1.2 Key Figures and Political Negotiations in Confederation

Confederation brought together key political figures from diverse backgrounds to create a new nation. John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, and George Brown played crucial roles in negotiating the terms of union and bridging differences between colonies.

The process involved three major conferences: Charlottetown, Quebec, and London. These meetings shaped Canada's federal structure, division of powers, and representation in Parliament, ultimately leading to the British North America Act and the birth of the Dominion.

Key Political Figures

Architects of Confederation

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• John A. Macdonald, a Conservative politician from Canada West (Ontario), played a pivotal role in the Confederation negotiations and became Canada's first Prime Minister
  • Skilled political strategist who worked to bridge differences between the various colonies and factions
  • Believed a strong central government was necessary for the success of the new nation
• George-Étienne Cartier, a Conservative politician from Canada East (Quebec), was a key ally of Macdonald and advocate for the rights and interests of French Canadians in the Confederation process
  • Worked to ensure that the new constitution protected the rights of the French language, Catholic religion, and Quebec's distinct legal system (Civil Code)
  • Convinced French Canadians that joining Confederation was in their best interests

Influential Supporters of Confederation

• George Brown, a Liberal-Conservative politician and founder of the Toronto Globe newspaper, initially opposed Confederation but later joined the Great Coalition to support it
  • Believed that Confederation would resolve the political deadlock between Canada West and Canada East and allow for the expansion of the Province of Canada into the Northwest
  • Played a significant role in the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, advocating for a strong federal government with limited provincial powers
• Charles Tupper, a Conservative politician from Nova Scotia, was a vocal advocate for Confederation and worked to bring his colony into the union
  • Believed that Confederation would bring economic benefits to Nova Scotia through increased trade and the construction of an intercolonial railway
  • Faced significant opposition from anti-Confederates in Nova Scotia, led by Joseph Howe
• Samuel Leonard Tilley, a Liberal-Conservative politician from New Brunswick, supported Confederation and played a key role in persuading his colony to join the union
  • Believed that Confederation would provide greater security and prosperity for New Brunswick
  • Coined the term "Dominion" for the new country, inspired by a passage from the Bible (Psalm 72:8)

Confederation Conferences

Charlottetown Conference (September 1864)

• Initial meeting to discuss a potential union of the Maritime colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island)
• Delegates from the Province of Canada (Canada West and Canada East) attended and proposed a larger union that would include all of British North America
• Laid the groundwork for the Quebec Conference and the idea of a federal union

Quebec Conference (October 1864)

• Delegates from the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland met to discuss the details of Confederation
• Resulted in the Seventy-Two Resolutions, which outlined the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments, representation in Parliament, and the structure of the Senate
• Resolutions formed the basis for the British North America Act, which established the Dominion of Canada

London Conference (December 1866 - February 1867)

• Delegates from the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick met in London, England, to finalize the terms of Confederation
• Worked with the British government to draft the British North America Act
• Addressed concerns raised by the Maritime colonies and made minor changes to the Quebec Resolutions
• British North America Act received royal assent on March 29, 1867, and came into effect on July 1, 1867, creating the Dominion of Canada

Political Alliances

Great Coalition (1864)

• Political alliance formed in the Province of Canada between the Conservative Party (led by John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier) and the Clear Grits (led by George Brown)
• Created to break the political deadlock between Canada West and Canada East, which had resulted in a series of unstable governments
• Agreed to work together to pursue Confederation as a solution to the Province of Canada's political problems
• Allowed for the formation of a stable government that could effectively negotiate with the other colonies and the British government
• Demonstrated the willingness of political rivals to compromise and work together for the greater good of the country