How Did The Cartier-Macdonald Correspondence In 1864, Particularly Their Exchange On The Charlottetown Conference, Influence The Drafting Of The 72 Resolutions That Ultimately Shaped The British North America Act Of 1867?
The correspondence between George-Étienne Cartier and John A. Macdonald in 1864 played a pivotal role in shaping the 72 Resolutions, which were instrumental in drafting the British North America Act of 1867. Here's a structured summary of their influence:
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Key Figures and Context: Cartier and Macdonald were prominent Canadian politicians, with Cartier representing Quebec and Macdonald Ontario. Their discussions were central to the Charlottetown Conference, a meeting aimed at uniting British North American colonies.
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Charlottetown Conference: Held in 1864, this conference laid the groundwork for Confederation. Cartier and Macdonald's correspondence addressed the structure of the proposed federation, including balancing provincial interests and ensuring representation.
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72 Resolutions: These resolutions, developed at Charlottetown, outlined the federation's structure. They covered federal-provincial power distribution, parliamentary representation, and constitutional matters.
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Negotiations and Compromise: Cartier focused on Quebec's autonomy and French-Canadian rights, while Macdonald emphasized a strong central government. Their letters facilitated compromises, such as balancing representation by population with provincial equality.
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Influence on Later Conferences: The Charlottetown discussions, influenced by their correspondence, led to subsequent meetings like the Quebec Conference, where the Resolutions were refined, ultimately shaping the BNA Act.
In conclusion, Cartier and Macdonald's correspondence was crucial in negotiating Confederation terms, ensuring balanced representation of provincial interests, which directly influenced the 72 Resolutions and the BNA Act.