“It is a great pleasure to encourage all Canadians to celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald Day. Sir John A., an immigrant to our shores like so many millions in our own era, sought and found opportunity in what was to become Canada. In a land divided by race, religion and geography, the Father of Confederation succeeded where others previously failed and united our land in 1867.”

“With skill and political force he brought together French and English, Catholic and Protestant, extended the vote to Aboriginal Canadians and fought for women’s voting rights. While far from perfect, Sir John A., the founder of our party, further united Canadians with the Canadian Pacific Railway and lived to see a trans-continental Canada that extended his inclusive vision for Canada from coast-to-coast

John A., Was a Nation builder in the best sense of the word.