1945-67

Topic 2 Newfoundland

Topic 3 Resource boom

Topic 2 - Newfoundland

Newfoundland – brief history Originally inhabited by First

Nations Peoples Beothuks Innu

First European discovery was by the Norsemen around 1000 CE

Later discovered by John Cabot in 1497

A seafaring colony of GB Cod fisheries

Newfoundland History continued NFL remained a colony of

Britain in 1867. It did not join the Canadian confederacy

Became the Dominion of Newfoundland in 1907-1949

Great Depression – the Dominion of Newfoundland was bankrupt Asked Britain for help Britain established a

government commission and took control of NFL finances

Back to colony-like status

The Problem

Newfoundland, although proving to be of strategic importance during WW2 is afraid it will loose its independence and become a colony of Britain

Problem: How does it prevent itself from falling to economic ruin

Newfoundland - Solutions

Newfoundland had 3 options. The people of Newfoundland would have to choose

1. Newfoundland could become an independent nation “responsible self-government”

2. Newfoundland could continue under British rule Britain no-longer wants to be responsible for it Britain burdened with rebuilding after WW2. Can’t afford to be responsible for Newfoundland as well

3. Newfoundland could join Canada

Referendums Referendum #1

People of Newfoundland voted on all 3 options

No single option received a majority vote

Re-vote

Referendum #2 People of

Newfoundland voted on 2 options: Self-government or union with Canada

The Campaign

Union with Canada was spearheaded by Joey Smallwood

Island “responsible self-government” lead by Anti-confederates and merchants

Referendum Results Those in the out-posts,

fisheries, loggers and miners voted with Joey Smallwood for confederation with Canada Wanted financial security

and stability

The Merchants voted for “responsible self-government” Feared the market might

move

Referendum Results – March 31, 1949

52% of Islanders favoured joining Canada

48% of islanders were for responsible self-government

April 1, 1949 Newfoundland became Canada’s 10th province and Joey Smallwood became Canada’s last father of confederation

Joey Smallwood first premier

of Newfoundland

Topic 3 Resources

To Meet American Demand

Natural Resources and mega projects

Natural Resources

Oil and gas

Lumber, pulp and paper

Hydro electric

Metals / minerals

Mining and aggregates

Mega-projects-Pipeline-St. Lawrence Seaway-Hydro-electric dam

CANDU reactorsNuclear power

Resources

Discovery of oil in Leduc Alberta, 1947

Mining – fueling the American demand for wood, coal, iron, aluminum and copper

Resources continued

Lumber – feeding American demand

Nuclear power – CANDU Reactor

Resources

So how do we move these resources?

Ship – St. Lawrence Seaway Rail Pipeline Highway – Trans Canada Highway