Canada Before the Confederation of the Provinces (Poem by James McIntyre)

Canada Before the Confederation of the Provinces

By James McIntyre

Canadian provinces they lay

Divided by river and by bay,

Many a separate division,

Among them there was no cohesion.

But statesmen saw that a great nation

Could be formed by federation,

And soon they led public opinion

To favor forming this Dominion.

North-West with its streams and fountains,

With sources in the Rocky Mountains,

It was all a great mystery,

Hunting for furs its history.

Though North-West is filling slow

Yet soon there will be mighty flow,

Millions to North-West will hurry

In last decade of century.

For therein is an opening grand

In great fertile prairie land,

For there the choicest wheat it grows

Near where the Saskatchewan flows.

And on many a river's branch

There is found great grazing ranch,

Favoured districts therein abound

Where cattle graze all the year round.

Protected from the stormy blast

By the Rocky Mountains vast,

Through canon blows no storm terrific,

But balmy breezes from Pacific.

Poem Analysis:

James McIntyre's poem "Canada Before the Confederation of the Provinces" reflects on the historical context of Canada before its provinces were united under confederation. Through his verses, McIntyre explores the challenges of division, the vision of statesmen, and the promise of the North-West. Let's delve into the deeper layers of this poem:

Division and Disunity: McIntyre begins by highlighting the geographical and political fragmentation of Canada's provinces before confederation. Divided by rivers and bays, the provinces lack cohesion and unity, reflecting the challenges faced by a young and sprawling nation.

The Vision of Federation: Despite the divisions, McIntyre acknowledges the foresight of statesmen who recognized the potential for a great nation through federation. These leaders worked to unite public opinion in favor of forming a Dominion, laying the groundwork for Canada's eventual confederation.

The Mystery of the North-West: The poet turns his attention to the North-West, a region shrouded in mystery and rich in natural resources. McIntyre depicts the North-West as a land of opportunity, with its streams, mountains, and fertile prairies holding promise for future settlement and prosperity.

Anticipation of Growth: McIntyre expresses optimism about the future growth and development of the North-West. He predicts a "mighty flow" of settlers to the region in the last decade of the century, foreshadowing the rapid expansion of Canada's western territories in the years to come.

Abundance of Resources: The poet highlights the natural riches of the North-West, including fertile wheat fields, grazing ranches, and abundant rivers. These resources, such as the fertile prairies near the Saskatchewan River, are portrayed as sources of wealth and sustenance for settlers.

Protection and Climate: McIntyre emphasizes the geographical advantages of the North-West, particularly its protection from storms by the Rocky Mountains. He describes how the region benefits from balmy breezes blowing from the Pacific, creating a favorable climate for settlement and agriculture.

Overall Theme: Through "Canada Before the Confederation of the Provinces," McIntyre celebrates the vision of unity and prosperity that drove Canada's confederation. He highlights the potential of the North-West as a symbol of the nation's future growth and development, emphasizing the importance of unity in harnessing Canada's vast resources.

In conclusion, McIntyre's poem offers a glimpse into the pre-confederation era of Canada, reflecting on the challenges of division, the vision of federation, and the promise of the North-West. It serves as a testament to the resilience and optimism of early Canadians as they worked to build a unified and prosperous nation.