Prince Edward Island Chapter

Colonial Independence (1769–1873)

PEI existed as a distinct British colony for over a century, separate from mainland territories:

• Britain established it as a separate colony in 1769 (initially called St. John's Island, renamed Prince Edward Island in 1799 to honor Prince Edward, Duke of Kent).

• It developed its own legislative assembly (from 1773) and achieved responsible government in 1851, functioning with considerable autonomy under British rule.

This period represented PEI's longest era of "independence" as a distinct jurisdiction, though still under the British Crown.

Reluctance to Join Confederation (1860s–1873)

The closest PEI came to an "independence movement" was widespread resistance to joining the new Dominion of Canada:

1. In 1864, PEI hosted the Charlottetown Conference, originally to discuss a potential union of the Maritime colonies (PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick).

2. Delegates from the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec) attended, expanding talks to a broader national confederation.

3. Islanders largely opposed the idea, fearing loss of local control, higher taxes, and domination by larger provinces.

4. They rejected the 1864 Quebec Resolutions (the framework for Confederation), preferring to remain a separate British colony or negotiate better terms.

5. When Canada formed in 1867 (with Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick), PEI stayed out—along with Newfoundland (which didn't join until 1949).

Anti-Confederation sentiment was intense, with political leaders and the public viewing union as a threat to the island's identity and economy. However, financial pressures mounted in the early 1870s:

• Massive debt from overambitious railway construction (the Prince Edward Island Railway) and ongoing land ownership issues (the "Land Question" with absentee landlords).

• By 1873, bankruptcy loomed, and Canada offered favorable terms: assuming the debt, funding land buyouts, and providing ongoing subsidies and guaranteed communication (ferry service).

• PEI joined as Canada's seventh province on July 1, 1873, often described as a "forced marriage" due to economic necessity rather than enthusiasm.