Sir John A. Macdonald's Legacy

Sir John A. Macdonald was Canada’s first Prime Minister and a key architect of the nation, playing a crucial role in confederation in 1867. His legacy includes the establishment of Canada as a unified country and the expansion of its territory through the National Policy, promoting immigration and railway construction. However, his government’s policies toward Indigenous peoples, including the residential school system, are widely criticized and have left a lasting impact. Macdonald's legacy is thus a complex mix of nation-building achievements and significant moral failings, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges of Canada’s history.