Canada's first Prime Minister would have been 200 today
Significant role also as one of the Fathers Of Confederation
By Mark Schadenberg
On
Jan 11, 1815, one of the greatest Canadians ever was born.
Sir
John A Macdonald was not only one of the Fathers of Confederation,
but he is also Canada's first Prime Minister and second longest
serving PM, and even though he was born in Scotland, he grew up in
Kingston and is certainly one of this country's most important
figures ever.
Macdonald
(PM from 1867–1873, 1878–1891) is currently receiving a modest amount of well-deserved recognition across
Canada as our nation remembers his 200 birthday.
The
City of Kitchener marked the occasion last week by introducing a new
statue at the Memorial Auditorium complex arenas. Artist sculptor
Ruth Abernethy of Wellesley created the work and the Region Of
Waterloo is energetically attempting to have similar works created to
recognize all former Canadian prime ministers and to have the
completed displays unveiled in time for Canada to mark its 200th
birthday in 2017.
Ontario
Hockey League players will wear a crest marking the occasion as well.
Naturally,
in Macdonald's hometown of Kingston there has been quite a
celebration planned to mark the bicentennial, but the fireworks for last night were postponed due to high winds.
It
would appear Canadians are more subdued in throwing a huge
coast-to-coast series of events to honour Macdonald. I know there are
no parades planned in Woodstock.
In
the Kingston of then Upper Canada, Macdonald grew in prominence as
a local lawyer and alderman. The so-called House Of Assembly for
Upper Canada was in Kingston, so Macdonald would soon represent his
hometown 'riding' at that level.
In
Kingston today (Jan. 11), the bicentennial is recognized with a
birthday cake at Memorial Hall. Mayor Bryan Paterson will officially
mark the occasion at 2:45 p.m.
For
Sir John A Macdonald, who died in 1891, there will be no gigantic
Atlantic-to-Pacific party, so let's hope Canada as a nation does a
much better task at marking our 150th year in 2017.
By the way, on this Jan. 11 we also celebrate the 81st birthday of Jean Chretien -- Canada's 20th prime minister. He held the post for about 10 years.
By the way, on this Jan. 11 we also celebrate the 81st birthday of Jean Chretien -- Canada's 20th prime minister. He held the post for about 10 years.
LINKS:
www.cityofkingston.ca
http://www.thewhig.com/2015/01/09/sir-john-a-behind-the-talk-of-nationhood
http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/article/ohl-supports-sirjohna2015-project/165332
http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/article/pm-harper-attends-frontenacs-game/165383
http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/article/pm-harper-attends-frontenacs-game/165383
Mark
Schadenberg, Sales
Representative
Senior
Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal
LePage Triland Realty
757
Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519)
537-1553, cell or text
Email:
mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter:
markroyallepage
Facebook:
Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland
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