Why Did the Provinces Join Canada?

The formation of Canada was a complex process that involved the unification of several British colonies. This process was driven by a variety of reasons, primarily economic, political, and strategic. To understand how the provinces joined Canada, it is essential to delve into the historical context of British North America in the mid-19th century.

Quebec and Ontario's Motivations

For Quebec, the primary motivation for joining the confederation was to regain some level of autonomy that had been lost following the union with Ontario in 1840. This union, known as the Act of Union, was imposed by the British and was largely unpopular, as it sought to consolidate Upper and Lower Canada into a single colony. The federation of 1867 redivided the two provinces, giving Quebec a semblance of control over its internal affairs and opening up the possibility of a more autonomous status.

Ontario, on the other hand, had a mix of motivations. The pending expiration of the free trade agreement with the United States was a significant concern. With a nationalist sentiment gaining ground in the US after the Civil War, there was a genuine fear that the US might attempt to reclaim British territories, particularly in the west. Additionally, there was the strategic need to secure more land and expand markets, which could be achieved through the construction of a transcontinental railway. A federal arrangement was seen as a means to facilitate this expansion.

Industrialization and Infrastructure Investment

Another critical factor was the impact of industrialization. As industrialization grew in Canada and the Maritimes, there was a pressing need to invest in more expensive infrastructure such as railways and canals. The federal government was believed to have greater capabilities to borrow and spend, thereby ensuring the necessary investments could be made to support economic growth and development.

The Formation of Canada (1867) and Its Evolution

Canada was officially created in 1867 as a federal union of three provinces of British North America: Canada (Canada East), Canada West, and Newfoundland (which was not yet fully integrated into the confederation). These provinces were united in a confederation that aimed to create a country with a transcontinental railway, thus fulfilling the vision of a country from sea to sea.

Over the years, additional territories joined the confederation. British Columbia joined in 1871, creating the fifth province. Next came Manitoba in 1870, which was carved out of the North West Territories. Finally, Prince Edward Island joined in 1873, completing the list of original provinces. The North West Territories, which included the watershed of Hudson's Bay and the Canadian Arctic, was subdivided in 1905, creating two new provinces and extending others northward.

In 1949, the former British colony of Newfoundland joined the confederation as the tenth province, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Canada.

Conclusion: Uniting for Strength in Troubled Times

While the focus on the formation of Canada provides a historical context, it is worth noting the present-day relevance of unity. In times of uncertainty, the strength derived from uniting Canadians across the country is essential. A unified Canada can better weather economic and political storms, fostering a sense of pride and resilience among its citizens.