Which political figure opposed Confederation?

George Brown was a significant political figure who indeed opposed Confederation at one point in his career. Initially, he was a strong proponent of Canadian unity and sought to create a federation that would bring the provinces together under a central government. However, his opposition stemmed from concerns about how Confederation would impact the representation of English-speaking Canadians and the political power dynamics between various regions. Brown was particularly focused on ensuring that the rights and interests of Ontario were adequately represented, and he was wary of potential compromises that might favor other regions at the expense of his constituents.

His eventual support for Confederation came later as he recognized the necessity for a unified approach to governance in the face of external pressures, such as potential U.S. expansionism. This evolution illustrates the complexities of political positions during the Confederation debates. Understanding Brown's initial resistance gives insight into the broader political landscape of Canada during this pivotal time and highlights the delicate balance of interests that Confederation sought to address.