On April 1, 1949 – 75 years ago today – the people of this province awoke as Canadian citizens.
To celebrate this momentous anniversary, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a series of commemorations planned over the coming months.
Beginning today, the Confederation 75 flag will fly on the courtesy pole outside Confederation Building for 75 days.
The Confederation 75 Celebration Grant Program is supporting communities and heritage/Indigenous organizations in planning their own commemorative activities and celebrations.
This upcoming season, all Provincial Historic Sites will offer free admission to Newfoundland and Labrador residents who are 75 years of age and older.
One such Provincial Historic Site is the Colonial Building, the location of Newfoundland and Labrador’s first House of Assembly. Colonial Building will have special Confederation 75 programming this season, including:
- Opera on the Avalon’s 75×75, which will feature a multimedia exhibit and programming.
- Special performances of Confederation themed plays, including Last Living Father and The Vote (which will also be delivered at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
- A Confederation Speaker Series (which will also be featured at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
- A Confederation Film Evening (featuring movies such as The Little Fellow from Gambo).
- A programming partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society – 52-48: Seventy-Five Years of Confederation, its Impact, and its Legacy.
- A partnership with Heritage NL on a Confederation 75 oral history project featuring interviews with individuals who lived through the debates, votes and early years of Confederation.
The House of Assembly will also offer Confederation 75 programming, including a Teacher’s Institute offering professional development and learning opportunities for educators focused on democracy, governance and citizenship. Additionally, there will be a regional tour of the House of Assembly Mace, including visits to schools and broader community events.
In addition, the Provincial Government is offering educational opportunities for students in the province related to the 75th anniversary of Confederation. In partnership with the Department of Education, Confederation 75 educational resource packages will be offered to schools. As well, Confederation 75 scholarships will be presented to 75 Grade 12 students in the province.
Quotes
“With the 75th anniversary of our Confederation with Canada comes much to celebrate and much to reflect on. There is no doubt that the decision to join Canada in 1949 was the right one. Equally, there is no doubt that we are significant contributors to our country, helping make Canada the strong country it is today. I hope all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take some time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and how lucky we are to live in a country that values freedom, diversity and inclusion.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This year, through programming at our Provincial Historic Sites, the Colonial Building in particular, we will help tell the story of Confederation. We have also been administering Confederation 75 Celebration Grants to municipalities and heritage/Indigenous organizations across the province to help them celebrate the occasion. Of course, Confederation 75 license plates are now in circulation and Confederation 75 medals will be recognizing those people in our communities who contribute to making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“It is important that students continue to learn about the history of our beautiful province and the impact of Confederation. Our government is pleased to provide Confederation 75 educational resources to schools, and to mark the 75th anniversary of Confederation with scholarships that will support recipient students as they continue their educational journey.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
-30-
Learn more
Premier Furey Announces Initiatives to Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Confederation
Follow us on X @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL
Like us on Facebook