Maritime Rights refers to a movement of the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. It was necessitated by the national policy that started as a result of confederation in 1867. The Maritime Rights occurred around 1919 to 1927 when the grievances of the Maritimers were heard.
The Maritimers agitated for their rights because apparently they were denied their rights a great deal. The policies of the federal government imposed tariffs and rates on them. This affected business merchants, manufacturers, fishermen, and local Maritime consumers.
The Intercolonial railway was moved from the Maritime Region to Ontario. Freight rates were also raised sharply. Rules and policies concerning maritime ports and railroad were also changed to suit the interests of central Canada more than the residents of Maritime region. This led to agitations by the Maritimers.
Various company managers, merchants and politicians from Maritime region started to fight for their rights, leading to the formation of Maritime Rights Movement which sponsored candidates to win elections in the general elections of Canada from 1922 until they commanded majority leaders in the provinces of Maritime. This led to the reduction of freight rates and some policies were made less stringent as a result of the movement.
The Maritime Rights is important for Hist. 2231 because it enables learners to understand the origin of freedoms and rights that Maritimers currently enjoy, and how they can be made even more significant in their lives.
