What was the main argument for provinces owning land and resources?

• A. Frederick Haultain argued that provinces should own land and resources for governance.
• B. The central government should own land for national unity.
• C. Private corporations should control resources to drive growth.
• D. The Crown should manage resources on behalf of all provinces.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is who should control land and natural resources in Canada’s federal system and why. Those who argued for provincial ownership believed that land and resources are best managed by governments closest to the people who use and pay for them. This view holds that provinces need control over these assets to fund local services, tailor policies to regional needs, and maintain genuine political and fiscal autonomy. Frederick Haultain, a key advocate in the western territories, pushed for provincial jurisdiction because it would give provinces the revenue and decision-making power to govern effectively at a local level. Centralized ownership, while some argued would promote national unity and a consistent policy approach, would reduce provincial autonomy and responsiveness to local circumstances. So the strongest case for provincial ownership centers on accountability, funding, and policy relevance to local communities, which is why that position is emphasized in the historical debates.