The Drive To Nationhood
1854 - 1868
a. The Province of Canada
b. The Atlantic Colonies
c. The Confederation Debates
Representation by Population
“Rep by Pop”
• The number of elected members of the
Legislative assembly is based on the number
of voters.
• Disagreements between French and English
– Why?
Canada West vs. Canada East
“Rep by Pop”
• Canada West (Clear Grit George Brown) was pushing
for “rep by pop” because
they had a larger population
and therefore would have
more representation in the
Legislative Assembly.
• Canada East (Bleu - GeorgeEtienne Cartier) was against
“rep by pop” since they
would have less power
because they now had a
smaller population.
• In the past Canada East had
the larger population, and
at that time both sides were
given equal representation
in the Legislative Assembly.
Responsible Government
Executive Council
Legislative Assembly
Canada West
Canada East
Political Deadlock
• Since there was an equal number of
representatives from Canada West and
Canada East, the two groups often voted
against one another and major legislation
could not be passed.
• The Legislative Assembly disagreements
resulted in “deadlock” (unable to do or pass
anything)
End of Political Deadlock
• George Brown (Clear
Grit), George-Etienne
Cartier (Bleu) agreed to
work together John A.
Macdonald (Tories)
• They put aside their
personal feelings and
decided to work
together for the
betterment of the
country
This is called a:
Federal Union
• (a political union in
which the members
have certain powers
over their own affairs,
and certain powers are
turned over to a central
government)
Federal Union
• Together they could form a FEDERAL UNION of
the Province of Canada (Canada East and Canada
West), the Atlantic Colonies (P.E.I., Nova Soctia,
New Brunswick, Newfoundland) and the NorthWest Territories.
• The offer was accepted and the groups united to
work for a federal union and coalition (a
government where the political parties work
together = coalition)
Reasons for Federal Union
(Confederation)
• 1. When there is a political deadlock, no laws can get
passed. That was when the Great Coalition was formed.
• 2. A railway was needed to link the colonies.
• 3. Trade with the United States was ending.
• 4. There was a threat of an American expansion into British
North America (see map)
• 5. Britain was changing her attitude about the British North
American Colonies