Reclaiming Sir John A. Macdonald: Why Canada Must Celebrate Its Founding Leader
Canada’s struggle to commemorate its first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, reveals a national reluctance to embrace political heroes, a stark contrast to the United States’ treatment of George Washington. While Macdonald was instrumental in the creation and expansion of Canada, modern efforts to erase his legacy highlight a concerning trend in the nation’s relationship with its history. Now more than ever, Canada needs to foster national pride and identity, and revisiting the accomplishments of Sir John A. Macdonald offers an opportunity to unify Canadians around their shared heritage.
Sir John A. Macdonald, the dominant figure of Canadian Confederation, played an unparalleled role in shaping Canada. As the country’s first prime minister, he guided the new Dominion through its infancy, extending its borders through the annexation of the North-Western Territory, Rupert’s Land, and British Columbia, and completing the Canadian Pacific Railway. His vision of a united and expansive Canada became a reality under his leadership, earning him recognition as one of the greatest Canadian prime ministers in historical rankings. Despite his shortcomings, Macdonald’s achievements as a nation-builder deserve celebration.
By comparison, the United States’ treatment of George Washington exemplifies how honoring political figures can bolster national identity. Washington’s image as the “Father of His Country” is immortalized through grand monuments like the Washington Monument, his visage on Mount Rushmore, and the capital city that bears his name. His legacy permeates American culture, from the federal holiday celebrating his birthday to his presence on currency. While Washington’s history includes the ownership of enslaved people and contentious policies regarding Native Americans, Americans have chosen to focus on his foundational contributions to their country’s independence and governance. This balanced commemoration strengthens a collective sense of pride and continuity, allowing citizens to rally around shared values.
Canada’s approach to Macdonald’s legacy, however, has been mired in controversy. Statues of Macdonald have been removed or hidden across the nation, and institutions once named in his honor have been rebranded. These actions are often framed as steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities, but they also risk erasing an essential part of Canada’s story. While acknowledging the darker aspects of Macdonald’s policies is necessary, focusing exclusively on his flaws undermines the larger narrative of Canada’s formation and the sacrifices and vision required to build the nation.
The stark difference between how Canada and the United States treat their founding leaders raises questions about the role of political heroes in national identity. Heroes offer citizens a shared historical anchor, reminding them of their country’s potential and achievements. In Canada’s case, sidelining Macdonald’s contributions risks fostering a sense of historical amnesia, leaving citizens disconnected from the story of how their nation came to be.
This lack of historical pride is especially concerning in the current era. Canada faces significant challenges—economic uncertainties, political divisions, and debates over its place on the global stage. At a time when unity and confidence are paramount, embracing figures like Macdonald can inspire a renewed sense of purpose. Honoring his triumphs, such as Confederation and the completion of the railway, does not absolve his faults but rather frames them within the broader context of his accomplishments.
The example of George Washington shows how a balanced commemoration can benefit a nation. While Washington’s slaveholding and policies toward Native Americans have drawn criticism, these aspects have not overshadowed his central role in establishing the United States. Instead, they have sparked critical discussions that enrich the understanding of his legacy. Canada can adopt a similar approach, using Macdonald’s history to engage in meaningful dialogue about its past while celebrating the achievements that shaped its present.
Efforts to reclaim Macdonald’s legacy are already underway. Bellevue House in Kingston, his former residence, serves as a National Historic Site that educates visitors about his life and times. His statue on Parliament Hill remains a symbol of his pivotal role in Canada’s formation. These commemorations should be expanded and reinvigorated to foster a balanced appreciation of his legacy.
Canada could draw inspiration from the United States by creating more visible and enduring tributes to Macdonald. A federal holiday in his honour, similar to Washington’s Birthday, would encourage reflection on his contributions. Renaming streets, schools, and landmarks after Macdonald would reinforce his place in the nation’s history. Educational initiatives could ensure that future generations understand his role as a visionary leader while critically examining his policies and their impact.
Critics may argue that celebrating Macdonald’s achievements risks whitewashing history. However, acknowledging his accomplishments need not come at the expense of confronting Canada’s colonial past. Instead, it provides an opportunity to recognize the complexities of leadership and the multifaceted nature of historical figures. Macdonald’s story, like Canada’s, is one of both triumph and struggle, and embracing this duality can foster a more nuanced understanding of the nation’s identity.
Canada’s hesitancy to commemorate Macdonald reflects a broader struggle to define its national pride. By celebrating his achievements alongside an honest reckoning of his failures, Canadians can find inspiration in their shared history. As George Washington’s legacy continues to unite Americans, so too can Sir John A. Macdonald’s story serve as a foundation for Canadian pride and unity. Now is the time for Canada to embrace its past, not to erase it, and to honour the leader who played an indispensable role in its creation.