Confederation — the creation of Canada on July 1, 1867 — is one of the most important topics on the citizenship test. Expect at least one or two questions about it. This guide covers everything you need to know: what happened, who was involved, and why it matters.
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What Was Confederation?
Confederation was the process by which three British colonies — the Province of Canada (which became Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — united to form a new country called the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867.
The legal basis for Confederation was the British North America Act (BNA Act), passed by the British Parliament. This act is now called the Constitution Act, 1867 and remains a fundamental part of Canada's constitution.
Why Did Confederation Happen?
Political Deadlock
The Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec combined) had a single legislature where both regions had equal representation. This created constant deadlock between English-speaking Canada West (Ontario) and French-speaking Canada East (Quebec). Confederation solved this by creating separate provinces with their own legislatures.
Military Defence
After the American Civil War ended in 1865, there were fears that the United States might try to expand northward. A united Canada could better defend itself than separate colonies.
Economic Benefits
The colonies wanted to build a national railway and create a larger economic market. Confederation would allow free trade between provinces and the construction of the Intercolonial Railway connecting central Canada to the Maritimes.
British Encouragement
Britain encouraged the colonies to unite so they could manage their own affairs and defence, reducing the burden on the British Empire.
The Road to Confederation
Charlottetown Conference (September 1864)
Originally planned to discuss Maritime union (uniting the Maritime colonies), this conference became the birthplace of Canadian Confederation when delegates from the Province of Canada arrived with a bigger proposal: a union of all British North American colonies.
Quebec Conference (October 1864)
Delegates from all colonies met in Quebec City and agreed on the 72 Resolutions — the framework for the new country. These resolutions outlined the division of powers, the structure of Parliament, and the terms of union.
London Conference (December 1866)
Delegates traveled to London, England to finalize the terms with the British government. The British North America Act was drafted and passed by the British Parliament.
July 1, 1867
The Dominion of Canada officially came into existence. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister.
The Original Four Provinces
| Province | Capital | Former Name |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Toronto | Canada West |
| Quebec | Quebec City | Canada East |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax | Nova Scotia |
| New Brunswick | Fredericton | New Brunswick |
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Key Fathers of Confederation
Sir John A. Macdonald (1815-1891)
- First Prime Minister of Canada
- Chief architect of Confederation
- Led the Conservative Party
- Served as PM from 1867-1873 and 1878-1891
- Oversaw the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway
Sir George-Etienne Cartier (1814-1873)
- French-Canadian leader from Quebec
- Key to securing Quebec's participation in Confederation
- Worked closely with Macdonald
- Advocated for minority language and religious rights
Sir Charles Tupper (1821-1915)
- Premier of Nova Scotia
- Convinced Nova Scotia to join Confederation (despite opposition)
- Later became Prime Minister (briefly, in 1896)
Sir Leonard Tilley (1818-1896)
- Premier of New Brunswick
- Led New Brunswick into Confederation
- Suggested the name "Dominion of Canada" (from Psalm 72: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea")
How Canada Grew After 1867
| Year | Province/Territory |
|---|---|
| 1867 | Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick |
| 1870 | Manitoba, Northwest Territories |
| 1871 | British Columbia |
| 1873 | Prince Edward Island |
| 1898 | Yukon Territory |
| 1905 | Saskatchewan, Alberta |
| 1949 | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| 1999 | Nunavut |
What Confederation Created
Federal System
Confederation established a federal system where powers are divided:
- Federal government: Defence, trade, banking, criminal law, immigration, Indigenous affairs
- Provincial governments: Education, healthcare, highways, natural resources, property rights
- Municipal governments: Local roads, water, garbage, parks, local police
Parliament
A Parliament modeled on the British system, with the House of Commons (elected) and the Senate (appointed).
The Constitution
The BNA Act (Constitution Act, 1867) remains the foundation of Canada's constitution, along with the Constitution Act, 1982 (which added the Charter of Rights and Freedoms).
Practice Questions
Q: When was Confederation?
A: July 1, 1867
Q: Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
A: Sir John A. Macdonald
Q: What were the original four provinces?
A: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
Q: What was the law that created Canada?
A: The British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867)
Q: Why is July 1 celebrated as Canada Day?
A: It is the anniversary of Confederation in 1867
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For official study material, see Discover Canada — Confederation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1What was the British North America Act?
The British North America Act (1867), now called the Constitution Act, 1867, was the law passed by the British Parliament that created Canada. It established the federal system of government, divided powers between federal and provincial governments, and created the Parliament of Canada.
2Who were the Fathers of Confederation?
The Fathers of Confederation were the political leaders who negotiated and created Canada. Key figures include Sir John A. Macdonald (first PM), Sir George-Etienne Cartier (Quebec leader), and representatives from all founding provinces. They met at conferences in Charlottetown and Quebec City in 1864.
3Why did the colonies unite?
The colonies united for several reasons: military defence (fear of American expansion after the Civil War), economic benefits (a larger market and railroad connections), political deadlock in the Province of Canada, and the desire for self-governance while remaining part of the British Empire.
4When did other provinces join Confederation?
Manitoba and the Northwest Territories (1870), British Columbia (1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Yukon (1898), Saskatchewan and Alberta (1905), Newfoundland and Labrador (1949), and Nunavut (1999).