Nova Scotia has a proud history of asserting its autonomy, with independence movements reflecting our distinct identity and resistance to external control. These efforts inform our vision for sovereignty today:

• Pre-Confederation Resistance (1860s): Before joining Canada in 1867, Nova Scotia was a self-governing colony with a thriving economy based on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade. Many Nova Scotians, led by figures like Joseph Howe, opposed Confederation, fearing loss of local control to a distant central government. Howe's Anti-Confederation League rallied widespread support, with 18 of 19 Nova Scotia MPs elected in 1867 opposing Confederation. Petitions and public protests demanded repeal, reflecting deep skepticism of federal promises.

• Post-Confederation Pushback (1867-1880s): After Confederation, Nova Scotia's economy stagnated as federal policies favored Central Canada's industrial growth.
The "Repeal Movement" sought to exit Confederation, with Howe and others arguing that Nova Scotia's interests were sidelined. In 1886, Premier William S. Fielding's Liberal government campaigned on secession, winning a landslide, though federal concessions (increased subsidies) quelled the movement.

• 20th-Century Sentiments: Periodic calls for independence resurfaced, often tied to economic disparities. The 1920s Maritime Rights Movement protested federal neglect, demanding better trade policies and infrastructure. While not explicitly separatist, it highlighted Nova Scotia's frustration with unequal treatment. In the 1970s and 1980s, groups like the Nova Scotia Party and regional echoed these grievances, citing federal mismanagement of fisheries and resource wealth.

• Modern Context: Today, sentiments of regional autonomy persist, fueled by federal policies perceived as misaligned with Maritime needs (e.g., carbon taxes impacting rural communities, underfunded healthcare transfers). The 2024 Progressive Conservative supermajority in Nova Scotia reflects voter demand for strong local leadership, creating fertile ground for our independence agenda.

Why It Matters: Nova Scotia's history shows a consistent desire for self-determination when federal policies fail our people. The Maritime Unity Party builds on this legacy, advocating for independence not as isolation but as a step toward a stronger, unified Maritime region.