Who is considered the "Father of Confederation"?

Sir John A. Macdonald is recognized as the "Father of Confederation" due to his instrumental role in the process of uniting the British North American colonies into a single Dominion, which became Canada. His leadership during the Confederation conferences in the 1860s, particularly at the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, was crucial in shaping the terms of the union.

Macdonald's vision of a united Canada was driven by a belief in the benefits of a stronger, more cohesive nation that could withstand external pressures, particularly from the United States. His ability to negotiate and build alliances with other leaders, such as George Brown and George-Étienne Cartier, helped to secure the necessary support for Confederation and the eventual passage of the British North America Act in 1867.

While George Brown, Wilfrid Laurier, and others played significant roles in Canadian politics and Confederation, Macdonald's foundational work and leadership during its inception earn him the title of the "Father of Confederation."