Dominion from Sea to Sea

The designation Dominion of Canada was suggested in 1864 by Sir Leonard Tilley, an elected official and Father of Confederation from New Brunswick. He drew inspiration from Psalm 72: “dominion from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth.” This line was seen as encapsulating the concept of a nation that would cross the whole width of the continent, united in wealth and freedom. The name was incorporated into the Constitution and was the official title for the nation for almost a century; it is still part of the Canadian Heritage.

Sir Leonard Tilley