Today In Canadian History July 15: The Postage Stamp Province: How Manitoba Joined Confederation

On this day, July 15, 1870, Canada grew westward. The Manitoba Act, a pivotal piece of legislation born directly from conflict and negotiation, came into effect, officially creating Canada's fifth province. This was not the story of a willing colony joining the Dominion, but the result of the Métis people of the Red River Settlement, led by the 25-year-old Louis Riel, standing up for their rights, land, and culture.

The creation of Manitoba was a direct consequence of the Red River Resistance of 1869-70. When the Canadian government arranged to purchase the vast territory of Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company, it failed to consult the thousands of Métis people who lived there. Fearing the loss of their land, language, and way of life, the Métis formed a provisional government under Riel, blocked the entry of Canadian officials, and drafted a list of rights to negotiate their entry into Canada.

The Manitoba Act was the negotiated settlement. It was a unique piece of legislation that met many of the Métis demands. It established a small, square province—initially nicknamed the "postage stamp province" for its tiny size—and, crucially, guaranteed French language rights in the legislature and courts. Most importantly, it set aside 1.4 million acres of land for the children of the Métis residents. While the implementation of these land grants would be fraught with delays, speculation, and injustice, the Act itself remains a landmark. It affirmed that Canada would expand not just by decree, but through negotiation, and it enshrined the principle of protecting minority rights as a cornerstone of Confederation.