The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) was formed in 1919 through the merger of two Canadian railways, the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) and the National Transcontinental Railway (CNPR). The merger was intended to create a more efficient and financially stable railway system in Canada by unifying the rail lines and infrastructure under one company. The merger was approved by the Canadian government and CN was established as a Crown corporation, which meant that it was owned by the federal government. The merger allowed CN to expand its operations and become one of the largest rail companies in North America, and it remains in operation today.

The government of British Columbia and its premier played a significant role in the merger of the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) and the National Transcontinental Railway (CNPR) to form the Canadian National Railway (CN) in 1919. The government of British Columbia, led by Premier John Oliver, supported the merger as it would provide the province with improved rail connections to the rest of Canada and the United States. The premier also believed that the merger would lead to economic growth and development in the province. The government of British Columbia was also involved in the negotiations and discussions leading up to the merger, and they worked closely with the federal government to ensure that the merger was in the best interest of the province.