Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, encompasses the island of Newfoundland and Labrador on the mainland, totaling 405,212 sq km. With a population exceeding 540,000, it's located in the Atlantic region. About 94% of residents reside on the island, primarily on the Avalon Peninsula. Labrador borders Quebec and Nunavut and lies near the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Until about 1900, most art in Newfoundland was created by visiting artists. Prominent figures included members of the Group of Seven, Rockwell Kent, and Eliot O'Hara.
Sir Charles Cavendish Boyle, a British colonial governor, penned the "Ode to Newfoundland" in 1902.
On May 20, 1904, "Ode to Newfoundland", written by Sir Charles Cavendish Boyle, was officially adopted as the Newfoundland anthem.
In 1904, The French gave up their French Shore rights in Newfoundland.
In 1904, fishing disputes with France were settled.
In 1907 Newfoundland acquired dominion status, or self-government, within the British Empire.
In 1908, the Fishermen's Protective Union (FPU) was formed to challenge the economic control of the island's merchantocracy.
American fishing rights in Newfoundland, reaffirmed by treaties in 1818, 1854, and 1871, were confirmed by arbitration in 1910.
In 1910, fishing disputes with the New England states were settled.
The Rossleys, a vaudeville-style performance troupe, started staging blackface minstrelsy shows in Newfoundland in 1911, which remained a popular form of entertainment.
Candidates for the FPU won 8 out of 36 seats in the House of Assembly in the 1913 general election.
In August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. Out of a total population of about 250,000, Newfoundland offered up some 12,000 men for Imperial service.
At the beginning of 1914, economic conditions in Newfoundland seemed favourable to reform.
During World War I (1914-1918), Newfoundland, as a self-governing Dominion, volunteered and financed a full regiment for overseas service. This time, however, there would be no distinct Newfoundland regiment, and therefore no conscription.
On July 1, 1916, the 1st Newfoundland Regiment, after service in the Gallipoli Campaign, was nearly wiped out at Beaumont-Hamel on the first day on the Somme.
In 1917, the Fishermen's Protective Union (FPU) in Newfoundland joined the wartime National Government led by Edward Patrick Morris. However, their decision to support conscription without a referendum damaged their reputation.
The Rossleys concluded their run of blackface minstrelsy shows in Newfoundland in 1917.
In the spring of 1918, amidst wartime inflation and profiteering, the Newfoundland Industrial Workers' Association (NIWA) went on strike against the Reid Newfoundland Company. The strike impacted rail and steamship operations, effectively isolating the capital city. The strike resulted in wage increases and recognition of the workers' right to be heard in matters concerning their welfare.
World War I (1914-1918) concluded, with Newfoundland's participation marked by the deployment of a full regiment overseas.
In January 1919, Sinn Féin established the Dáil Éireann in Dublin. This event reignited the Irish question and heightened sectarian tensions in Newfoundland.
In 1919, the FPU in Newfoundland merged with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Reform Party. This new party won the general election of that year.
Throughout 1920, many Catholics of Irish descent in St. John's, Newfoundland, joined the local branch of the Self-Determination for Ireland League (SDIL). While expressing loyalty to the Empire, the League's advocacy for Irish self-governance was met with opposition from the Orange Order, primarily composed of Protestants of English descent.
Newfoundland poet E.J. Pratt released his "breakthrough collection" of poetry, "Newfoundland Verse", in 1923, which explored maritime life and Canadian history.
In 1927, the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council settled the long-standing border dispute between Newfoundland and Quebec (Lower Canada) over the Labrador region. The ruling determined that the territory known as modern-day Labrador belonged to the Dominion of Newfoundland.
Following the stock market crash of 1929, Newfoundland and Labrador experienced a severe economic downturn as the international demand for its primary exports—saltfish, pulp paper, and minerals—plummeted.
In 1930, Newfoundland's export earnings reached $40 million. However, by 1933, this figure had drastically fallen to $23.3 million as a result of the global economic depression.
In 1931, due to the devastating impact of the Great Depression on its export-dependent economy, Newfoundland found itself unable to meet its financial obligations and defaulted on its debt.
The Newfoundland fishery was hit hard during the Great Depression. The price of salted cod, a staple export, was cut in half between 1929 and 1932.
By 1933, Newfoundland's export earnings had plummeted to $23.3 million from a high of $40 million in 1930 due to the Great Depression.
In 1933, facing severe economic hardship, the Newfoundland legislature voted to dissolve itself and cede control to a Commission of Government appointed by Britain. This decision was made in exchange for financial assistance and a guarantee that responsible government would be restored in the future.
In 1933, the House of Assembly of the self-governing dominion voted to dissolve itself and to hand over administration of Newfoundland and Labrador to the British-appointed Commission of Government.
On February 16, 1934, the Commission of Government, appointed by the British government, was sworn in, marking the end of 79 years of responsible government in Newfoundland. This move came after the legislature in St. John's voted to relinquish its authority in 1933 in exchange for loan guarantees and a promise of eventual self-governance restoration.
Between 1934 and 1939, the Commission of Government, established to address Newfoundland's economic crisis, took control of the country's affairs. However, the global depression persisted, hindering any significant recovery.
Margaret Duley, Newfoundland's first internationally recognized novelist, published "The Eyes of the Gull" in 1936.
In June 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth paid a visit to Newfoundland. However, the public reception was said to be subdued, reflecting the despondent mood in the country due to the ongoing economic challenges.
Margaret Duley authored "Cold Pastoral", published in 1939.
Following France's defeat and the subsequent German occupation of much of Western Europe in June 1940, the Commission of Government, with the British government's consent, granted permission for Canadian armed forces to assist in protecting Newfoundland's strategically important air bases for the duration of World War II.
By November 1940, the newly constructed airbase at Gander, Newfoundland, had become a vital transit point known as a "sally-port of freedom." It played a crucial role in ferrying a large number of American-made aircraft to Britain.
In the 1940s, local art societies became prominent in Newfoundland, particularly The Art Students Club, which opened in 1940. Notable local artists included J.W. Hayward, Thomas B. Hayward, Agnes Marian Ayre, and Harold B. Goodridge.
In March 1941, while the United States remained officially neutral in World War II, the United Kingdom granted the U.S. effective sovereign base rights in Newfoundland.
The United States officially entered World War II in December 1941 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
"Highway to Valour" by Margaret Duley was published in 1941.
The year 1941 saw a significant escalation of German U-boat attacks on merchant convoys traversing the North Atlantic. This prompted a surge in Canada's military presence in Newfoundland to counter the growing threat.
By 1942, Newfoundland was experiencing wartime prosperity due to military construction projects and enlistment in the armed forces. This led to full employment and allowed for increased spending on essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing. The country even provided interest-free loans to Britain, which was facing financial strain.
With Newfoundland's economy revitalized by World War II, a movement emerged advocating for the dissolution of the Commission of Government and the restoration of responsible government. In response, the British government established the National Convention in 1946, composed of 45 elected representatives from across Newfoundland, to provide recommendations on the country's future.
In January 1948, the National Convention voted against including the issue of Confederation with Canada in the upcoming referendum, with a vote of 29 to 16. Despite this, the British government overruled the decision, leading to significant disappointment among Confederation supporters who then organized a petition signed by over 50,000 Newfoundlanders demanding its inclusion.
On June 3, 1948, the first referendum took place in Newfoundland. The results were 44.6% for responsible government, 41.1% for Confederation with Canada, and 14.3% for the Commission of Government. No option received over 50%, leading to a second referendum.
On July 22, 1948, a second referendum was held with the two most popular choices from the first referendum. The result was 52.3% for Confederation with Canada and 47.7% for responsible government, leading to Newfoundland joining Canada.
On March 31, 1949, Newfoundland became the tenth province to join Canadian Confederation as "Newfoundland".
After Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canada in 1949, government grants fostered the development of visual arts. Notable artists like Rae Perlin, Helen Parsons Shepherd, and Reginald Shepherd returned to the province, contributing to its cultural growth.
Before 1950, visual arts were a minor aspect of Newfoundland's cultural life compared to performing arts. Most art was created by visiting artists until about 1900, with notable figures including Maurice Cullen and Robert Pilot.
In 1954, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador initiated the first of three resettlement attempts, leading to the abandonment of many communities. The policy was controversial and criticized as poorly resourced.
In 1959, the International Woodworkers of America led a strike in Newfoundland, considered the most bitter labour dispute in the province's history. Premier Joey Smallwood's government introduced emergency legislation to decertify the union and restrict picketing to prevent the strike from impacting the province's largest employer.
In 1961, Newfoundland-born painters Christopher Pratt and Mary Pratt returned to the province to work at the Memorial University Art Gallery. They later transitioned to full-time painting in Salmonier.
The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra was established in St. John's in 1962, initially as a 20-piece string orchestra known as the St. John's Orchestra.
Harold Horwood published his novel "Tomorrow Will Be Sunday" in 1966.
The year 1967 marked the opening of the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre and the inaugural all-Canadian Dominion Drama Festival, sparking a surge in playwrighting across Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 1969, Newfoundland-born artist Gerald Squires returned to the province, contributing to its cultural and artistic landscape.
Percy Janes, a Newfoundland novelist, published "House of Hate" in 1970.
Harold Horwood wrote "White Eskimo", which was published in 1972.
Mike Martin, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Labrador South, designed an unofficial flag for Labrador in 1973.
By 1975, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador had completed three resettlement attempts, resulting in the relocation of nearly 30,000 people and the abandonment of 300 communities. The policy remains one of the most controversial in the province's post-Confederation history.
In 1978, L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, an archaeological site with evidence of a Norse Settlement, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
On May 28, 1980, the legislature officially adopted the current provincial flag of Newfoundland and Labrador, designed by Christopher Pratt. It was first flown on Discovery Day that year.
Newfoundland and Labrador reinstated the "Ode to Newfoundland" as the official provincial anthem in 1980.
From 1980 onwards, opportunities for artists in Newfoundland and Labrador continued to develop. Important galleries and fine arts education programs were established, supporting the growth of the visual arts community.
The Kittiwake Dance Theatre, the oldest non-profit dance company in Newfoundland, was established in 1987.
On June 20, 1988, the Newfoundland Railway, the longest 3 ft 6 in narrow-gauge railway system in North America, ceased operations as part of the "rails for roads" deal.
In 1992, the cod moratorium hit Newfoundland's rural outports hard, causing significant out-migration due to the loss of an important source of income.
In 1997, production began at the Hibernia oil field. Over the next decade, it produced 733 million barrels of oil, significantly contributing to Newfoundland and Labrador's economy.
On April 29, 1999, the government of Brian Tobin passed a motion in the Newfoundland House of Assembly requesting the federal government amend the Newfoundland Act to change the province's name to "Newfoundland and Labrador".
By 2000, projections indicated that temperatures in Newfoundland would rise by 2.5 to 3 degrees in summer and 3.5 to 5 degrees in winter by 2050, with even more severe warming expected in Labrador.
In October 2001, a resolution to change the name of Newfoundland to "Newfoundland and Labrador" was put forward in the House of Commons.
On December 6, 2001, the Constitution of Canada was amended to change the province's name from "Newfoundland" to "Newfoundland and Labrador".
In 2001, Newfoundland and Labrador's population was recorded at 505,469.
According to the 2001 Canadian census, the largest ethnic groups in Newfoundland and Labrador were English (39.4%), Irish (19.7%), Scots (6.0%), French (5.5%), and First Nations (3.2%).
"River Thieves", the debut novel by Michael Crummey, was released in 2001 and became a Canadian bestseller.
Since 2002, the Community Relocation Policy has allowed for the voluntary relocation of isolated Newfoundland settlements. Eight communities have moved under this policy.
In 2003, a Statistics Canada Ethnic Diversity Survey revealed that 38% of respondents in Newfoundland and Labrador identified their ethnicity as 'Newfoundlander,' while half also identified as 'Canadian.'
Kenneth J. Harvey, a Newfoundland writer, published his novel "The Town That Forgot How to Breathe" in 2003.
A government-sponsored poll conducted in 2005 revealed that 75% of Newfoundlanders opposed the adoption of the Tricolour flag as the province's official flag.
Lisa Moore, a Newfoundland author, published her first novel, "Alligator", set in St. John's, in 2005.
Kenneth J. Harvey wrote "Inside", which was published in 2006.
By December 31, 2006, offshore oil production contributed over 15% to the province's GDP. Total production from the Hibernia field from 1997 to 2006 was 733 million barrels, valued at $36 billion. Remaining reserves were estimated at almost 2 billion barrels.
In 2006, Newfoundland and Labrador's population decreased by 1.5% compared to 2001, standing at 505,469.
In 2006, nearly 500,000 non-resident tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, spending an estimated $366 million. Tourism was most popular from June to September, the warmest months with the longest daylight hours.
In 2006, mining contributed 3.5% to the provincial GDP. The province produced 55% of Canada's total iron ore, with quarries producing dimension stone like slate and granite.
In 2007, the Duck Pond mine began producing copper, zinc, silver, and gold. This marked a new phase of mining activity in the region, contributing to the local economy.
Fogo Island Arts, a residency-based contemporary art program, was founded on Fogo Island in 2008.
Kenneth J. Harvey authored "Blackstrap Hawco", published in 2008.
The St. John's Fog Devils, a major junior hockey team, folded in 2008, making Newfoundland and Labrador the only Canadian province without a team in the Canadian Hockey League.
On June 16, 2009, Premier Danny Williams announced a tentative agreement to expand the Hibernia oil field. The government secured a 10% equity stake in the Hibernia South expansion, expected to add $10 billion to the province's treasury.
In 2009, the province's GDP was $25.0 billion, reflecting the economic conditions during the late-2000s recession. The subsequent year saw a recovery and significant growth in GDP and capital investment.
Jessica Grant, a contemporary Newfoundland novelist, published "Come Thou Tortoise" in 2009.
In 2010, Newfoundland and Labrador experienced significant economic growth following the late-2000s recession. The GDP reached $28.1 billion, up from $25.0 billion in 2009. Total capital investment grew to C$6.2 billion, marking a 23.0% increase compared to 2009.
In 2010, the mining sector in Labrador produced $3.3 billion worth of ore from mines such as Wabush/Labrador City and Voisey's Bay. Mining accounted for a significant portion of the province's GDP.
The completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway in 2010 provided road access from Blanc-Sablon, Quebec to major parts of Labrador, impacting ferry services like the MV Sir Robert Bond which connected Lewisporte to Labrador.
In the 2011 provincial election, the New Democratic Party had a significant breakthrough, placing second in the popular vote behind the Progressive Conservatives. Traditionally, the province's politics had been dominated by the Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservative Party.
The 2011 National Household Survey revealed that the Roman Catholic Church was the largest religious denomination in Newfoundland and Labrador, with 35.8% of the population (181,590 members). Major Protestant denominations made up 57.3% of the population. Non-Christians constituted 6.8% of the population, with 6.2% reporting no religious affiliation.
By the 2011 census, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador had risen by 1.8%, marking the first increase since the early 1990s.
In 2011, the census recorded the mother tongue of the population in Newfoundland and Labrador. This data provided insights into the linguistic diversity of the province as of 2011.
In 2011, a study revealed that approximately 1,200 artists were working in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing 0.47% of the province's workforce.
In 2013, over 100,000 Newfoundlanders applied for membership during the initial registration phase for the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band. Ultimately, around 24,000 people were recognized as members.
In 2013, the first amateur gridiron football teams in Newfoundland and Labrador were formed.
In 2015, aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador produced over 22,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon, mussels, and steelhead trout, worth over $161 million. Oyster production was also forthcoming.
In 2016, a census showed that 97% of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador reported English as their native language, making it Canada's most linguistically homogeneous province.
In 2017, non-resident tourists spent an estimated $575 million in Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting the importance of tourism to the provincial economy.
In 2017, the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador harvested 92,961 tonnes of fish valued at $141 million. Shellfish, including crab, shrimp, and clams, accounted for 101,922 tonnes, yielding $634 million. The seal hunt generated $1.9 million in value.
In 2017, the per capita GDP in Newfoundland and Labrador was $62,573, higher than the national average and third only to Alberta and Saskatchewan among Canadian provinces.
Joel Thomas Hynes released his novel "We'll All Be Burnt in Our Beds Some Night" in 2017.
The St. John's IceCaps, an American Hockey League team, ceased operations in 2017, leaving Newfoundland and Labrador without an AHL presence.
In 2018, the total labour force in Newfoundland and Labrador was 261,400 people. Service industries accounted for the largest share of GDP, with sectors like financial services, health care, and public administration being prominent.
The Newfoundland Growlers, an ECHL team, commenced playing at Mary Brown's Centre (formerly Mile One Centre) in St. John's in the 2018-19 season.
At the end of 2019, the decommissioning of ferry and hydroelectricity services ended settlement on the Little Bay Islands in Newfoundland.
On January 17, 2020, a significant blizzard nicknamed 'Snowmageddon' hit Newfoundland, with winds up to 134 km/h. St. John's and surrounding communities declared a state of emergency.
On January 18, 2020, Premier Dwight Ball announced that the Canadian Armed Forces would assist with snow-clearing and emergency services after the 'Snowmageddon' blizzard. The storm caused significant damage, including an avalanche in St. John's.
On March 14, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador announced its first presumptive case of COVID-19, leading to the declaration of a public health emergency on March 18 and the implementation of various health orders.
As of October 1, 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador had a population of 521,758, with more than half living on the Avalon Peninsula. This marked an increase in population since the early 1990s.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, the ten most spoken languages in Newfoundland and Labrador included English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Innu (Montagnais), Tagalog, Hindi, Mandarin, German, and Punjabi.
According to the 2021 census, various religious groups were present in Newfoundland and Labrador. The data offered a snapshot of the province's religious demographics in 2021.
In 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador began accepting applications for the Priority Skills immigration program, aiming to attract 2,500 new permanent residents annually by focusing on highly educated and skilled newcomers in areas with high demand.
The St. John's International Airport (YYT) completed a major terminal building expansion in 2021.
In February 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador ended all COVID-19 related restrictions. By this time, there had been 18,464 recorded cases and 46 deaths in the province.
In April 2023, the major hydro-generation project at Muskrat Falls in Newfoundland was declared complete after delays and cost overruns. The final testing of the 1,100 km transmission link from Labrador to St John's was completed.
The Newfoundland Growlers played their final season in 2023-24.
As of January 1, 2024, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador was estimated to be 540,552.
The Newfoundland Growlers, a minor league professional hockey team in the ECHL, ceased operations in April 2024.
By 2030, the Newfoundland government plans to double offshore oil production, which could significantly increase emissions despite the completion of the Muskrat Falls project.
By 2050, the winter season in Newfoundland could shorten by up to five weeks, with extreme storm events increasing precipitation by over 20%, and sea levels rising by half a meter, endangering coastal infrastructure.