The Road to Confederation

Charlottetown Conference

Oct 1, 1864

Maritime Colonies had a conference in Charlottetown, P.E.I. to discuss a Maritme union. However, John A. Macdonald managed to persuade the Martimes to consider a union with the Canada's. The Maritimes supported the idea of joining colonies and decided to meet again to discuss the details on how this would be done. Newfoundland and British Columbia were not invited.

Quebec Conference

Oct 10, 1864

In Oct. 1864, representatives of the colonies held a second conference in Quebec City, and this time Newfoundland attended as well. In Quebec City, they met for 3 weeks and worked out how they would share power in the new country. At the end of the conference, most delegates voted in favour of the Quebec Resoloutions (the resoloutions that contained the details of how the new country would work).

London Conference

Dec 4, 1866

The representatives of Canada West, Canada East, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia travelled to London. The delegates took part in a conference with British Officials about the future of the colonies. Agreement was reached easily, and Canada became Britain's first "self-governing dominion". Canada had control over its internal affairs, but Britain would have control over foreign affairs. Britain would continue to be responsible for changes to the constitution of Canada, but only at request.

Confederation of Canada

Jul 1, 1867

On July 1st, 1867, a new country was born. The Dominion of Canada was made up of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Queen Victoria had chosen Ottawa as the new capital, and a parliament building had opened in 1866.

Manitoba And Northwest Territories Join Confederation

Jul 15, 1870

The North-West Territories (Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory) are acquired by Canada and from part of them Manitoba is created as the fifth province.

British Columbia Joins Confederation

Jul 20, 1871

British Columbia joins Canada as the sixth province.

Prince Edward Island Joins Confederation

Jul 1, 1873

Prince Edward Island joins Canada as the seventh province.

Yukon joins Confederation

Jun 13, 1898

The District of Yukon becomes a Territory separate from the North-West Territories, and joins the Dominion of Canada.

Saskatchewan and Alberta Join Confederation

Sep 1, 1905

Alberta and Saskatchewan are created to make a total of nine provinces in the Dominion of Canada.

Newfoundland Joins Confederation

Mar 31, 1949

Newfoundland enters the Dominion of Canada.

Nunavut Joins Confederation

Apr 1, 1999

Nunavut joins Canada and becomes its third territory.