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Newfoundland Act facts for kids

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British North America Act 1949
Act of Parliament
Long title An Act to confirm and give effect to Terms of Union agreed between Canada and Newfoundland
Citation 12, 13 & 14 Geo. 6. c. 22
Territorial extent  Dominion of Newfoundland, Dominion of Canada
Dates
Royal assent 23 March 1949
Commencement 31 March 1949
Status: Current legislation
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended

The Newfoundland Act was a special law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It officially confirmed an agreement made on March 23, 1949. This agreement was between Canada and Newfoundland, which was a separate country at the time.

This law meant that Newfoundland would join Canada and become its tenth province. At first, the law was called the British North America Act 1949. But later, in 1982, Canada changed its own constitution. At that time, the law was renamed the Newfoundland Act.

What Newfoundland Gained

When Newfoundland joined Canada, it received many benefits. The Canadian government took over several important services. These included the Newfoundland Railway, Newfoundland Airport (now a major international airport), and public broadcasting. Canada also took over telegraph services and other federal responsibilities.

Canada also agreed to take on Newfoundland's existing financial debt. This helped Newfoundland start fresh as a new province.

Financial Support for Newfoundland

Newfoundland also received special financial help. It got regular payments from the Canadian government. There was also a special payment of $1.1 million. Newfoundland could also make deals with the federal government about taxes.

For 12 years, Newfoundland received an extra $3.5 million each year. This amount slowly decreased by 10 percent each year. To make sure everything was fair, a royal commission was set up. This group would check Newfoundland's finances later on.

Changes to the Act

Since Newfoundland joined Canada, the Newfoundland Act has been updated four times. These changes were made using Canada's own rules for changing its constitution.

How the Newfoundland Act was Changed
Name of Change What was Changed Why it was Changed How it was Changed
Constitution Amendment, 1987 Section 3 and term 17 of the Act's schedule This change gave more education rights to the Pentecostal Church in Newfoundland. Later, a newer change replaced this one. Approved by the House of Commons, Senate, and Newfoundland's local government.
Constitution Amendment, 1997 (Newfoundland Act) Term 17 of the Act's schedule This allowed Newfoundland to create a public school system. This new system replaced the older church-run education system. Approved by the House of Commons and Newfoundland's local government. The Senate's approval was not needed for this change.
Constitution Amendment, 1998 (Newfoundland Act) Term 17 of the Act's schedule This change ended rules about how many students from certain religions could be in religion classes in Newfoundland. Approved by the House of Commons, Senate, and Newfoundland's local government.
Constitution Amendment, 2001 (Newfoundland and Labrador) Everywhere the word "Newfoundland" appeared in the Act's schedule This change officially added "and Labrador" to the province's name. So, "Province of Newfoundland" became "Province of Newfoundland and Labrador." Approved by the House of Commons, Senate, and Newfoundland's local government.

Older Newfoundland Acts

Before the 1949 Act, there were other important laws about Newfoundland. These laws helped shape how Newfoundland was governed over time.

  • Newfoundland Act 1698: This law, also known as King William's Act, helped encourage trade, especially fishing, in the region.
  • Newfoundland Act 1832: This act continued certain laws about Newfoundland and managed how duties (taxes) collected there would be used.
  • Newfoundland Act 1842: This law changed how Newfoundland was governed. It created an appointed upper council and an elected lower assembly.
  • Newfoundland Act 1933: This act temporarily stopped Newfoundland's self-government. It set up a special commission to rule the area instead.

See also

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