MacDonald and Riel: Contributions to Canada

John A. Macdonald was the individual behind the union of Canada and therefore is one of the most important contributors to this nation and is worthy of recognition on a Canadian postage stamp. Macdonald designed both Confederation and the Canadian Pacific Railway, and was constantly dedicated to his country. Macdonald, a charismatic, natural leader, tirelessly worked for a union of colonies into one harmonious nation, and a union of French and English. He was one of the creators of the Conservative Party of Canada, the first party that both English and French Canadians were happy to join. He was quoted as saying "Let us be English, or let us be French... And above all, let us be Canadian." The colonies in what was formerly British North America had very little to do with each other prior to Confederation, but Macdonald united the colonies into a greater nation. This union was essentially the creation of Canada and one of the most profound contributions that has ever been made to the country. Without Confederation, Canada might never have been united into the harmonious country that it is today. As part of the British North America Act, Macdonald also created many concepts that provide a basis for the contemporary Canadian government such as the Senate, the House of Commons, and the idea of representation by population. In addition, he organized the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway.