Confederation at 75: A look at how joining Canada shaped N.L. — and the road ahead

It's been three quarters of a century since Newfoundland joined Canada. 

While it can feel like the life and times of 1949 are a distant era, many of the issues folks faced back then are still front and centre today, albeit with a modern tint. 

To mark the date — the union became official shortly before midnight on the night of March 31, 1949 — CBC's The Signal brought together a panel of young adults who are invested in their communities and the future of the province. They talked about how Confederation's history affects us today and they also took a look ahead at what's to come. 

The guests were:

Kristina Ennis, whose family was resettled from Merasheen Island in Placentia Bay. Ennis works in business development in HR and is active in the community; 

Draco Dunphy, who grew up in Harbour Main with a "strong Irish and Mi'kmaw background." Dunphy is finishing an undergraduate degree at Memorial University, and has been studying linguistics, business, sustainable rural development and public policy; 

Kassandra Drodge, whose mother's family is from the Battery neighbourhood of St. John's, while her dad is from Jamaica. Drodge, the co-chair of the Social Justice Co-operative N.L., specializes in research around community building;  

Lauren Slade is a fourth-year communications and sociology student at Memorial University who is focusing on corrections and the rights of inmates. She grew up in Mount Pearl. 

Memorial University history professor Sean Cadigan is also featured in the presentation. He provides historical context and connects the issues of pre-Confederation era to today. 

WATCH | Here are some of the ways the Newfoundland and Labrador government is marking the 75 anniversary of Confederation: 

75th anniversary of Confederation: Joey’s bowtie, scholarships and new licence plates

12 months ago

Duration 2:01

On Dec. 11, 1948, Newfoundland and Labrador signed off on the terms that would see it join Canada as the 10th province. Newfoundland became part of Canada on March 31, 1949. The provincial government will use 2024 to support community activities and celebrations and Indigenous cultural projects that commemorate the 75th anniversary of Confederation, and will award medals to people who have made significant contributions to the province over the last 75 years.

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