Quebec Conference
The Quebec Conference followed the Charlottetown Conference, and continued the discussion of Confederation. The same colonies attended as well as Newfoundland this time although the two representatives they did send were there to observe and not interact influentially in the happenings of the conference. It was held on October 10, 1864. Delegates were sent from every Maritime Colony as well as from Canada. The Canadians proposed a governmental plan that included a strong central government and individual (less powerful) provincial governments. Part of this proposal was also that the Federal government of this new Confederation could reverse any provincial law or decision within a year of its being in affect. This was a major topic of controversy as this fueled speculation of an over-powered central government. Some of the main issues brought up by the more suspicious Maritime delegates were: Loss of culture, little power in a larger government that would be dominated by the higher populated Canada West and East, and higher taxes. It was pointed out that smaller governments with equal powers did not work out extremely well (the American civil war being a prime example) and it was eventually agreed upon that powers would be divided between a larger central government and individual Provincial governments. As well as the decision to have a house of commons which would be chosen via election and a senate that would be chosen by the Governor General under the consultation of the current Prime Minister. What was produced from the Quebec Conference was a list of rules and regulations for the new government; the 72 resolutions. The conference ended after two weeks and delegates were sent home with the 72 resolutions to present to their colonies and act upon the reaction be it negative or positive.