Big Debate-Tiny Stamp: Faces of Canadian History

John A Macdonald and Louis Riel played crucial roles in building a democratic government that promoted peace and equality during a tense time in Canadian history. To start with, during the Red River Rebellion Riel formed and led a provisional government that presented Canada with a Bill of Rights. This became the basis for the Manitoba Act, which officially created the fifth Canadian province Manitoba, on July 15th, 1870. In addition, this Act represented the governmental resolution of the conflict between the inhabitants of the Red River and the Federal Government. Moreover, the law provided 1.4 million acres for the Métis people and ensured that the province would be bilingual. Louis declared at his trial, “We have taken time; we have tried to unite all classes, even if I may speak, all parties.” As a result, Louis Riel can be considered as the founder of Manitoba and as a Father of Confederation. In comparison, John A Macdonald was also a major father of confederation, as he played a crucial role in helping Canada into confederation on July 1st, 1867, by passing the British North American Act.