Why did it took Newfoundland so long to join Canada?

Question

Why did it took Newfoundland so long to join Canada?

Answer 1

They were isolated from the mainland and the people of Newfoundland are very independent. It took the Dominion government a long time to convince people on the Rock that joining Canada had any benefit to them, They've been paying for that mistake ever since.

Answer 2

Newfoundland has a unique history to other parts of Canada. It was discovered in 1497 ( but the basque were fishing around there much before that) but not colonized till centuries later. Not many people stayed all year round it was mostly fishing out ports that operated part of the year. Once people did start settling and staying all year they built up the fisheries and other natural industries.

The opposition to confederation came from the concern that joining with Canada would destroy Newfoundland industries and bring higher taxes.

Newfoundland was very proud of their independence. it was the only British North American Colony to operate independently with in the British Empire. After great losses in WWI and the depression and drop of fish price Newfoundland did give up the responsible government in 1934

After WWII talks about confederation started again and a vote was held. It was a tight race but the majority decided to join with Canada.

Even today many Newfoundlanders consider themselves Newfoundlanders first Canadian second.