IIRC, one of the arguments was that by being physically separated from the rest of Canada, they would have "no choice" but join the US.

A contemporary article (from 1990) - http://articles.chic...meech-lake-quebec

Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 - http://www.ucs.mun.c...ederation1949.htm

Yeah, governments have had wild swings in the last 100 years or so, but many in Canada probably wouldn't look too askance at leaving Harper's clutches these days... :-/

Cheers,
Scott.