After the union of the two Canadas in 1841, Kingston, Montréal, Toronto, and Québec were in succession the seat of government. During the 1850's these cities contended for designation as the permanent capital of Canada. When called upon in 1857, Queen Victoria resolved the issue by choosing Ottawa. In 1867, the Fathers of Confederation reaffirmed the choice and Ottawa became the capital of the new Dominion of Canada.