Newfoundland History

Tenth Province?

 

[For the source of this document, see the end of the text.]

The Newfoundland national convention, summoned to decide what form of government Newfoundland should have in the future, has made a preliminary decision. It shouldn't be government as one of Canada's provinces.

 

Newfoundland's 320,000 citizens, however, probably will still have a chance to say what they think of the idea. The pro-Confederation group in the convention will demand that the question of union with Canada, put forward intermittently for years past, be placed on the ballot paper in the national referendum to be held this year.

 

Canada offered to take Newfoundland into Confederation. The Ancient Colony would have gained materially in the financial arrangements proposed; Canada would have gained in matters of trade and commerce, and politically in control of Newfoundland airports.

 

But there would be some difficulties; Quebec still has an eye on much of the rich resources of Labrador which Newfoundland owns. How quickly the sturdy individualism of Newfoundlanders would be assimilated to a Canadian national consciousness is debatable.

 

Newfoundland has the right of self-determination and will exercise it. The islanders need have no apology to make if they turn down Canada's invitation, and Canadians don't need to be self-conscious about any implied slight. Canada would be happy to welcome them into the family only if they are happy to come. We wish them good luck on whatever course they may choose.

 

Source: "Tenth Province ?", editorial, Vancouver Sun, January 30, 1948 , p. 4. Article transcribed by Christos Kampouris.

 

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