John Alexander McDonald was a prominent Canadian politician and the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. He played a crucial role in the confederation of Canada, helping to unite the provinces into a single nation. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the early political landscape of the country. McDonald was born on January 11, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1820. He was known for his strong advocacy of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected the country from coast to coast. His legacy includes significant contributions to Canadian governance and national identity.