British North Americans used responsible government to create a new country — the Dominion of Canada.
Amid deepening concerns about security, trade and constitutional crisis, British North Americans crafted a union designed to balance common interests with regional, cultural and linguistic distinctiveness. In the process, they laid the groundwork of a federal democracy that flourishes today.
The British North America Act came into effect on July 1, 1867, marking the birth of the Dominion of Canada. The Dominion comprised four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.
Ottawa, chosen as the capital of the United Canadas in 1857, became the capital of the Dominion. The newly knighted Sir John A. Macdonald became the Dominion’s first prime minister.
Proclamation of Confederation1867
Library and Archives Canada, C-021873
Unofficial translation of the Proclamation of Confederation1867
Library and Archives Canada, C-021874
The Dominion of CanadaJuly 1, 1867
The Great Seal of Canada
After Confederation, the British engravers Joseph Shepherd Wyon and Alfred Benjamin Wyon were commissioned to produce the Great Seal of Canada. This seal was affixed to government documents in the name of the sovereign.
Great Seal of CanadaJoseph Shepherd Wyon and Alfred Benjamin Wyon, 1869
Library and Archives Canada, 1979-58-15
Building Blocks of Confederation
These bricks were part of the original federal Parliament Buildings’ Centre Block, which was destroyed by fire in 1916.
Brick from Parliament Buildings1859 to 1866
Gift of Thomas and Susan d’Aquino
CMH, 2008.108.3
Brick from Parliament Buildings1859 to 1866
Gift of Thomas and Susan d’Aquino
CMH, 2008.108.4
Photos
Troops firing a salute in front of the Houses of Parliament, OttawaThomas J. Grant, 1868
Library and Archives Canada, C-002837
Reading the Proclamation announcing Confederation, Market Square, KingstonPhotographer unknown, July 1, 1867
Queen's University Archives, V23 His-Con-1
Confederation MedalJoseph Shepherd Wyon and Alfred Benjamin Wyon, 1867
Library and Archives Canada, 1986-079-5006
Confederation Commemorative MedallionJoseph Shepherd Wyon and Alfred Benjamin Wyon, 1867
CMH, 2011.21.478
Note: This interactive feature is presented in the Canadian History Hall and is provided here online, as-is.
Resource
Interactive Feature
The British North America Act, 1867
Photo at top of page:
Troops firing a salute in front of the Houses of Parliament, Ottawa
Thomas J. Grant, 1868
Library and Archives Canada, C-002837