The Charlottetown and Québec Conferences

‘The Charlottetown Conference was successful in laying the foundations for confederation because the provincial delegates presented themselves as the legitimate representatives from each province.  The delegates talked about financial, identity and constitutional mechanics.  Alexander Galt from Canada East talked about how a union would increase Canada’s economic growth gaining broader trading horizons.  George Brown expanded on the governmental structure the union might take; with Provincial and Federal rights and jurisdictions.  Thomas D’Arcy McGee talked about expanding Canadian identity and nationalism. He talked about how the colonies would all be able to break away from Britain’s rule and easily become autonomous.  Lastly, John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier spoke mostly about federalism.  The Maritime colonies with a gentle push from Leonard Tilley, who aloud voiced that Confederation was better for the Maritime colonies because it would help their provincial issues, were beginning to agree with the idea of unionizing. Cartier’s presence in the union showed the Maritime colonies that minorities such as francophones would still have an impact on important matters.  This point seemed to be perfect timing as the British government was already planning on reducing and even ceasing their expenses in their North American colonies, particularly in the area of defence. Since this was the first time that many of these politicians had been acquainted, the dinner time entertainment of many balls and parties, helped build the trust that allowed the delegates to proceed to the next conference in Québec.  The Charlottetown conference was successful because it spawned the idea of confederation and what kind of structure their future government would look like.’