1. Railroad to Confederation

2. Access between Colonies
St. Lawrence River was the main connection between B.N.A. Colonies
Rivers frozen during winter
Hard to send goods to different markets

3. Annexation Manifesto
Montreal merchants were concerned about access to markets
Canada’s railway system not well deveolped
USA railway system much better
Annexed by the USA would enable use of railways
Montreal and merchants would flourish with access to USA markets
Movement supported by William Molson, J.J.C. Abbott

4. Railway Would
Provide a way to move goods between colonies, opening up markets
End of reciprocity treaty and corn laws = need for new markets
Fast way to move troops around
In case of USA invasion
Enable western expansion – Sea to Sea
Before USA would be able to annex North west

5. All colonies would share in the cost of the intercolonial railway
Railway opened possible to move goods around quickly through all seasons
Mechants heavily invested in transportation
The British colonies involved in the confederation project had amassed considerable debt from railway construction. Pooling their debts in a federation would relieve the stress on their several economies. By facilitating commerce between provinces, confederation would also encourage the profitability of railway companies.