Newfoundland and Labrador joined Canadian Confederation on March 31, 1949, becoming Canada's tenth and most recent province. Before Confederation, Newfoundland was a self-governing British Dominion that had surrendered self-government during the Great Depression in exchange for British financial administration. A 1948 referendum narrowly chose Confederation with Canada over restoring independent dominion status. This recent entry into Canada creates unique circumstances, including distinct legal traditions, land tenure systems, and cultural identity. The province's separate history means some federal programs and policies required specific adaptations. Understanding this context helps explain aspects of provincial governance and identity that differ from provinces that joined Canada earlier.