Building a Nation: How Did Canada Start?
Student Handout 1

Research Team I
•	When did the Dominion of Canada come into being?
•	Which colonies joined the federation?  How were they reorganized in 1867?
•	What is the difference between a province and a territory?
•	When and how have new provinces or territories been created?  
•	Which ones joined Confederation as full partners?

Research Team II
•	Why was this new country Canada formed?
•	Do you think these same reasons exist for today’s Canada?
•	Are there new reasons for the existence of the country called Canada today?

Research Team III
•	Where and when did the three important meetings (Conferences) leading to the creation of Canada take place?
•	Why is the term “Fathers of Confederation” confusing?  Who did these men represent?
•	Who was not (directly) represented at the Conferences in 1864-1866 (and later)?  Why were they excluded?
•	Which groups do you think should be represented at a meeting to discuss today’s Canada?

Research Team IV
•	What assets (strengths) did each of the new groups/regions bring to the newly formed country?
•	Are these the same strengths that are valued/important in today’s Canada?

Research Team V
•	What document was produced by the delegates at the three Conferences?
•	What were the major points of this constitutional legislation?
•	Is this document still in use in today’s Canada?
•	What types of documents were used to define the boundaries and status of new provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan) or when other colonies joined Confederation?

Research Team VI
•	Can you locate maps to show the territory of Canada from 1886 to the present?
•	What are the major differences between Canada’s provincial and national borders in 1867, 1870, 1882, 1898, 1905, 1912, 1927, 1949 and today?