Aayushi Bhattarai,

1886
Leadership Dynamics: Comparing Two
Political Icons and Their Impact on Citizens

Date: 09/27/1886 New York’s - Back in times

Sir John A. Macdonald, how did

he handle his power?

Picture of Sir John A MacDonald

Sir John Alexander Macdonald was born on January 11, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to Canada
when he was young and grew up in Kingston, Upper Canada. He got into politics in the 1840s, pushing for
change and later becoming a key person in Canada joining together in 1867. He was Canada's first Prime
Minister from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to when he died in 1891. Macdonald played a big part in
shaping the country. He put in place the National Policy, finished building the Canadian Pacific Railway,
and did a lot to expand the country to the west and make it more united. Even with problems like atrocious
times for the economy and political issues, Macdonald's legacy as a founder of Canada and a smart leader
in government goes on. Many awards and groups honour him for what he did for Canadian history and
identity.

Sir John Alexander Macdonald is regarded as a prominent figure in todays politics, though people argue
that he isn’t as prominent figure when it comes to having empathy for people, especially people who
identify different from him. People are arguing today about how Macdonald failed to become human while
he was a politician.
I interviewed a member of an Aboriginal group; Cris Volchan. Specifically with a focus on the impact Sir
John A. Macdonald had on him as well as his group. My main findings were that Cris and his family respect
Sir John A. Macdonald as a politician for laying out the foundations for Canada, and allowing Canada to
become the respectable country it is today, though he doesn’t appreciate how he failed to see his family
and himself as human.

“With the school that my child was forced to go to, it felt like we were forcingly erasing ourselves,
everything our culture represented was being washed away. I felt at the time, if everyone else in Canada
can be proud of who they are, why can’t we, what makes us different? The Act that made us require
permission before leaving our reserve made me think that I was in prison, like I was trapped.” - Cris
Volchan.

Reading this quote evokes emotion, it allows us to truly understand how Sir John A. Macdonald had a
direct impact on his community. Though he did appreciate the respectable actions Macdonald took, it’s
safe to say that Cris Volchan has all the right to express his emotion about how Macdonald affected him.
Though, it’s a democracy, and a democracy always has two sides of the story. Chris feels that what Sir John
A. Macdonald did was unjust, and unfair to himself and his group, what does Macdonald have to say for
himself?

I interviewed Sir John A. Macdonald and I realized that their truly was two sides of the story. In this
interview, I focused on the power Sir John A. Macdonald had received and how he decided to utilize this
power. He mentioned that he always had hope for Canada, that he quote on quote “ I believed in strong
central leadership to ensure stability and progress for our young nation”. I then ask him about a more
sensitive topic, I ask,

“Some critics argue that your policies, such as the National Policy and the Indian Act, were controversial. How do
you respond to these criticisms?”

I was surprised to see how well he handled the question. He replied, calm, and what I felt was a genuine
response. He said,

“Every policy decision has its supporters and critics. The National Policy, for example, aimed to protect Canadian
industries and promote economic growth. Regarding Indigenous policies, I acknowledge that historical
perspectives may differ, but my intention was always to address challenges and promote progress for all
Canadians. I can speak for myself when I say, everything I did for Canada was in hopes of a better outcome. I
understand most people can’t agree and I am fine with that, as that is what a democracy is for.”

His response made it clear that he wanted to do the best for Canada. Though there could still be speculation on
that, everyone would have a different perspective. He mention democracy, which brings me to my next point,
how did he gain this power, and how was his type of government?

Gaining of Power

Sir John Alexander Macdonald came from a highly educated background, his constitutional expertise, ability and
knowledge were common factors that were taken into account by the imperial government. Lord Monck, a
former Governor General of the Province of Canada and the first Governor General of the Dominion, selected
Macdonald as the first prime minister of Canada on July 1 1867, the brith of Canada.

Sir John A. Macdonald played a vital role in the development of Canada though partnered up with his wrongs, it
becomes difficult to make a analysis of him. For the moment, I should think that we should embrace our own
opinions about him, while not trying to make a one size fits all statement of him, after all it’s a democracy!

“Politics is a game requiring great coolness and an utter abnegation of prejudice and personal feeling”

About Aayushi Bhattarai

Born and raised in New York City in 1846, and now in her ripe age of 20 years is
starting her career in researching popular political figures.