🏛️ Chapter 3: Canada's History
Who was the key architect of Confederation from Quebec?
Correct answer: Sir George-Etienne Cartier
✓ Sir George-Etienne Cartier
B Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine
C Sir Etienne-Paschal Tache
D Sir Wilfrid Laurier
💡 Explanation
Cartier, a Montreal railway lawyer and close ally of Macdonald, brought Quebec into Confederation.
Key facts to remember
- In 1867 Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada
- Born in Scotland on 11 January 1815; moved to Upper Canada while young
- Practised law in Kingston, Ontario
- 11 January is Sir John A. Macdonald Day; the $10 bill shows his portrait
- No one in Quebec did more to build Confederation than Cartier
- A railway lawyer and Montrealer, and a close ally of Macdonald
- Quebec entered Confederation under his leadership
- He negotiated the entry of Manitoba, British Columbia and the N.W.T.
Why this is the answer
From the official Discover Canada study guide — 3.4.4 Canada's First Prime Minister:
Canada's first Prime Minister took office in 1867. He was Sir John Alexander Macdonald, one of the Fathers of Confederation. Scotland was his birthplace, and he was born there on January 11, 1815. He arrived in Upper Canada while still a child, and later practised law in Kingston, Ontario. He was a skilled politician with a colourful personality. Sir John A. Macdonald Day, recognised by Parliament, falls on January 11. The $10 bill carries his portrait.
Sir George-Etienne Cartier came from Quebec, and no one there did more to build Confederation. He earned his living as a railway lawyer and made his home in Montreal. He was a patriotic Canadien, and he worked hand in hand with Macdonald as a close ally. Quebec entered Confederation under his leadership. Cartier also sat in the negotiations that brought Manitoba, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories into the country.
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