Scottish fact of the day: Canada’s first Prime Minister was a Scotsman

Published on 25/07/2012 17:02

Born in Glasgow in 1815, Sir John MacDonald was integral in the creation of the new nation of Canada and was elected to be their first Prime Minister.

Sir John emigrated to what is now Ontario, Canada as a child and became a lawyer at first before moving into politics.

He was knighted on the first observance of Canada’s national day, known as Canada Day, 1 July 1867.

A proud Scotsman and Canadian, MacDonald was in charge when the Trans-Canadian railroad was built and is held in high regard for seeing the project through.

He also put in place the first incarnation of the famous Canadian Mounted Police, better known as the Mounties.

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