What was Prince Edward Island's initial stance on Confederation in 1867?

• A. They joined Confederation immediately
• B. They initially rejected joining Confederation
• C. They remained undecided
• D. They joined later in 1870

Answer: (A)

Regional economic concerns and timing shaped Prince Edward Island’s stance on Confederation. In 1867, PEI was wary about joining right away because the colony carried a heavy debt and fears about losing financial autonomy and local control. Those worries made immediate entry into Confederation unlikely, so PEI did not become part of the federation in 1867. It wasn’t until 1873, after the federal government agreed to take on the island’s railway debt and fund a cross-island railway, that PEI joined Confederation. This shows how financial obligations and infrastructure promises can determine when a colony chooses to enter a union, even if the broader federation was moving forward elsewhere.