The Legacies of Confederation

Paper Summary:

The author of this paper argues that the vision of Canada, regarding Confederation, through government policies and initiatives, regional concerns and cultural development, took shape against the backdrop of a vast and sparsely inhabited nation, and set the tone, in many ways, for things to come, even into the 21st century. The paper then notes that the concerns that troubled Macdonald's government continue to pose problems today and the unique challenges of Canada's geography remain. This paper tackles these issues, and attempts to ascertain whether there really is such a thing as the Canadian approach to culture, government and the economy and how it is faring today.

From the Paper:

"It is important to note that this type of government initiative in support of Canadian industry was brought about by a perceived increase in nationalism, and serves to advance Barlow's suggestion that the 'historic balance in Canada between public and private enterprise...goes to the heart of our identity, our culture, and our very existence.' Indeed, Barlow traces this balance particularly to both the vastness and sparse population of Canada, as well as the proximity of the US and the danger of being 'absorbed into the United States.' It is because of these uniquely Canadian features that it was important that Canadian governments continually 'develop[ed] a mix of public and private enterprise to provide services in areas business alone would not have been able to enter or maintain profitably' and adds that this created a 'distinct economy' which also 'foster[ed] a different way of life in Canada.' It would seem, then, that social and economic policies which are protective of Canadian interests and culture are indeed a historical and distinctive feature--brought about by the specificities of our geography and population."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barlow, Maude. "The Free Trade Agreement Fails Canada" Interpreting Canada's Past: A Post-Confederation Reader. J.M. Bumsted (Ed.) Toronto: Oxford UP, 2006. (552-554)
• Bumsted, J.M. The Peoples of Canada: A Post-Confederation History. Toronto: Oxford UP, 2006.
• Peers, Frank. "Oh Say, Can You See?" Interpreting Canada's Past: A Post-Confederation Reader. J.M. Bumsted (Ed.) Toronto: Oxford UP, 2006. (541-551)

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