The Journey to Provincal Status: How British Columbia Connects to Canada

British Columbia (BC) is a province of Canada, situated on the Pacific coast. The province encompasses the main island of Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, which includes many smaller cities such as Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and many more. However, the formation of the province of British Columbia is more complex and fascinating than often presumed.

Evolution of British Columbia

British Columbia, much like other provinces, traces its roots back to colonial days. Initially, the region was divided between two British colonies: Vancouver Island and the mainland colony of British Columbia, which were established in 1849 and 1858, respectively. In 1866, these two territories united to form the colony/province of British Columbia, with its capital established in Victoria on Vancouver Island. This union marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead BC to become part of the Canadian federation.

American Influence and Economic Factors

While part of the British Empire, American influence was strong in British Columbia. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that economically, the colony was more an American colony, heavily dominated by San Francisco. Despite this, the white population remained largely British in ethos. This economic dependency made the province economically unviable, prompting a critical decision: should it join Canada or be annexed by the American Republic? Given the substantial debt and economic drain on British resources, this choice was made with foresight.

The Decisive Vote

With the British government's reluctant but likely consent, the white population of British Columbia largely favored joining Canada. The indigenous population, comprising the majority, was not consulted in this process. After discussions in Ottawa, the terms were agreed upon: once the British Columbia legislature and the Canadian parliament passed the necessary legislation, BC would be admitted to the federation. This was achieved in 1871, and BC became the sixth province of Canada.

The Terms of Admission

The terms of admission were carefully crafted to benefit both parties but also came with certain conditions:

Canada would assume responsibility for BC's substantial debt. BC would have democratic government, effectively becoming a fully-fledged province with 6 Members of Parliament and 3 senators, despite its smaller population at the time. The native population, which outnumbered the white population 3 to 1, would not have the right to vote. Canada committed to building a dry dock in Esquimalt and a transcontinental railway linking BC with central Canada, to be completed within 10 years.

Ironically, the railway would prove to be the most significant aspect for British Columbia, as it would provide vital infrastructure and connect the province to the rest of Canada. Further, by joining Canada, British Columbia would remain within the British sphere, preserving its British heritage and identity.

Historical Impact and Legacy

The decision to join Canada was a pivotal moment in British Columbia's history. The completion of the transcontinental railway, delayed but eventually achieved in 1885, not only sped up cross-country travel but also catalyzed economic development in BC. The network of roads, including the Trans-Canada Highway, completed in the 1960s, continued to play a crucial role in connecting BC to the rest of Canada and the world.

In conclusion, the journey of British Columbia to become a province of Canada involved complex economic, social, and political factors. This detailed exploration of the events surrounding BC's formation offers valuable insights into the process and its lasting impact on the province's identity and development.