Get writin'. =P

Source. Official Canadian site.
Source. Aggregate of sites about confederation.

Keep in mind that our history was strongly influenced by concerns about American growth. Our initial confederation, so soon after the American civil war, was in part due to fears that they would assault Canada. Our eventual rush to spread across the west was due to a threat of America coming up and claiming the unused land. There are also economical reasons, in that the throne simply did not want to spend money on our colony any more.

There are many, many important figures, but if it's a short narrative that first link is the center for historically accurate information. =)