John A. Macdonald
John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. A founding father of the Canadian Confederation, he played a significant role in shaping the country's early policies, particularly emphasizing economic nationalism and trade with the British Empire. Macdonald is well-known for his opposition to American influence in Canada, famously asserting his loyalty to British ties and advocating for protective tariffs to shield Canadian industries from U.S. competition.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
It’s probably John A. Macdonald who is considered the most consequential prime minister.
Canadians need to tell their own stories, according to historian J.D.M. Stewart
Canada· 2025-12-21
MacDonald, the member for East Hants, is the new minister of municipal affairs.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston drops three ministers in cabinet reshuffleCanada· 2025-10-22
Then-prime minister John A. Macdonald wanted to fight back with higher rates.
Canada Post is failing. Be thankful it’s not a bankCanada· 2025-10-07
John A. Macdonald’s National Policy sought to protect Canadian manufacturing through tariffs.
Canada and America can’t break up - but we do need a trial separationCanada· 2025-09-08
John A. Macdonald is mentioned in relation to Canada's national policy.
Thanks, Mr. Trump. You are changing Canada for the betterCanada· 2025-08-31
John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and a significant figure in the Conservative Party's history.
Post-Mulroney, the Conservatives’ brand is ‘loser.’ It’s time for an overhaulCanada· 2025-06-12
The Ontario government announced that a statue of John A Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, would be put back on public display.
King Charles’s visit brings frustration for First Nations amid ‘backslide in reconciliation’ | Canada
United Kingdom· 2025-05-30
John A. Macdonald was Canada's first prime minister, and Mark Carney is the first to represent a capital riding since him.
Canada Election: Liberal Party projected to lead fourth consecutive government
United States· 2025-04-29
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald established a national residential school system in 1883.
Ancaman di Balik Sekolah Berasrama
Indonesia· 2025-04-28
Prime minister John A. Macdonald advocated for the latter as the de facto national banner of the new dominion.
Review: Stephen Harper dives into the history of Canada’s flag in latest bookCanada· 2025-03-08
John A. Macdonald was Canada's first prime minister and is noted for his leadership in uniting the country through the transcontinental railroad.
Globe editorial: Understand the past to fight for Canada’s futureCanada· 2025-02-26
In Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald would have heartily agreed, instituting the National Policy of 1878, whose main feature was the protective tariff.
Opinion: Today’s North American economic nationalism isn’t unprecedented - it’s a patternCanada· 2025-02-22
Borrowing a quote from the country’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, he said Canada must not be 'a tributary to American laws.'
How the US president stirred Canada First
Australia· 2025-02-17
John A. Macdonald famously wrote in his 1891 election manifesto attacking a Liberal pledge to seek free trade with the United States.
Opinion: Next up on Trump’s list: Breaking Canada’s bank oligopolyCanada· 2025-02-14