Macdonald, Sir John

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Sir John Macdonald

born Jan. 11, 1815, Glasgow, Scot.

died June 6, 1891, Ottawa, Ont., Can.

Canadian politician, first prime minister of the Dominion of Canada (1867–73, 1878–91).

He immigrated to Canada as a child and practiced law in Kingston, Upper Canada (now Ontario), from 1836. From 1844 to 1854 he served in the Province of Canada's assembly. He cofounded the Liberal-Conservative Party (see Progressive Conservative Party of Canada) in 1854 and became premier of the Province of Canada in 1857. He worked for confederation and helped secure passage of the British North America Act, which created the Dominion of Canada (1867). As prime minister, he supported trade protectionism and aided the completion of the Pacific railway. In response to later challenges to Canadian unity, he advocated loyalty to the British Commonwealth and independence from the U.S.

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More on "Sir John Macdonald" from Britannica Concise:

Abbott, Sir John (Joseph Caldwell) - Canadian prime minister (1891-92).

Cartier, Sir George Etienne, Baronet - Canadian prime minister jointly with John Macdonald (1858-62).

More on "Sir John Macdonald" from the 32 Volume Encyclopædia Britannica:

Macdonald, Sir John (Alexander) - the first prime minister of the Dominion of Canada (1867-73, 1878-91), who led Canada through its period of early growth. Though accused of devious and unscrupulous methods, he is remembered for his achievements.

Abbott, Sir John - lawyer, statesman, and prime minister of Canada from 1891 to 1892.

Cartwright, Sir Richard John - statesman and finance minister of Canada's Liberal Party; he supported free trade between the United States and Canada, in opposition to the trade protectionism of the Conservatives.

Thompson, Sir John (Sparrow David) - jurist and statesman who was premier of Canada from 1892 to 1894.

Allan, Sir Hugh - Canadian financier and shipbuilder whose contribution of $300,000 to the Conservative Party campaign in 1872 precipitated the Pacific Scandal that brought down Sir John Macdonald's government.

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