Today in Canada’s Political History: Newfoundland loses Dominion status, becomes British colony again

After 26 years of being a proud Dominion – like Canada – within the British Empire, Newfoundland’s government dissolved itself on this date in 1933. After almost 80 years of responsible government, the future Canadian province became a Crown colony once again. Newfoundland’s economy had been crushed by the Great Depression and the situation was so bleak that malnutrition had reared its ugly head. The Commission of Government came into being in early 1934 with its seven Commissions, all appointed by the British. The tide, however, would turn for Newfoundland during the years of the Second World War.