John A. Macdonald

John A. Macdonald was Canada’s first prime minister and a leading architect of Confederation. He served from 1867 to 1873 and 1878 to 1891, advancing national expansion while supporting policies that dispossessed Indigenous peoples.

George-Étienne Cartier: George-Étienne Cartier was a French Canadian politician and Macdonald’s principal partner in building Confederation. Their political partnership helped unite English- and French-speaking elites behind Confederation.
Canadian Confederation: Canadian Confederation was the 1867 union that created the Dominion of Canada from several British North American colonies. Macdonald was a leading negotiator and became prime minister when the new Dominion began.
Province of Canada: The Province of Canada was a British colony formed in 1841 by uniting Upper Canada and Lower Canada. Macdonald rose to prominence in its legislature and government before Confederation.
Chinese head tax in Canada: The Chinese head tax was a series of Canadian immigration fees imposed on Chinese migrants from 1885 to 1923. Macdonald’s government introduced the tax in 1885, restricting Chinese immigration after railway construction.
Alexander Mackenzie: Alexander Mackenzie was Canada’s second prime minister and leader of its first Liberal government. He led the government that defeated Macdonald’s Conservatives in 1873.
Canadian Pacific Railway: The Canadian Pacific Railway is a transcontinental railway completed in 1885 linking eastern Canada with the Pacific coast. Macdonald’s government made its construction central to connecting and consolidating the Dominion.
Great Coalition: The Great Coalition was the 1864 political alliance of John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, and George Brown. The coalition overcame the Province of Canada’s political deadlock and pursued a federal union.
Canadian Indian policy: Canadian Indian policy is the evolving body of laws and government practices governing First Nations in Canada. Macdonald’s record is central to debates about the origins and purposes of federal Indigenous policy.
Louis Riel: Louis Riel was a Métis leader who led resistance movements in the Red River and North-West regions. Macdonald’s government confronted Riel’s movements over Métis land, political rights, and Manitoba’s creation.
Indian Act: The Indian Act is a Canadian federal statute governing many aspects of First Nations life and legal status. Macdonald’s government enacted the 1876 statute, which extended federal control over First Nations.

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