What were the two alternatives considered for Newfoundland after WWII?

What were the two alternatives considered for Newfoundland after WWII?

• A. Return to colonial status
• B. Leave the British commission in place
• C. Return to colonial status or leave the British commission in place
• D. Seek independence

Answer: (C)

After WWII Newfoundland was momentarily governed by a British-appointed Commission of Government, so the big constitutional question was how the territory should move forward. The two practical paths discussed were to return to self-government and full domestic control (a return to colonial status with responsible government) or to keep Britain’s hands-on oversight by leaving the Commission in place. In other words, one option would restore Newfoundland’s own political authority, while the other would maintain direct British administration. A separate path—joining Canada—was also part of the broader conversation, but the two main postwar alternatives focused on these governance arrangements, with the Confederation option arriving later as the chosen direction.

After WWII Newfoundland was momentarily governed by a British-appointed Commission of Government, so the big constitutional question was how the territory should move forward. The two practical paths discussed were to return to self-government and full domestic control (a return to colonial status with responsible government) or to keep Britain’s hands-on oversight by leaving the Commission in place. In other words, one option would restore Newfoundland’s own political authority, while the other would maintain direct British administration. A separate path—joining Canada—was also part of the broader conversation, but the two main postwar alternatives focused on these governance arrangements, with the Confederation option arriving later as the chosen direction.