Unfortunately, in 1883, the contractors needed more money from the government, and again in 1885. The government was unsure but was convinced how important the railway was for transporting troops during the Manitoba Rebellion. On November 7, 1885, the last spike was driven into the ground at Craigellachie, completing the railroad "from sea to sea1." After five years, the world's longest railway was finally finished; in half the time MacDonald expected.
The final component in the National Policy was the settlement of the west. This was MacDonald's toughest obstacle. In 1872, the Conservatives passed the Dominion Land Act, which made purchasing land easier for settlers. Many foreigners came and thousands of Americans took up homesteads in the west. Most of these men and women moved to the cities or went to the United States a few years after. By 1901, the Prairies had a population of approximately 250 000. .
Later, Wilfred Laurier (Prime Minister of Canada 1896 - 1911) understood John A. MacDonald's need for the settlement of the west. He created an immigration policy to better the Canadian West. Clifford Sifton, the Minister of Interior, promoted western settlement in the United States, the United Kingdom, and in Eastern Europe. Again, many Americans crossed the border and made a home for themselves because of the lowered land price. Europeans, many non-English speaking, came for many different reasons; the Mennonites settled in Canada to escape prosecution and war, the Jewish community wanted exemption from Adolph Hitler, and the people of Iceland moved to Manitoba in hopes of a good fishing industry. Western Canada was growing so rapidly, in 1905, two new provinces were created; Saskatchewan and Alberta. The settlement of the west was a success.
The National Policy was a success because of the relationship between all components involved. The tariffs provided the capital needed for the financial support of the railroad.