I would like to introduce you to my colony Canada East (also known as Lower Canada). It has a mainly French speaking population and a steady supply of water from the St. Lawrence River. There are many factories in Canada East which are powered by steam which runs the drills, pumps and other equipment. The factories produce food items such as baked goods, dairy products and sugar. Other factories produce consumer goods such as shoes and textiles. It is a good place to live and the region is growing. In my opinion, Canada East should join confederation with Canada West for three reasons. The first reason is that by joining confederation, Canada East will be able to expand its economy and trade. The second reason
is that together, Canada East and Canada West would be a stronger nation that would be able to defend itself from outside enemies. The third reason is that it would do away with the existing political deadlock as Canada East and Canada West have the same number of seats in the legislative assembly. For these reasons, I believe that it would be beneficial for Canada East to join confederation with Canada West.
As stated, by joining confederation, Canada East would be able to increase trade with Canada West. Canada East relies on external trade to the United States and Britain. However, the United States has started decreasing the amount of trade it is doing with British North America. Trade to Britain is also decreasing and we aren’t happy about Britain supporting the South in the Civil War. Canada East could replace this lost business with internal trade with Canada West. This would also encourage Canada East to develop the railway system needed to transport goods from the east to the west.
I also believe that Canada East should join confederation as the new, larger country would be better able to defend itself from invasion by other countries. The United States civil war brought about tensions with British North America. Some people believe that a war with the United States is possible. Also, there is talk of a Manifest Destiny which states that the United States will take over all lands of North America. For these reasons, it is important to create a larger, stronger nation that can defend itself from these types of threats.
It is also my opinion that Canada East should join confederation as it will end the current political deadlock situation that exists due to the fact that Canada East and Canada West have the same number of seats in the legislative assembly. Transportation and representation are two issues which frequently cause disagreement in the legislative assembly. Canada East and Canada West often can’t make progress on the ways to deal with the issues of the colony. By joining confederation, Canada East and Canada West would form one government which would make decisions that are best for the nation.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to Canada East joining confederation. Some of the more important reasons are to strengthen the economy, provide better defense against attack and form a more effective government. I truly hope Canada East can make this important step and join confederation.