Alberta's Path to Provincehood: Naming and Establishment

The province of Alberta, located in western Canada, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. This article delves into the origins of Alberta's naming, its establishment as a province, and its development into the thriving region it is today.

The Division of the Northwest Territories

In 1905, Canada's Northwest Territories were divided into three distinct provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the remainder which became the current Northwest Territories. The decision to create these new provinces was driven by the need to better manage the vast and diverse territories and to bring about full provincial status to these regions.

Alberta's Naming and Historical Context

Alberta's name is closely tied to the British monarchy. The province was named in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Princess Louise married John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, who served as the fourth Governor General of Canada. The province's namesake, Princess Louise, was thus honored by this recognition.

Creating the New Provinces

The establishment of Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces occurred on September 1, 1905, marked a significant milestone in Canadian history. Prior to this, both territories were part of the Northwest Territories, which had been a part of Canada since 1870. While Manitoba and British Columbia had already achieved provincial status by 1870 and 1871 respectively, the Northwest Territories lacked the provincial authority necessitated by its vast territory and growing population.

Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier recognized the need to bring these new provinces into existence. This action aimed to better manage the region and provide a higher degree of autonomy to its residents. The provincial status granted to both Alberta and Saskatchewan would ensure that they could more effectively address their own local challenges and opportunities.

The Capital Cities

Regina and Edmonton were selected as the capitals for the new provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, respectively. The names of these capital cities also reflect the region's indigenous heritage and colonial history. Regina, meaning "queen" in Latin, was a nod to Queen Victoria, while Edmonton's name is believed to come from a French pronunciation of the name of the English fort built there in the 1790s.

The Naming of Saskatchewan

As for Saskatchewan, its name is derived from the Saskatchewan River. This river is the longest in the province and flows through its heart. The name itself is an anglicized version of the Cree word 'Askik,' which means 'swift current' or 'swift flowing river.' The provincial capital, Regina, was chosen to honor Queen Victoria, while Edmonton's selection was inspired by the historical English fort built in the area.

Further Development and Legacy

The creation of Alberta as a province in 1905 marked the beginning of a new era for the region. Over the following decades, the province has continued to grow and develop, becoming a major economic and cultural center in western Canada. Its rich history, rooted in the naming of Princess Louise, and its establishment as a province, remain important aspects of Canada's past that continue to shape its present and future.

By recognizing and educating on these historical events, we can better understand the significance of Alberta's journey to becoming a province, and how it contributes to the broader story of Canada's growth and development.