What the Colonies Decided

The Province of Canada

Most of the people in Canada West were in favour of union. This was not the case in Canada East. Many
Canadiens worried that English Canadians would control the new country. George-Étienne Cartier disagreed. He believed that federalism would give the Canadiens control over matters that affected them directly. Francophones received promises that their language and other rights would be respected. Section 93 of the BNA Act gave the provinces control over education. The vote passed 91 in favour,
33 against. 

New Brunswick

Many people in New Brunswick worried that the larger Canadian colonies would dominate the union. At first, the Assembly voted against the idea. Then Britain put pressure on New Brunswick to accept the deal. The promise of a railway appealed to many colonists, too. New Brunswick politicians changed their minds. They voted to support union.

Nova Scotia

Joseph Howe worried that Nova Scotia would have little influence in the new country. He argued that the people of Nova Scotia would have to pay higher taxes, but that the money would be spent elsewhere. On the other hand, union meant Nova Scotia would get a railway. In the end, Nova Scotia voted to join union, too.

Prince Edward Island

This island colony was isolated from the other colonies. People thought that Prince Edward Island was too small. It would be swamped by the other colonies. Prince Edward Island did not join Confederation until 1873. 

Newfoundland

Newfoundland had little in common with the other colonies. The people did not think they would have much influence in such a distant government. They were more interested in their ties to Britain. Newfoundland and Labrador stayed out of Confederation until 1949.