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Unit 1 Confederation

anada became a country in 1867, over 130 years ago. That may seem like a long time ago, but is a Cyoung country compared to many other nations in the world. In 1867, four provinces joined to form the new Dominion of Canada—, Québec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The country was much smaller than it is today. Since 1867, it has grown and changed tremendously. Today, it is still growing and changing. Before 1867, what we know as Canada today was just a scattering of colonies and territories known as British North America. The colonies and territories were part of the vast British empire under British rule. Many factors eventually brought the colonies together and led to the birth of the nation. The path was not without conflict, delay, and upheaval. But Canada was a country forged peacefully, without major bloodshed. July 1, 1867 was a day of celebration. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 2

Unit 1 Timeline

1841 - Union of Upper and into the new

1864 - is formed in Canada Charlottetown Conference on Confederation is held Québec Conference drafts the Seventy-Two Resolutions for Confederation

1866 - Fenians invade British North America Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia unite London Conference drafts the British North America Act

1867 - British North America Act is signed Confederation is won; Canada becomes a nation

1868 - Assassination of D’Arcy McGee by a Fenian

1869 - Canada gains the North-West Territories from Britain and Rupert’s Land from the Hudson’s Bay Company

1870 - Manitoba joins Confederation

1871 - British Columbia joins Confederation

1873 - Prince Edward Island joins Confederation

1880 - Britain transfers the Arctic Islands to Canada

Focusing In! After studying this unit, you will be able to answer the following questions: 1. What were the main reasons for Confederation? 2. Who were some of the key people involved in making Confederation happen? 3. Why did some people favour Confederation? Why did others strongly oppose it? 4. What were the advantages and disadvantages of Confederation for each colony? 5. What type of government is a confederation? Why was it chosen for Canada? 6. How did Confederation eventually grow to include more provinces and territories? 7. What are some of the recent changes in Confederation? 8. How does each region of Canada contribute to Confederation today?

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Chapter 1 Just Before Confederation A Time of Change

In the summer of 1820 at Québec City, a five- We are a great country, and shall year-old boy ran down the gangplank of a sail- become one of the greatest in the ing ship and stepped onto North American universe if we preserve it; soil. The ship had been on the Atlantic Ocean We shall sink into insignificance and for 42 days. It was carrying new immigrants to adversity if we suffer it to be broken. Canada. Among them was a poor family from Scotland hoping to find a better life for them- selves in the New World. The young boy was John Alexander Macdonald. John A. Macdonald was only one of many immigrants who came to British North Amer- ica in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Many immigrants were from Great Britain. Others were Loyalists from the United States who came after the American Revolution. They were of English, Irish, Scottish, German, Dutch, French, and African origin. British North America was also populated with Aboriginal peoples who had lived on the land for thousands of years. The mid 1800s were a time of great change in British North America. Confederation (the union of the colonies under a central gov- ernment) was on the horizon. Many individu- als stepped forward to play an important role during this period. John A. Macdonald was one of them. Who could have known that this curly-haired boy from Glasgow would one day lead Britain’s North American colonies into a union called the Dominion of Canada? Predicting In 1861, Macdonald gave 1. What advantages do you think the British North an important speech. He was American colonies would gain by uniting into one talking about the united country? province of Canada, but his 2. What problems do you think they might face as they words also spoke to the try to unite? dream of a much larger new 3. What qualities do you think leaders like John A. Macdonald would have to have during this period nation. before Confederation?

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4 Unit 1: Confederation

British North America in the 1860s— ASnapshot

In 1858, British North America was a only to the united province of Canada West collection of scattered colonies and and , formed in 1841. territories.The word “Canada” referred

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA, 1858 CROWN COLONIES RUSSIAN OTHER BRITISH TERRITORY TERRITORIES

0 250 500 750 km

NORTH-WESTERN TERRITORY N Pacific Ocean

BRITISH NE Hudson Bay W COLUMBIA FO U N D LA N D VANCOUVER RUPERT'S LAND Victoria ST ISLAND EA A D RED RIVER A SETTLEMENT N PEI CANADA WES A C Québec Ottawa Montréal NOVA SCOTIA T Kingston NEW BRUNSWICK Atlantic Ocean UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Fort Garry is the centre of the fur trade in the Red River Settlement. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 5

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 5

Aboriginal Peoples • population numbers about 100 000 • include a wide variety of different cultures • some live on reserves; others espe- cially in Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory hunt, fish, or are involved in the fur trade Vancouver Island and British Columbia • Vancouver Island (population about 800) is made a British crown colony in 1849 • British Columbia becomes a colony in 1858 after the discovery of gold and the arrival of thousands of gold seekers • Vancouver Island and British Columbia join in 1866 and become the united colony of British Columbia James Douglas is made governor of the new colony of British Columbia in 1858. The North-Western Territory • largely a vast wilderness region inhabited by Rupert’s Land Aboriginal peoples • Hudson’s Bay Company land (granted by • visited by fur traders and explorers seeking a royal charter in 1670), in which the northwest passage across the continent since Company has the right to trade the 16th century • inhabited mostly by Aboriginal peoples and fur traders Newfoundland • a loyal colony of Britain with a population of The Red River Settlement about 122 000 • established in 1811 by Lord Selkirk and • people live in tiny fishing villages along the settled by Scottish immigrants coast and travel by boat along the coastline • by the 1860s has a population of almost • over one-fifth of the population lives in the 12 000, 87% of whom are Métis (of mixed city of St. John’s Aboriginal and European heritage) The Maritimes Canada • about 331 000 colonists live in small farming • largest colony in British North America communities in Nova Scotia; Halifax is the divided into Canada East and Canada West most important port and commercial centre • most settlers in Canada West are English- • New Brunswick’s 252 000 people live in towns speaking and Protestant along the Saint John River and in the port city • majority of population in Canada East is of Saint John; the colony is mostly forest French-speaking and Roman Catholic • Prince Edward Island has 80 000 people who • united province of Canada is very much are farmers and fishers divided by language and religion vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 6

6 Unit 1: Confederation

Culture Picture Gallery Link Life on the Eve of Confederation

In the mid 1800s, Montréal is a bustling port city with a population of 100 000. It is the largest city in British North America.

Towns and cities are growing rapidly, though most people still live on farms or in villages. King Street East in Toronto is a hub of activity.

The “iron horse” has arrived. In the mid 1800s, there is a rail- way building boom. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 7

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 7

Farms are no longer just little patches hacked out of the forest as they were in the pioneer days.

1. Choose one picture.Write a brief one- paragraph description or give a short talk about what you see in the picture. 2. What does the picture tell you about life in the mid 1800s?

Lumbering is one of the most important industries in the colonies.

Enormous gaps separate the rich from the poor in society.A few families like this one make fortunes in railway building or other businesses. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 8

8 Unit 1: Confederation

Politics in Canada ment. Since 1841, the Assembly had met at The push toward Confederation began in different times in Kingston, Québec City, Canada and the Maritimes. Politics in Canada Montréal, and Toronto. It was time for the in the mid 1800s was a stormy affair. The prov- government of Canada to have a permanent ince was divided by language, religion, and capital. In 1857, the government decided to different opinions on the direction the new leave the decision up to Queen Victoria. province should take. In 1841 when the prov- When the Queen announced that her choice ince was formed, Canada East and Canada was Ottawa, other cities were in an uproar! West were given an equal number of seats in They sneered that Ottawa was nothing more the government Assembly or Parliament. than “a sub-Arctic lumber village.” However, There were two main political groups in the there were good reasons for the Queen’s choice. Assembly: the Conservatives or and the Reform Party or . In Canada East, • Ottawa is far from the United States’ border the Conservatives were known as the Parti and could be protected in an attack. Bleu and the Clear Grits were known as the • It had good water transportation routes for . moving troops in case of war with the United States. Choosing a Capital • Ottawa was right on the border between In 1857, the issue of choosing a capital for the Canada East and Canada West and so might province created a major crisis in the govern- satisfy both parts of the province.

Political Parties in Canada, 1860

Party Leader Beliefs Canada West Conservatives John A. Macdonald proud of Canada’s connection or Tories with Britain and loyal to Queen Victoria who is officially the head of government during this period

Reform Party George Brown want change and more say for or Clear Grits ordinary people in government; have a great deal of support from rural people

Canada East George-Étienne support co-operation Cartier between French and English-speaking Canadians

Parti Rouge A. A. Dorion support rights of French- speaking Canadians vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 9

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 9

The location of the new capital was the topic of conversation in barber shops, newspapers, taverns, and churches all over Canada. People in Toronto said that Montréal should not be chosen because riots had occurred there in 1849. People of Québec City felt that the capital should be in Canada East.Toronto or London were too far west.The people of Kingston thought that Québec City was too far east to suit them. Ottawa was the surprise choice. This painting shows Ottawa in 1857.What key features do you notice?

Not everyone in the Assembly was pleased government. Just two days later, there was with Queen Victoria’s decision. When the vote another dramatic shift. The Conservatives was taken to move the capital to Ottawa, moved a vote of non-confidence in Brown’s English-speaking Conservatives voted in favour new government. A non-confidence vote of the move. Macdonald said that to ignore the means that the Assembly is saying to the Queen’s advice would be an insult. But the Grits government “we no longer support you.” If the voted against having Ottawa as the capital. They vote passes, the government must resign. were joined by French-speaking Conservatives This is exactly what happened to George who preferred Montréal or Québec. Even though Brown and the Grits. This time the French- John A. Macdonald’s Conservatives had the speaking Conservatives voted with the English- majority in the Assembly at the time, the vote speaking Conservatives. Brown was prime toppled John A’s government. minister for a little over 48 hours. Macdonald When the Conservatives went down to and his Conservative government returned to defeat, George Brown’s Grits became the power and joked about the double shuffle. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 10

10 Unit 1: Confederation

Profile John A. Macdonald

ohn A. Macdonald arrived in Later there were times as JCanada from Scotland with prime minister when his drink- his family in 1820. The family ing habits and behaviour were eventually settled at Glenora in scandalous to the country. , west of Everyone knew when Kingston. John’s mother was Macdonald was drinking heav- determined that her son ily because some newspapers would get a good education. reported sarcastically that Though poor, the family “John A. is sick again.” managed to scrape together In spite of this weakness, the enough money to send people of Kingston recognized John to a boarding school qualities in the successful young in Kingston. lawyer that made him a good In those days a young politician. Perhaps because man could work in a Macdonald’s own life was lawyer’s office during the filled with tragedy, he was day and study law at night. sensitive to the problems of So at age 15, John went to the people he represented. He work for a prominent Kingston was intelligent, charming, and lawyer. In 1836, at the age of 21, witty, though occasionally he opened his own law office in hot-tempered. Kingston and became a success- Macdonald’s impressive Once, a member of the ful and well-respected lawyer. skills as a politician were put to Opposition gave out a While his social and profes- use as an elected member of long list of Macdonald’s sional life were successful and Kingston’s City Council, then as mistakes, misdeeds, and happy, Macdonald’s personal a member of Parliament, and bad habits.When he sat life was often sad. His wife, eventually in 1867 as the first down Sir John rose and, Isabella, was frequently sick prime minister of the Dominion with a grin, replied,“Ain’t and confined to bed. Their first of Canada. I the old devil, though?” baby, John Macdonald, was born in 1847 but died 13 months later. A second son, 1. If you were a supporter of Hugh John, was born in 1850. John A. Macdonald during the After his birth, Isabella time he was prime minister, Macdonald was never strong which of his qualities would again. Her illness became you emphasize? How would worse, and in 1857 she died. you present his faults? Overworked and sick with 2. Why might training as a worry about his wife, his child, lawyer be good preparation and mounting medical debts, for a politician? John began to drink heavily. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 11

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 11

Fast Forward National Historic Sites Today, John A. Macdonald’s home in Kingston, Ontario, is a National Historic Site. Known as Bellevue, it was opened to visitors in 1967 and includes furnishings from the 1840s. If you go to the Visitor’s Centre on the grounds, you can see a video presentation on Macdonald’s pri- vate life and public career. The architect who designed Bellevue also most likely designed Kingston’s City Hall, which was completed in 1844. It was the seat of the provincial govern- ment when Kingston was the capital of Upper and Lower Canada from 1841 to 1844. In 1973 it was renovated to celebrate Kingston’s 300th anniversary. Both Bellevue and Kingston City Hall are unique buildings and part of For information on other National Historic Sites, visit Canada’s heritage. Your community or region this web site may also have National Historic Sites. http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/parks/main_e.htm

Political Deadlock And besides, when the province had been The double shuffle was a sign of how govern- united in 1841, Canada East had had the larger ment was working in Canada in the 1860s. population but had not received more seats in Getting any bills (new laws) passed through the the Assembly. The two parts of the province Assembly was almost impossible. Members of had been given an equal number of seats. the government and the Opposition in the So, political deadlock continued. In the Canadian Assembly were nearly even in num- three years before 1864, four governments in ber. Since they naturally voted against each the Province of Canada resigned and there other, neither side could win. It was like two were two general elections. Neither the Tories evenly matched teams playing tug-of-war. So nor the Grits could get enough votes to carry during the early 1860s, the machinery of gov- on the work of government. John A. Macdonald ernment gradually ground to a halt. The wheels was so discouraged that he talked of retiring simply stopped turning. The engine sputtered from politics. However, the Conservatives and stalled. It was political deadlock. begged him to stay on as their leader and he George Brown and his Reform Party agreed. wanted representation by population or On 14 June 1864, Macdonald’s government “rep by pop.” They pointed out that Canada was once again defeated by two votes. West was larger than Canada East by almost Macdonald could call an election, but what 300 000 people. Therefore, Canada West should good would that do? Another election would have more seats in the Assembly in proportion probably change nothing. Neither side could to its larger population. The people of Canada hope to win enough seats in the Assembly to East would not agree to that because they get any bills passed. It was George Brown who would be outnumbered in the Assembly! stepped forward with a solution. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 12

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Fast Forward Political Parties Today

Today, Canada has several federal political parties. The Conservative Party led by John A. Macdonald in the 1860s evolved into the Progressive Conservative Party we have today. Members of this party are often still called “Tories.” The Reform Party led by George Brown in the 1860s evolved into our modern Liberal Party. Other major federal political parties today include the formed in 1961, the Reform Party formed in 1987, and the Bloc Québécois You can find out more about the major federal political parties by visiting their web sites: founded in 1990. There are also a number of smaller federal parties including the Green www.liberal.ca www.pcparty.ca Party and the Christian Heritage Party. Each www.blocquebecois.org province and territory has its own political www.ndp.ca parties, separate from the federal parties. www.reform.ca

Skill Building: Learning from Graphs and Charts

You have probably seen charts and graphs in b) Which province had the larger population books, magazines, newspapers, on television news in 1806 and 1840? Which had the larger reports, and on the Internet.You may even have population in 1851 and 1861? How does this help created them on a computer. A graph is a visual to explain why Canada East wanted representa- presentation or summary of information. It tion by population in 1841 and Canada West shows how two sets of information are related. wanted representation by population in 1861? A bar graph is one type of graph. It uses different length bars to illustrate various 2. In 1867, the year of Confederation, the amounts. Bar graphs are set up on a grid.This population of Canada West was 1 525 000.The makes it easy to compare one thing to another. population for Canada East was 1 123 000. How can you read a bar graph? Follow the steps Copy the bar graph in your notebook and add on the next page.Then complete the questions the information for 1867. below to find out what you can learn. 3. Brainstorm other types of charts and graphs What Can You Learn? you have seen. Could the populations of Canada 1. a) Notice how the bars for both provinces East and Canada West be shown using different increase in every year shown.What does this types of graphs or charts? How? mean? vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 13

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 13

Reading a Graph 2 Find the legend. It tells what the colours and symbols used in the graph 1 Read the title. It tells you that this graph com- mean. In this graph, the blue bars stand pares the populations in Canada East and Canada for Canada West and the red bars stand West over a number of years. for Canada East.

COMPARISON OF POPULATIONS FOR Size of CANADA EAST AND CANADA WEST, 1806–1861 population 1 396 000 1 400 000

1 300 000

1 200 000 Canada West Canada East 1 112 000 1 100 000

1 000 000 942 000 890 000 900 000

800 000 717 000 700 000

600 000

500 000 432 000 400 000

250 000 300 000 200 000

71 000 100 000

0 1806 1840 1851 1861 Ye ar

3 Read the numbers along the bottom of the graph. They tell you that the populations 4 Examine the numbers of the two provinces are compared at four along the side of the graph. different years—1806, 1840, 1851, and 1861. These represent the size of the population.The 5 Examine the bars for 1806.The bar for numbers go from 0 to Canada West is almost three quarters of the way 1 400 000. Each line on the between 0 and 100 000.The population of grid stands for 100 000 Canada West in 1806 was 71 000.The bar for people. Canada East in the same year is half way between the 200 000 and 300 000 line.This shows that the population in 1806 in Canada East was 250 000. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 14

14 Unit 1: Confederation

Coalition Government members of his own party to support the coali- As leader of the Grits, George Brown opposed tion. Of the 130 members in the Assembly, at the beliefs of the Conservative party. He was least 100 would vote together. John A. Macdonald’s political rival. For years, The coalition government had two plans. the two men had hurled bitter remarks at each The first was to try to form a union or confed- other across the floor of the Assembly. If they eration of all the British colonies in North passed each other on the street, neither one America. If this first plan failed, the second would speak. plan was to split Canada again into two But the future of the province meant more provinces (Ontario and Québec). Each province to George Brown than his personal feelings or would run its own local affairs, but there would his political party. He suggested that the answer be a central government based on representa- to political deadlock was a coalition govern- tion by population to look after matters of con- ment. A coalition government is the joining cern to both provinces. Other colonies could of different political parties into one govern- come in later if they desired. The idea of ment in the time of an emergency. Together Confederation was beginning to gain momen- they could do what no one party could do by tum in Canada. itself. George Brown persuaded many other

On the subject of a coalition govern- ment for Canada in 1861, George Brown said in a speech: For ten years I have stood opposed to the honourable gentlemen opposite....But I think the House will admit that, if a crisis has ever arisen in the political affairs of any country that would justify such a coalition, such a crisis has now arrived in the ...I do say, that if by any means we can find a solution to the difficulties, every man who has the slightest inter- est in the country will be grateful to those who accomplish it . . . I desire no greater honour for my children to remember than that I had a hand, however humble, in bringing about that great work. vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 15

Chapter 1: Just Before Confederation 15

Activities Understanding Concepts

1. Start your own Factfile of key words and concepts. Set aside a section of your notebook for your Factfile or create it on computer.You will be able to add to your file throughout your study. a) Divide a page in your notebook or on your computer into three columns. Make the middle column the widest. b) In the left column, write the key words. In the middle column, write the meaning of the words.Try to write the definitions in your own words. c) In the third column, give an example. Use the words correctly in a sentence or draw a sketch to show the meaning. Start your Factfile with these terms. Confederation double shuffle graph Tories political deadlock bar graph Clear Grits representation by population legend non-confidence vote coalition government

Key Words Definitions Example Confederation

2. a) Explain why Ottawa was chosen as the capital of Canada. b) What problems did the vote over the choice of capital cause in the government? 3. Why did the government of Canada face political deadlock in the 1860s? How was the deadlock broken? 4. What were the two plans of the coalition government? Digging Deeper

5. ROLE PLAY Work in groups. Each group member chooses one role below and explains which city he or she would support for Canada’s capital in 1857— Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Kingston, or Toronto? Refer to the map on page 4 for help. a) a farmer in Canada East living near the border with New Brunswick b) a business owner in Toronto c) a member of the Parti Rouge in the Assembly d) a from Canada West e) the governor general of Canada vi 1-16 120820 11/1/04 12:51 PM Page 16

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6. WRITE Why would people in Canada East object to George Brown’s demand for representation by population? What reasons would they give? Write a let- ter to the editor of a major newspaper in Canada West expressing your views as a citizen of Canada East.

7. MEDIA/CREATE Political deadlock in Canada has finally been broken.There will be a coalition government. Create a radio news bulletin announcing the event and outlining various reactions from politicians in Canada and people on the street. Making New Connections

8. THINK/PRESENT Assume that Ottawa is not the capital of Canada today. Our politicians have asked for suggestions for a new capital. Draw up a list of the criteria you think should be used for selecting a capital. Consult an atlas for help. Suggest a town or city in Canada that best meets your criteria and pre- sent your ideas.

9. COMPARE/THINK In the period 1854-64, there were ten different govern- ments in the Province of Canada. Compare these figures with the last ten years in Canada and in your province.What effects would so many changes have on the running of a government?

10. INVESTIGATE Today, Canada is divided into areas called ridings or constituen- cies for federal election purposes. People in each riding elect one representa- tive, their Member of Parliament (MP), to the House of Commons in Ottawa. The ridings are designed for “rep by pop” since each is meant to have roughly the same population. Given the size and settlement patterns in Canada, how- ever, this is not always possible. Prepare a “mini profile” of your federal riding. Include the following facts: • the boundaries of your riding (include a mini map) • how many people live in your riding • the name and party of your MP • when your MP was first elected (i.e., how long he or she has served your riding as MP)