Confederation of Canada

Flashcards about the Confederation of Canada

London Conference (1866)

Confederation delegates from CW/CE, NS, NB met in London to discuss confederation. They presented the British government with a constitution, known as the British North America Act, which was subsequently passed.

British North America Act (BNA)

Signed by Queen Victoria on March 29, 1867, and came into effect on July 1, 1867, establishing the 'Dominion of Canada'.

Original Provinces of Canada (1867)

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec (formerly the province of Canada).

Manitoba and Northwest Territories

Joined Canada in 1870 (formerly Rupert’s Land).

British Columbia

Joined Canada in 1871.

Prince Edward Island (P.E.I)

Joined Canada in 1873.

Yukon Territory

Joined Canada in 1898.

Alberta and Saskatchewan

Joined Canada in 1905.

Newfoundland

Joined Canada in 1949.

Nunavut

Joined Canada in 1999.

Indigenous Peoples and Confederation

Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit peoples were neither considered nor consulted during the Confederation process.

Royal Proclamation, 1763 (Regarding Indigenous)

1. Treaties used for land settlement. 2. British would assist in disputes between Indigenous and Europeans. 3. Special relationship between Indigenous and British Crown. This role was assumed by the Canadian government.

Enfranchisement Act (1869)

Aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples. To vote, Indigenous individuals had to be 21 years of age, male, literate (English/French), free of debt, and lose their Indigenous status.

Canadian Federalism

A system where the central government addresses national concerns, and provincial governments handle local affairs.

Constitutional Monarchy (Canada)

The King/Queen of Britain is Canada’s head of state and the final authority in making or changing laws, but their power is limited by the Constitution.

Governor General

Acts on behalf of the Queen/King. All bills/laws must be approved by the Governor General via Royal Assent.

Parliamentary System (Canada)

Canada is governed by Parliament, made up of the House of Commons, Senate, and Cabinet, with two official languages: English and French.

House of Commons

Chosen by the people, with representation based on population. Voters (initially male only) elect their representative.

Senate

Established to protect regional interests and property rights. Senators are appointed (for life) and required to own $4000 of property in the province they represent.

Prime Minister

Appoints a group of advisors called the cabinet from the Senate and House of Commons.

Federal Government Powers

Powers include 'peace, order, and good government' and a broad range of taxation powers. Could disallow provincial laws.

Provincial Government Powers

Control over property/civil rights, control over natural resources, and limited taxation powers. Matters that were local or private in nature to the province.

Problems with the BNA Act

No arrangements were made for revisions without Britain, and disagreements between federal and provincial governments had to be settled in British court.