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- January 11, 1815
Sir John Alexander Macdonald, commonly known as John A. Macdonald, was born on January 11, 1815. He was a Canadian statesman and the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving as the leader of the Dominion of Canada from its founding in 1867 until his death in 1891.
Early Life
John A. Macdonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and his family immigrated to Canada when he was a child. He grew up in Kingston, Ontario.
Political Career
Macdonald was a lawyer by profession and entered politics in the Province of Canada, which later became part of the Dominion of Canada. He played a key role in the confederation of Canada in 1867.
First Prime Minister
As the first Prime Minister of Canada, he held the position from 1867 to 1873 and then again from 1878 until his death in 1891, making him one of the longest-serving prime ministers in Canadian history.
Nation-Building
Macdonald was instrumental in the creation of Canada as a nation, overseeing the negotiation of the British North America Act, which established the framework for Canadian Confederation.
National Policy
He introduced the National Policy, a set of economic policies aimed at promoting Canadian industry and protecting Canadian manufacturers, which had a significant impact on the country’s economic development.
Pacific Railway
Macdonald’s government was responsible for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, a transcontinental railway that connected Canada from east to west.
Controversies
Macdonald’s tenure as prime minister was not without controversy, including issues related to the treatment of Indigenous peoples and his handling of the Pacific Scandal, which led to his brief resignation.
Death
John A. Macdonald passed away on June 06, 1891, in Ottawa, Ontario. He is buried in Kingston, Ontario.
Sir John A. Macdonald is widely regarded as one of the Fathers of Confederation and is celebrated for his pivotal role in the establishment and early governance of Canada. His legacy is honored in Canadian history, and he is an iconic figure in the country’s political landscape.