Canada's first prime minister, born in Ramshorn Parish, emigrated with his family to Kingston, Upper Canada, in 1820. A successful lawyer, he was elected to the provincial legislature in 1844 and became leader of the Conservative party. He played a leading role in the effort to achieve a federal union of Britain's North American colonies which resulted in the formation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Macdonald served as prime minister, 1867-73 and 1878-91, and under his administration large territories were added to Canada, a transcontinental railway built and settlement of the west encouraged. At his death Canada's autonomy, based on rapid economic development and a close British-Canadian relationship, was assured.

Location

At Ramshorn Theatre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

Themes

• People
• Politics and law