John Macdonald (1815–91,) fully Sir John Alexander Macdonald, was a Scottish-born Canadian political leader who served as Canada’s prime minister 1867–73, 1878–91. He played a leading role in the confederation of the Canadian provinces.
Born in Glasgow, MacDonald emigrated with his parents in 1820. He was called to the Bar in 1836 and appointed QC. Entering politics, he became leader of the Conservatives and premier in 1856, and in 1867 formed the first government for the new Dominion. Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada until 1873, he was again in power from 1878 until his death. He was instrumental in bringing about Canada’s confederation and securing the construction of the Intercolonial and Canadian Pacific railways.
Macdonald has been blamed for devious means—his role in the Chinese Head Tax introduced to deter Chinese people from entering Canada, federal policies towards Indigenous peoples, and the expansion of the residential school system for Indigenous children.
Historian Donald Creighton wrote the acclaimed biographies John A. Macdonald: The Young Politician (1952) and John A. Macdonald: The Old Chieftain (1956.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John A. Macdonald
When fortune empties her chamber pot on your head, smile and say We are going to have a summer shower.
—John A. Macdonald
Topics: Optimism
Never write a letter if you can help it, and never destroy one.
—John A. Macdonald
Topics: Letters
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Robertson Davies Canadian Novelist, Playwright
William Mulock Canadian Lawyer, Educator
Alexander Graham Bell Scottish-born American Inventor
Wayne Gretzky Canadian Sportsperson
W. O. Mitchell Canadian Novelist
Marcel Masse Canadian Politician, Bureaucrat
Ramsay MacDonald British Head of State
Winston Churchill British Head of State
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh British Prince
John Kenneth Galbraith American Economist