Song Lyrics Explanation: "Confederation Canada"

Song by Shawna Audet and The Overlanders

Verse 1 - George Brown was the leader of the Clear Grit party. He was known for his abrasive personality. Brown and Macdonald were not friends. It was a great surprise to everyone when Brown crossed the assembly floor to shake Macdonald's hand. The two men agreed to have their parties work together to make Confederation a reality.

Verse 2 - The Maritime colonies were already discussing the idea of a Martime union. They had a meeting planned to discuss the idea. It was going to take place in Charlottetown, P.E.I. (1864).

Verse 3 - Politicians from the United Canadas were eagar to go to the meeting in Charlottetown. They got permission to come to the meeting as observers, but they really wanted to discuss the idea of a greater union. They got on a ship called the Queen Victoria and headed to Charlottetown. They loaded the ship with champagne with the idea that they would wine and dine the Maritime politicians into considering a bigger union of the colonies. Only one politician was at the dock to greet their ship.

Verse 4 - Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick entered Confederation in 1867. British Columbia joined in 1871. Macdonald set up the second Confederation Conference. It was to be held in Quebec.

Verse 5 - The Quebec conference lasted two weeks. During this time, the politicians worked to design the plan for the country. They had to decide how to divide powers between the federal and provincial governments. They made a document called the 72 resolutions.

Verse 6 - The third Confederation conference took place in London. Sixteen delegates from the United Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Bruswick attended. The delegates were nervous about asking for Confederation, but the British politicians were happy to obilige. The British politicians thought that Canada was a big military expensive and they were glad to be able to cut costs.