CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

St-Laurent welcomes Newfoundland

Broadcast Date: Dec. 11, 1948

With a strong nationalist vision guiding St-Laurent's years at the helm, his first domestic accomplishment involves the expansion of Canada's landscape. After many years of discussion, Newfoundland becomes Canada's 10th province. The merger is cemented on Dec. 11, 1948 when representatives of both nations gather to sign the Terms of Union. Speaking at the ceremony, St-Laurent predicts a prosperous future for both Newfoundland and Canada. And with pen to paper, newly elected St-Laurent marks his first of many national milestones as Canada's prime minister.

St-Laurent welcomes Newfoundland

• After the Second World War, Newfoundlanders were asked to decide about their future. Aside from the possibility of joining Canada, they were given three other alternatives: the restoration of autonomous self-government; a continuation of the status quo, as a Commission of Government under Britain; and union with the United States. For more information on Newfoundland and Confederation, watch these clips from the CBC archives

• The entrance of Newfoundland into Confederation marked the culmination of 75 years of negotiations between the two territories. Louis St-Laurent began discussions with the new province as Canada's foreign minister, meeting with the head of the Newfoundland delegation, Gordon Bradley and the secretary, J.R. Smallwood.
• Newfoundland officially joined Canada on March 31, 1949.

• One of the more noteworthy highlights of the Dec. 11 ceremony was the ink stand used by the signatories to sign the treaty. At the commencement of his speech, St-Laurent illustrated its significance when he explained it was the same one used at the Quebec Conference in 1864 by the original Fathers of Confederation. "It's fitting that it should be used at the signing of this agreement to complete confederation," he remarked.

• One of the central figures behind Newfoundland's union with Canada was reporter, radio personality, union organizer and pig farmer, Joey Smallwood. Arguing that Confederation would lift Newfoundland out of poverty, he led the pro-confederation forces with a strong populist rhetoric. Smallwood won a crucial referendum on July 22, 1948, and with it, the endorsement of Newfoundlanders to become the 10th province – with him as its first premier. As a result of the role he played, Smallwood often referred to himself as "the only living Father of Confederation."

• After the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa were rebuilt following a fire in 1916, 10 stone plaques were erected over the entrance to the Peace Tower. Nine bore the coat of arms of the provinces in Canada at the time. One was left bare, however, awaiting the day when Newfoundland would join Confederation.

St-Laurent welcomes Newfoundland

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC Radio Special

Broadcast Date: Dec. 11, 1948

Duration: 8:56

Last updated:
Sept. 5, 2008