position: A.G. Archibald (Secretary of State)
Immediate Aftermath
"BETTER TERMS" NEGOTIATIONS:
• Joseph Howe led repeal movement
• Traveled to London seeking withdrawal (1868)
• British government refused secession
• Compromise reached: Increased federal subsidies
• Howe joined federal Cabinet (1869)
Long-term Impact
ECONOMIC CHANGES:
• National Policy (1879): Protective tariffs
• Railway development: Intercolonial Railway
• Industrial growth in central Canada
• Maritime economic decline relative to Ontario/Quebec
Confederation Legacy
NOVA SCOTIA'S CONTRIBUTIONS:
• Helped establish federal structure
• Provided experienced political leaders
• Halifax became major naval base
• Gateway to Atlantic trade
• Cultural diversity enriched new nation
Commemoration Today
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS:
• July 1st national holiday
• Historic sites: Province House (where Confederation debated)
• Halifax Citadel: Cannon firing ceremony
• Museums: Maritime Museum, Nova Scotia Museum