Founding Father of Canada: Sir John A. Macdonald

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“Let us be English or let us be French . . . and above all let us be Canadians.” Born on January 11, 1815, in Glascow, Scotland, Sir John A. Macdonald became the first prime minister of Canada and one of the most transcendent that Canada has ever seen. He immigrated to Canada in 1820, at the age of five, where his family, including his mother, father and two siblings, settled in Kingston, Ontario. He spent his childhood studying at the Midland District Grammar School, where he developed his passion for the English language and at the same time, realizing his new dream of becoming a lawyer. He was unable to attend university as a result of the financial problems within his family; however, that did not stop him from achieving his goal. At the age of fifteen, Sir John A. Macdonald entered a law office as a junior and as a result of his perseverance and dexterous personality, he was called to the bar in 1836. He then began his law practice with extensive success as a commercial lawyer in Toronto and Kingston. His commendable efforts as a lawyer were well recognized by many and he became extensively popular and was regarded as a positive leader that could make a difference. By 1844, he was elected to represent Kingston in the Legislative Assembly of Canada. In 1854, he helped create the Conservative party and on July 1, 1867, the day of Confederation, he became Canada’s first prime minister. Sir John A. Macdonald contributed to Canadian history in a significant way as his actions had a positive impact on Canada, which helped it develop and prosper. Firstly, by building the world’s first transcontinental railway, Sir John A. Macdonald contributed to the economy and efficiency of Canada. One of the major arguments of British C... ... middle of paper ... ...ommunications.com/bygeorge/?p=961> Government of Canada. Legacy of Sir John A Macdonald. 29 Apr. 2005. Library and Archives Canada. 29 May 2011 James-white, Don. Opinions of Legacies of Sir John A Macdonald. 03 Mar. 2005. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 May 2011 Hughes, Jimmy. The Right Honourable Sir John A Macdonald. 29 Jan. 2001. First Among Equals. 29 May 2011 James-white, Don. Opinions of Legacies of Sir John A Macdonald. 03 Mar. 2005. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 May 2011 Sanderson, Curtis. Famous Canadian Quotes to Remember. 26 Sept. 2010. Quotes for Canadian Life Co. 29 May 2011

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