Canada became an emerging country after the Second World War. It was necessary for Canada to identify itself as a nation distinct from Great Britain and the United States. The Trans Canada Highway became a visible nationalistic figure that distinguished Canada from other countries. The Trans Canada Highway was a significant structure built between 1949 and 1961 that emerged as a result of a newfound unity and nationalistic vision in Canada. Although there were many different political, personal and economic views on the construction of the highway, the completion of the construction of the highway brought a unique unity that could be appreciated by all Canadians. The Trans Canada Highway became a visible nationalistic figure that distinguished Canada from other countries. The highway was built to reinforce a newfound nationalism, however, there was opposition in the construction of the highway. In order for the highway to run from coast to coast, each province had to sign and agree to a law enforced by the federal government. Every province accepted the law and the construction of the highway except Quebec, which at the time was governed by Prime Minister Maurice Duplessis. Duplessis opposed the highway idea because, under the Trans Canada Highway Act, the federal government would have complete control over road regulation when previously it was the responsibility of the provincial and municipal governments. This created a problem for the highway as the road had to cross Quebec in order to include the east coast provinces. The Quebec premier was challenging the unity and nationalism that the “new” Canada wanted to have. It wasn't until Duplessis died and a liberal government put the American economy into practice for commerce rather than for its own country. The move to a national highway in Canada supported commerce and the economy by giving motorists the ability to travel across Canada without having to leave, as had to be done in previous years. The Trans Canada Highway faced many challenges and criticisms over the thirteen years it took to build. The most common criticism he had faced was whether he had strengthened the unity and national pride for which he was sent. There are different points of view on political, personal and economic levels that challenge and support the construction of the highway. While there were many different challenges, the highway supported a unique unity specific to Canada. The Trans Canada Highway helped Canada unite and emerge through a symbol that supported Canadian nationalism.