Which province joined Confederation in 1871?

• A. British Columbia
• B. Manitoba
• C. Ontario
• D. Prince Edward Island

Answer: (A)

Understanding why a province joined Confederation in a given year often comes down to the promises and projects that linked the regions. For British Columbia, the pivotal factor was a promised transcontinental railroad—the Canadian Pacific Railway—that would connect the West Coast to Ontario and Quebec. After Confederation in 1867, BC faced geographic isolation and economic concerns, so Ottawa offered to build the railway within ten years. That commitment made BC agree to join Confederation in 1871, seeing the union as secure once the railway was in place.

Manitoba joined in 1870 after the Red River Rebellion and agreements that settled governance and land issues in the region. Ontario and Quebec were foundational provinces from 1867. Prince Edward Island joined later, in 1873.