Three Weeks in Quebec: The Meeting That Made Canada
By Christopher Moore
Review by Greg Scott – Christopher Moore’s Three Weeks in Quebec City: The Meeting That Made Canada offers a vivid and meticulously researched exploration of the 1864 Quebec Conference, a pivotal moment in Canadian history. The book examines the gathering of representatives from British North America’s colonies to discuss the formation of a federation, a meeting that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Dominion of Canada. Through engaging prose, Moore reconstructs the political landscape of the mid-19th century, delving into the debates, personalities, and tensions that shaped this transformative event. His work is both a compelling narrative and a rigorous academic analysis, capturing the intricate dynamics of political
compromise and the enduring tensions of federalism.
Moore situates the Quebec Conference within the broader geopolitical realities of the time. By 1864, British North America faced significant pressures, including economic stagnation, the threat of American expansionism, and the challenges of governance under fragile legislative systems. Against this backdrop, representatives from Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland convened in Quebec City to craft a union that could address these shared challenges. Moore argues that the conference was not merely a pragmatic exercise in nation-building but a moment of visionary leadership. Delegates wrestled with issues of representation, governance, and identity, balancing regional autonomy with national unity. The Quebec Conference, he asserts, is a testament to the power of negotiation and compromise.
Key themes explored in the book include federalism, economic integration, and the role of personalities. One of the most contentious issues was the structure of representation within the proposed federation. Smaller colonies feared domination by larger ones, and the debates over proportional versus equal representation were intense. Moore traces the development of the eventual compromise: a bicameral legislature with a House of Commons based on population and a Senate providing regional balance. Economic concerns also dominated discussions, as delegates debated the benefits of creating a shared market and how infrastructure projects like railways could bind the new federation together. Moore also brings the personalities of the conference to life, with figures like John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, and Charles Tupper emerging as critical players. Macdonald’s pragmatic leadership, Cartier’s advocacy for French-Canadian identity, and Tupper’s focus on regional interests reveal the diverse priorities that shaped the negotiations. These personalities, Moore contends, were as important as the ideas debated in ensuring the success of the conference.
The book does not shy away from the conflicts and divisions that marked the meeting. Moore examines the resistance from Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, which were wary of losing autonomy and economic control. He also contextualizes these tensions within the larger framework of federalism, noting that they foreshadowed the challenges of integrating these regions into Confederation. While Moore’s account celebrates the achievements of the Quebec Conference, it also acknowledges its limitations, particularly in excluding Indigenous peoples and women from the political discourse of the time.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its narrative style. Moore’s attention to detail and use of primary sources, including letters, speeches, and contemporary newspaper accounts, add depth to his analysis. His vivid descriptions of Quebec City in 1864, with its bustling streets and formal dinners, bring the historical setting to life. However, some may find Moore’s emphasis on the achievements of the delegates somewhat idealized, as he downplays the long-term challenges of Canadian federalism, including ongoing tensions between Quebec and the rest of Canada.
Three Weeks in Quebec City is a masterful account of a transformative moment in Canadian history. Moore captures the drama, conflict, and vision of the Quebec Conference, showing how this gathering of colonial leaders laid the foundation for Canada’s federation. His book is essential reading for anyone interested in Canadian history, political science, or the art of negotiation. As Moore concludes, the success of the Quebec Conference lies not in its perfection but in its enduring legacy as the meeting that made Canada.
Search this one out online or in your local bookstore – it’s worth the read.