His bitter denunciations of Roman Catholic influences in Canadian politics are hardly an inspirational legacy.Ĭonfederation can best be understood by considering what it sought to change, what problems it was meant to solve.
He was no natural politician, no glad-hander with a gift for remembering names and faces. Macdonald's dominance of the post-Confederation political scene in Canada obscures the extent to which Brown held the key to bringing it all about.Ī Scottish immigrant like Macdonald, Brown does not inspire the same affection as his genial Tory counterpart.
In considering claims for the father of the scheme, The Globe and Mail might want to spare a thought for its venerable founder, George Brown.
Macdonald as decisive figures behind Confederation. Alastair Sweeny and Richard Gwyn have made eloquent cases for George-Étienne Cartier and John A.
