The long-term future of the United Colony of British Columbia became much debated. Most of those of British background favoured the existing situation. Arrivals from within British North America looked to entry into the new Canadian Confederation, created in 1867 out of the three British colonies of the Province of Canada (which became Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Others sought annexation to the United States.
Barman, Jean. "The Fraser River Gold Rush and the Founding of British Columbia." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada.
