After the Second World War, the UK government initiated steps toward deciding Newfoundland’s future governance, leading to the creation of a representative forum to debate options (including renewed self-government or confederation with Canada).
The National Convention met for the first time to debate Newfoundland’s constitutional future and to recommend options for a public vote after years under the appointed Commission of Government.
Anti-confederation delegates and supporters organized the Responsible Government League (RGL) to campaign for restoring responsible government (self-rule) rather than joining Canada.
Convention proceedings recorded discussion about arranging a meeting between a Newfoundland delegation and the Canadian government, reflecting the Convention’s move from debate toward formal external negotiations.
A Convention-appointed delegation began negotiations in Ottawa, with talks opening on June 24, 1947, as part of developing draft Terms of Union for potential confederation.
Joey Smallwood and allies organized the Confederate Association as a pro-confederation campaign organization ahead of the 1948 referendums.
A faction of younger anti-confederation activists split from the RGL and formed the Party for Economic Union with the United States (Economic Union Party), promoting a U.S.-oriented trade strategy while backing responsible government on the referendum ballot.
Newfoundland voters chose among responsible government, confederation with Canada, and continuing the Commission of Government. No option won a majority, requiring a second vote.
In the runoff referendum (confederation vs. responsible government), confederation won by a narrow margin, giving a democratic mandate to finalize union negotiations with Canada.
Representatives of Canada and Newfoundland signed the Terms of Union in Ottawa, setting out constitutional, financial, and administrative arrangements for Newfoundland to join Canada.
Newfoundland’s Commission of Government formally approved the signed Terms, a required step before final approvals in Canada and the UK could bring union into force.
Canada approved the Terms of Union, clearing the way for UK legislation to confirm Newfoundland’s entry under the constitutional framework then known as the British North America Acts.
The UK Parliament enacted the British North America Act 1949 (also known as the Newfoundland Act), confirming and giving effect to the Terms of Union.
The Terms of Union took effect immediately before the end of March 31, 1949, and Newfoundland formally joined Canada as its tenth province.
Newfoundland's referendums, union campaigns, and entry into Canada (1945–1949)
