Why didn't Nova Scotia want Canadian Confederation?

Answer 1

Nova Scotia didn't want to join Confederation because...

1. Nova Scotia was already a fine self governing colony; which was at the time trying to get the Queen to allow them to leave the Canadian Confederation and join with the United States.

2. They knew that with the small population that they wouldn't have enough power in Canada. (The only provinces that really pass bills in Canada are Quebec and Ontario).

Answer 2

According to some, Nova Scotians wanted a railway built across Canada so they could transport their goods across the whole country as well as across the seas. They needed union because if they didn't, they were afraid the United States would take over and they would have to become a country with them and not with Canada. But, that is revisionist Canadian history that confounds Nova Scotia with land-locked Ontario.

In reality, most Nova Scotians did not want Confederation. This is why the first elections, both provincially and federally, gave in excess of 80% support to anti-Confederationists. However, the premier at the time preceding and during Confederation, Sir Charles Tupper, was essentially bribed by Sir John A MacDonald with promises of lucrative railroad contracts.

All of Canada was still under the direct suzerainty of the United Kingdom. So, although the anti-Confederation government that was elected post-Confederation petitioned the United Kingdom to allow Nova Scotia's return to their independent colonial status, London saw it as an unnecessary burden, which is why they largely transferred the colonial administration to Ottawa.

Answer 3

well... nova scotia was one of the pivotal players in getting the 'maritime union' founded which ended up being the confederation of Canada and they were on of the forst 4 Canadian provinces.