The Maritimes: Traditions and Transitions

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The history of what are considered the three Canadian Maritime provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, from the early nineteenth century to present day is discussed, with an epilogue of what its future may hold. Most of what is discussed centers on Maritime traditions. The early settlers in what were then three separate British colonies plied their trade primarily on forestry, and the associated business of wooden shipbuilding in the region being "maritime". Coming to the attention of European markets and the associated prosperity led to the three and other British North American colonies forming the confederation known as Canada in 1867. What is then discussed are the pros and cons as viewed by Maritimers of confederation in what has generally been an economically depressed region especially compared to rest of Canada, and what role confederation versus Maritime traditions have played in what has happened in the region. That early depression stemmed from steel and steam overtaking wood in shipbuilding rendering wooden shipbuilding largely obsolete.