The Newfoundland Riot and The End Of Dominion Status

Beginning in 1907, Newfoundland and Labrador was its own Dominion. It had its own flag, the Newfoundland Red Ensign, which was replaced by the Union Flag in 1931.

The island dominion didn’t have a premier, but a prime minister, beginning with Sir Robert Bond in 1907. It even had its own anthem, Ode to Newfoundland, written by British colonial governor Sir Cavendish Boyle in 1901. Three years later, it was adopted as the anthem of the island.

Every Sept. 26, Newfoundland celebrated Dominion Day, just like Canada did on July 1. There was also Dominion of Newfoundland currency.

But it was not to last.

The Dominion of Newfoundland was heavily reliant on exporting fish, paper and minerals. If anything happened to lower prices, the island would suffer greatly.

There was also a severe problem with corruption. In 1923, Prime Minister Sir Richard Squires was arrested in a bribery scandal. He and his cabinet were accused of using bribes to win the general election that year. Dr. Alex Campbell was at the centre of the scandal and he refused to resign. Squires refused to dismiss him and several members of his cabinet crossed the floor. Attorney General William Warren then issued an arrest warrant for Squires. He was soon arrested, then released, and he resigned as Prime Minister.