1867-1896

Confederation Era

The first decades of Canadian nationhood, when party lines were fluid and personal loyalty mattered more than party discipline.

Canada was brand new. Nova Scotia had to be convinced to stay. Party structures were loose. Crossing the floor was almost expected.

2 {count, plural, =0 {No crossings in this era} =1 {1 crossing} other {# crossings}}

Richard John Cartwright

1869Notable

Liberal-Conservative → LiberalMPOntario

5/5

Cartwright believed he deserved to be Finance Minister. When Prime Minister Macdonald gave the job to someone else, Cartwright left the party in anger.

Wanted PromotionGot Cabinet

Joseph Howe

1869Notable

Anti-Confederate → Liberal-ConservativeMPNova Scotia

5/5

Howe led the fight against Nova Scotia joining Canada. When that fight was lost, he negotiated better financial terms for Nova Scotia, then joined the government.

Party DissolvedGot Cabinet