Charlottetown Conference

The Charlottetown Conference, 1-9 September 1864 in Charlottetown, PEI, set CONFEDERATION in motion. Maritime union had long been talked of in NS, NB and PEI. In March-April 1864 all 3 legislatures passed resolutions to have a conference to discuss it. Nothing happened until after the June 1864 constitutional crisis in the PROVINCE OF CANADA, when the Canadians asked to attend the conference to propose a union of all BRITISH NORTH AMERICA. This request rather staggered the Maritime governments, but through the action of NS Lieutenant-Governor Richard MacDonnell the place and date of meeting were selected.

At the conference Maritime union was virtually dropped, and the delegates agreed on the outline of a scheme for more general union. It was decided to have a more comprehensive meeting at Québec in October. External circumstances, such as the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, Britain's desire to divest itself of financial and administrative colonial obligations, and the political condition of the Province of Canada, combined to create an ambience at Charlottetown which produced the momentum that was so obvious at the QUÉBEC CONFERENCE and that was so necessary to carry Confederation.

Author P.B. WAITE

Links to Other Sites
Sir John A Macdonald Day
A guide to classroom activities for celebrating Sir John A Macdonald Day and learning about Confederation. Students investigate milestones in the life and political career of Canada's first prime minister and find out how historians determine the historical significance of specific people, events, or developments. Check out the interactive Sir John A Day Timeline and the informative videos on related topics. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Charlottetown Conference of 1864
This website covers the key issues and events at the Charlottetown Conference of 1864. Also features biographical profiles and an impressive collection of archival photographs and documents. From Library and Archives Canada.

Sir John A. Macdonald
A biography of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister and one of the Fathers of Confederation. Includes photographs and other archival resources. Part of the “Canadian Confederation” website from Library and Archives Canada.

Charlottetown Conference
This “Canadian Confederation” website focuses on the delegates and major issues discussed at the Charlottetown Conference. Includes photos, an account of the proceedings and other archival materials. From Library and Archives Canada.