The Charlottetown Conference of 1864 was a turning point in Canadian history, and George Brown, one of its key figures, played a crucial role in shaping the discussions that would lead to Confederation. At this time, the need for a new political structure to unite the British North American colonies had become clear. The provinces were grappling with regional tensions, economic challenges, and the looming threat of American expansion following the Civil War. Brown, a leading politician from Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario), was a tireless advocate for federalism, believing that a united Canada was the solution to these pressing issues.
Brown entered the Charlottetown Conference with a clear vision of federalism, which he saw as the best way to balance the interests of Canada’s diverse regions, particularly between the French-speaking Catholic population of Quebec and the English-speaking Protestant population of Ontario. His advocacy for representation by population was based on the idea that a federation could give each province control over local matters while still ensuring a strong central government for issues of national importance. This principle would become the foundation of the federal structure that emerged in the British North America Act of 1867.
At Charlottetown, Brown was instrumental in building consensus among the provinces. Initially, the conference had been intended to discuss a maritime union between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, but Brown and his fellow delegates from Canada were able to expand the scope of the talks to include the idea of a larger Confederation. Brown’s negotiating skills and ability to articulate the benefits of union were crucial in convincing the maritime delegates that joining a larger federation was in their best interest. He emphasized the economic and military advantages of uniting under a single government, particularly in light of the growing power of the United States and the economic challenges facing the colonies.
The success of the Charlottetown Conference laid the groundwork for subsequent meetings in Quebec City and London, where the details of Confederation were hammered out. Brown’s contribution at Charlottetown, however, was not just in the specifics of the negotiations but in his ability to articulate a vision for a new nation. He framed Confederation as a project that would not only solve the political deadlock between Upper and Lower Canada but also create a stronger, more resilient entity capable of standing on its own in a rapidly changing world.
The implications of the Charlottetown Conference and Brown’s role in it were profound. The agreement reached at Charlottetown was the first step toward the creation of the Dominion of Canada, which became a reality three years later with the passage of the British North America Act. The federal structure that Brown helped to design has endured, allowing Canada to grow from a collection of isolated colonies into a united, diverse, and dynamic country.
In Canadian history, George Brown’s role at Charlottetown is remembered as one of visionary leadership. His commitment to the idea of a federal union, his ability to navigate complex regional interests, and his understanding of the broader political and economic challenges facing the British North American colonies were instrumental in the creation of Canada. The spirit of compromise and cooperation that Brown fostered at Charlottetown has remained a defining characteristic of Canadian federalism, shaping the country’s political landscape for generations.
...Having dressed ourselves in correct style, our two boats were lowered man-of-war fashion -- and being each duly manned with four oarsmen and a boatswain, dressed in blue uniform, hats, belts, etc. in regular style, we pulled away for shore and landed like Mr. Christopher Columbus who had the precedence of us in taking possession of portions of the American Continent. Our brother delegates were there before us. Five from Nova Scotia, five from New Brunswick and five from Prince Edward Island. Newfoundland goes heartily with the movement, but was not notified in time to take part in the proceedings.
At two o'clock the Conference was organized by the appointment of Col. Gray, Prime Minister of Prince Edward Island, as President of the Convention. You are aware that the Conference was originally summoned merely to consider the question of a union of the Maritime Provinces and that Canada was no party to that Arrangement and had no interest in it. We came their [sic], not as recognized members of the Conference, but unofficially to discuss with them the propriety of extending their scheme and seeing whether the whole of British America could not be included in one government. The Conference was accordingly organized without us, but that being done we were formally invited to be present and were presented in great style to the Conference. Having gone through the shake elbow and the how dyedo and the fine weather -- the Conference adjourned to the next morning at 10 when to meet for the serious despatch of business. In the evening the Governor, Mr. Dundas, gave a large Dinner party to as many of the party as he could conveniently receive -- I being one....
On Friday we met in Conference and Canada opened her batteries -- John A. and Cartier exposing the general arguments in favour of Confederation -- and this occupied the time until the hour of adjournment at three. At four o'clock Mr. Pope gave us a grand déjeuner à la fourchette....
On Saturday the Conference resumed its deliberations and Mr. Galt occupied the sitting in opening up the financial aspects of the Federation and the manner in which the financial disparities and requirements of the several Provinces ought to be arranged. When the Conference adjourned, we all proceeded on board our steamer and the members were entertained at luncheon in princely style. Cartier and I made eloquent speeches -- of course -- and whether as the result of our eloquence or of the goodness of our champagne, the ice became completely broken, the tongues of the delegates wagged merrily, and the banns of matrimony between all the Provinces of BNA having been formally proclaimed and all manner of persons duly warned their [sic] and then to speak or forever after to hold their tongues -- no man appeared to forbid the banns and the union was thereupon formally completed and proclaimed! In the evening, Col. Gray gave a grand dinner party at his beautiful mansion....
On Monday the Conference resumed its sittings, when I addressed the members on the Constitutional aspects of the question -- the manner in which the several governments general and local should be constructed -- and the Judiciary should be constituted -- what duties should be ascribed to the general and local legislatures respectively -- and so forth. My speech occupied the whole sitting... On Tuesday the Conference resumed its deliberations -- earnestly discussing the several details of the scheme. The Canadians this day closed their case, and left the Conference to decide what course it would take on their propositions. At four o'clock Mr. Palmer, Attorney-General, gave the delegates a grand luncheon at his residence....
On Wednesday, the Conference gave the Canadian Delegates their answer -- that they were unanimous in regarding Federation of all the Provinces to be highly desirable, if the terms of union could be made satisfactory -- and that they were prepared to waive their own more limited questions until the details of our scheme could be more fully considered and matured. It was agreed that the Conference should stand adjourned until Monday the 12th Sept. then to meet at Halifax....
Cite Article : www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents
Source: