key term - Ontario

Definition

Ontario is one of Canada’s ten provinces, located in east-central Canada, and it is the most populous province in the country. Known for its diverse geography and urban centers like Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario played a critical role in the formation of Canada as a nation through its involvement in the British North America Act and the establishment of the Dominion of Canada.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ontario was one of the four original provinces that formed the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867.
2. The British North America Act outlined the governance structure for Ontario, granting it significant powers while ensuring federal oversight.
3. Ontario's economic strength was a driving force behind its influence in Confederation and its ongoing development as Canada's industrial heartland.
4. The province is home to Canada's capital city, Ottawa, which was strategically chosen to be at a central location between Toronto and Montreal.
5. Ontario's cultural diversity is reflected in its population, which includes a mix of Indigenous peoples, English, French, and many immigrant communities.

Review Questions

• How did Ontario contribute to the creation of the Dominion of Canada?
  • Ontario played a pivotal role in the creation of the Dominion of Canada by being one of the original provinces that joined Confederation in 1867. Its leaders, such as John A. Macdonald and George Brown, were instrumental in advocating for unification and the passage of the British North America Act. The economic strength and population size of Ontario made it a crucial player in shaping the new nation's governance and political landscape.
• Discuss the significance of the British North America Act for Ontario and its governance structure.
  • The British North America Act was crucial for Ontario as it established the legal framework for its governance within the newly formed Dominion of Canada. The Act allocated powers between provincial and federal governments, ensuring that Ontario had authority over various local matters while remaining subject to federal laws. This balance allowed Ontario to maintain control over its resources, education system, and public services, helping shape its development as a province.
• Evaluate how Ontario’s demographics influenced its political landscape during the early years of Confederation.
  • Ontario’s diverse demographics significantly influenced its political landscape during the early years of Confederation by creating a multifaceted society with varying interests and needs. The province's mix of Indigenous peoples, Anglo-Canadians, French-speaking populations, and immigrant communities necessitated political representation that could address these groups' concerns. This diversity led to complex negotiations within Ontario’s governance as leaders sought to unify these varying interests while advancing provincial development and maintaining stability within the broader Canadian federation.

Related terms

Toronto:

The capital city of Ontario and the largest city in Canada, known for its cultural diversity and economic significance.

British North America Act:

The legislation passed in 1867 that created the Dominion of Canada, uniting Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Confederation:

The process by which the British North American colonies united to form the Dominion of Canada in 1867, significantly influenced by Ontario's leadership.