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Not all Newfoundlanders were happy with
Confederation.
Newfoundland had been self-governing since 1855
and had refused Confederation in 1867.
The Depression, coupled with the terrible losses of
WWI, had hit the Newfoundland economy hard.
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The British government had to lend aid in 1934.
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After WWI, Britain did not want the financial
burden of Newfoundland.
Joseph R. Smallwood led the Newfoundland
drive to join Confederation with Canada.
For Confederation
Against Confederation
•Provide money for schools,
hospitals, and roads.
•Loss of local power,
identity, and values.
•More jobs.
•Economic ruin
(Newfoundland could not
compete with cheaper
Canadian products)
•Higher Taxes
•End to Roman Catholic
Schooling
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1st Referendum
3 options:
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“Status Quo,” stay the same, on their own.
Join Confederation
Return to the situation in 1934
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2nd Referendum
Very similar to the first, except the first
option was dropped.
The people of Newfoundland voted 52% in
favour of Confederation, and 48% voted
against Confederation.
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Joey Smallwood became the first Premier of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland enjoyed the same financial
benefits as the other provinces, and special
assistance to help boost the economy.
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The Federal government took over the new
province’s debt.