Why did Newfoundland not attend the Charlottetown conference?

Newfoundland did not attend the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 primarily due to its focus on local issues and internal governance challenges. The colony was dealing with significant economic difficulties and political instability, which led its leaders to prioritize domestic matters over potential confederation discussions. Additionally, there was a lack of consensus among Newfoundland's political leadership regarding the benefits of joining a larger union. Consequently, they chose not to participate in the conference aimed at discussing the formation of the Canadian Confederation.