Canadian Confederation

Confederation refers to July 1, 1867 when the union of British North American colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and provinces of Canada brought together to form Canada an New Dominion.

Nova Scotia In Favor of Confederation

There parties, the liberals (Joseph Howe), and the conservatives (Charles Tupper). The liberals were opposing confederation, and the conservatives were in favor of it. In the federal election 1867 anti-confederates won 18/19 seats in the Canadian house of commons, and 36/38 seats in the provincial legislature.

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Charles Tupper was the only one elected in the Canadian House of Commons who supported confederation. Joining confederation would mean that the government would not be getting changed too often, and there would not be any chance of political deadlock. The inter-colonial railway would end in Halifax, Nova Scotia's economy would benefit immensely from a railway.

They would have other trading options other than trading with the U.S. Furthermore, some parts of the colony were facing problems such as, industrial development was slowing down which resulted in fewer immigrants coming into the colony, and the people already there were leaving and by joining confederation there leaders believed, would make the economy stronger.

Nova Scotia against Confederation

In Nova Scotia there was less accord on the topic of Confederation. One of the strong voices, Joseph Howe, a highly popular political figure was against the confederation and believed people of colony are against it too, however he was right. In federal elections Nova Scotians voted against confederation.

They wanted Nova Scotia to leave Canada. According to his prospective after confederation Nova Scotia would become the neglected partner in large union. Joining confederation would not be the best thing. Since Nova Scotia was so small and had a small population, they would not have much to say in what happens in Canada. (The only provinces that really pass bills in Canada are Quebec and Ontario).

Moreover, it also has to take on Canada's debts, as well as the fact that their economy was already quite well, and they did not really need to agree for the trade. They could easily trade overseas as their ports are well established as they had more economic ties to New England states than to Canada.

Conclusion

Taking everything into account, regardless of having a few downsides, for example, poor associations with different states and the dominant part of Nova Scotians opposing confederation, as yet joining Confederation was a decent move as, after Confederation, both Nova Scotia and recently shaped Canada will profit by one another. Canada would have its very own naval force which implies that they would never again be guarded by Britain.

The relationship they have with Britain would not be as crucial. While Nova Scotia's economy will grow as now they can exchange effortlessly and broadens where they can offer or purchase from. Likewise, they are presently shielded from U.S and Fenian's on the grounds as now they can get reinforcements from different territories.

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