Party like it's 1949: N.L. rolls out plans to mark 75 years in Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey announced plans Monday to mark the province's 75th anniversary of Confederation with Canada in 2024. (Peter Cowan/CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador has unveiled part of its plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of joining Canada, including community celebrations, licence plates and cultural projects through 2024.

The terms of union between Canada and what is now Newfoundland and Labrador was signed on Dec. 11, 1948, which laid the groundwork for the province to join Canada on March 31, 1949.

Premier Andrew Furey said there will be events throughout the year to mark the 75th anniversary, and announced the first steps on Monday.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is a proud part of the Canadian federation. We are better because of it, and Canada is better because we are part of it," he said.

"As we look back at our progress over the last 75 years, let us look forward with hope and optimism as we envision the next 75."

Furey announced the Confederation 75 celebration grant program, which will support community activities, Indigenous cultural projects and heritage efforts that commemorate the anniversary in 2024.

A scholarship will also be given to 75 Grade 12 students.

The province will also present 75th Anniversary of Confederation Medals to residents in each electoral district "who largely go unnoticed while contributing their time and energy to making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live."

Furey also helped unveil a new licence plate featuring the Confederation 75 logo, which will be issued to vehicles registered in 2024. They will also be on sale to the public, and can be given at no cost to residents who have damaged or peeling plates.

WATCH | Here's how the N.L. government is kicking off Confederation anniversary celebrations:

The anniversary celebrations will run alongside the Year of the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, which Furey said will run hand in hand to mark cultural contributions to Canada.

"We honour and celebrate everything Newfoundland and Labrador brings to this beautiful country. From our rich natural resources to a bucket list tourist destination to our funny, generous and talented people."

Confederation debate lives on

Joining Canada was a divisive issue in Newfoundland, and involved two votes that determined the course of history.

The first referendum on June 3, 1948, saw a narrow win for responsible government over Confederation with Canada, with the third option — continued use of the non-elected commission of government — splitting the vote, and ensuring neither side had a majority.

In the second referedum, on July 22, 1948, Confederation won with 52.3 per cent of ballots cast.

Heidi Coombs, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society, said the event divided residents like no other political event.

"Historians have recently pointed out that through the National Convention and the two referenda, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians had more opportunity to publicly discuss, debate and decide upon their political future than anywhere else in Canada," Coombs said.

Hillary Coombs of the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society (left), Premier Andrew Furey and Cheryl Hickman of Opera on the Avalon hold the new licence plate that will mark the 75th anniversary of Confederation. (Peter Cowan/CBC)

"The history of Confederation is much more complicated than we have previously acknowledged. It is the history of 'ordinary people,'" Coombs said. "It is the history of Indigenous peoples, their perspectives and experiences.… It is the history of women and children and families."

Furey told reporters he encourages debate around Confederation. However, he said it's hard to debate that the province isn't in a better place now than it was before 1949.

"That's a great source of debate over a pint, and I love it," he said.

"Part of me hopes [there is debate], because that's the true nature of democracy…I hope there's people [at] home that this event will spark the conscientious debate about what should have happened, and where we should be right now."

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