George Brown and John A. MacDonald Meet to Inaugurate Confederation

Remarks

C.W. Jefferys' notes about this picture in The Picture Gallery of Canadian History Volume 3

By the Union Act of 1840 the Imperial Parliament created the Province of Canada, consisting of what are now known as Ontario and Quebec. In 1864 public opinion became convinced that a federal union (which should provide for the admission of the Maritime Provinces and the North-West Territory} was necessary to end the strife of narrow party politics, and to ensure the future development of the country. The rival leaders were John A. Macdonald and George Brown, whose political differences were accentuated by personal and temperamental antipathies. Brown promised to co-operate with Macdonald, then the leader of the Government, to bring about a federal union. On June 15th the two leaders met, "standing in the centre of the Assembly room," and agreed to discuss with others the project. As a result of this public-spirited action the Government pledged themselves to bring in a measure next session for the purpose of bringing about a confederation of all the Provinces of British North America.

Published References

• Bertram, Thomas, The Story of Confederation, Maclean's Magazine, July 1917, 
• Jefferys, Charles W. (1950) The Picture Gallery of Canadian History Vol. 3  P.85

• Encyclopedia Canada.  Toronto, Grolier, 1957-1958.   v.  Illus.