Newfoundland and Labrador Join Confederation

1. Newfoundland and Labrador Join Confederation Social Studies 7

2. Before Confederation • Like PEI, when the other parts of British North America were discussing Confederation, Newfoundland and Labrador chose not to join. Because of their relatively close location and relationship with Britain at the time, Newfoundland and Labrador would remain a British colony for almost a century after the original date of Confederation. Several important events beginning in the late 1920s would eventually lead to Newfoundland and Labrador joining the Dominion of Canada.

3. Geography and Resources • Newfoundland is a relatively large island, but is made up of terrain mostly unsuited to agriculture—poor soil and a damp, cool climate make for poor farming. Labrador is (and was) also made up of land poorly suited to farming, but had large, forested foothills and small mountainous regions. The industries in the region developed to suit these geographic features.

4. Geography and Resources • As the region bordered the Atlantic Ocean, fishing and international trade were its central industries. There was also a great deal of forestry on the mainland in Labrador, as well as mining for coal and minerals. The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador was based on exporting these resources—they relied on the markets of the United States, Canada, and European countries for their economy.

5. Why Join Confederation? • In 1929, the international market suffered a major decline known as the Great Depression. Beginning in the United States, prices, production, and economies around the world failed. Despite attempts by the British to help Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, the colony remained fairly unproductive and debt-ridden until the beginning of the Second World War in 1939.

6. Why Join Confederation? • As the colony experienced growth in industry and wealth, its leaders realized that they must either remain depenedent on the British government, or join Canada as its tenth province. There were many benefits to join Confederation: • Access to social services • A larger, more stable economy • Improved working and living conditions for most citizens • A guaranteed market for raw resources (minerals, fish, timber)

7. Why Join Confederation? • Canada pursued Confederation with Newfoundland and Labrador for the potential profit to be made by the rich resources in the region—specifically mining in Labrador, and the Atlantic fisheries off the coast of Newfoundland. The region was also important for the international trade and exchange that could be developed there.

8. Important Steps • 1867—Newfoundland chooses not to join Confederation • 1929—the Great Depression triggers economic problems in Newfoundland and Labrador • 1939—WWII breaks out, encourages industry in the region • 1948 (June 3)—referendum (public vote) on whether or not to join Confederation. 52% of citizens choose to join Canada. • 1949 (March 31)—Newfoundland and Labrador join Confederation as the tenth province