How imminent was the possibility that British Columbia would join the United States if the Canadian Pacific Railway was not built?

by Sumbog

Throughout my Canadian schooling I was taught that there was a very real possibility of British Columbia seeking statehood before the rail road was built. Was this assertion true? Were there any formal talks in this regards? Who were the major players among the pro-USA advocates?

MatasterMatt

It wasn't that imminent. There was a vocal minority who advocated annexation, mostly American prospectors from the Cariboo and Fraser gold rushes. In reality Britain pushed for BC to join confederation, and most BC politicians saw it as a great way to secure debt for infrastructure, and to access British markets.