Discontent in the Maritimes

In the Maritime provinces financial matters dominated post-confederation discussions about federal–provincial relations [see Economy and Public Finances]. New Brunswick politician Albert James SMITH led the anti-confederate campaign in that province:

“He stumped the province with a devastating speech in which he said that confederation had been conjured up in the ‘oily brains of Canadian politicians’ as a solution to their own problems and as a scheme to exploit others. He warned his listeners to examine the two states, ‘one [Canada] suffering from anarchy and disquiet ... [the other] New Brunswick ... enjoying all the blessings of this life.’ The spectre of direct taxation served as a backdrop to the designs of the Canadians, who would increase in dominance as their population and appetite grew, relegating New Brunswick to the status of a ‘mere municipality.’”

To find out more about Maritime discontent, see the biographies grouped below.