A summary of the R.M. Burns essay published in the early 1970s that discusses the relationship between BC and Canada and the issues involved in BC joining Canadian Confederation.

1. “B.C. and the Canadian Federation”
Notes from R. M. Burns’
One Country or Two
J. Marshall, 2014

2. Intro:
B.C. joined Canada to “solve
pressing problems of the
day.”
For all of its history, B.C. has
experienced
“emerging colonialism”
desiring the benefits of
Confederation while fighting
“parental control.”
http://www.sfu.ca

3. B.C. is not homogeneous
1. Even before Europeans, many First
Nations with unique languages and
cultures
2. Wide range of geographic and
climatic regions
3. Even today, regions defined by
resources/economic activity: self-
interest can drive political agenda
Still, enough to keep the province
together: but we traditionally saw
ourselves as an “outpost of empire –
first of Great Britain then of Canada”
http://www.nps.gov

4. Born of the Sea
• Explorers and
settlers came
from the sea
• Russia, Spain,
Britain and USA
http://www.u-s-history.com

5. Part of the USA?
• Colonial Office
wanted the colonies
to stay British
• The 1858 gold rush
ended quickly so US
miners went home
• Economic depression
in the 1860s saw
leaders look to
Canada for cash
• Vancouver Island,
especially, pro British
http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca

6. Fighting for more
(revenue/expenditure imbalance)
• B.C. leaders have always tried
to get more
(power, money, etc)
• Power to exclude Chinese
(head tax)
• Adjustments / payment for
CPR / contracts
(and other contracts since!)
• Try to get subsidies
(still going on: have vs. have not)
http://faculty.umf.maine.edu

7. end