Smallwood, Joseph 'Joey' Roberts National Historic Person
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Joseph Smallwood
(© NFB / Library and Archives Canada / PA-128080)
Address :
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1997-09-22
Life Date:
1900 to 1991
Other Name(s):
-
Smallwood, Joseph 'Joey' Roberts
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
1996-031
Importance:
Advocate of Confederation at Newfoundland's National Convention (1946-48); Father of Confederation
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
"Joey" Smallwood played a leading and decisive role in bringing Newfoundland into Confederation in 1949. Born at Mint Brook, Gambo, he was schooled in St. John's and worked as a journalist, labour organizer, farmer, broadcaster and author. In 1946 he joined the public debate over Newfoundland's future, becoming a passionate advocate of union with Canada. He helped negotiate terms of union and dominated the referendum campaigns which brought Newfoundland into Confederation. Smallwood served as Premier of Newfoundland from 1949 to 1972.