CBC Archives

Ask students what they know or have learned about Sir John A. Macdonald, and record their response. Ask them what they know about the events leading to Confederation, the British North America Act, and the formation of Canada as a nation in 1867. Ask them to name any important events they associate with Macdonald’s period in office as Prime Minister. Ask them if they can identify the Canadian currency on which Macdonald’s image appears, and why they think it is placed there.

Have students browse the topic Sir John A. Macdonald: Architect of Modern Canada on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site for 20 to 30 minutes. As they browse the site, students should record information about Macdonald focusing on the following topics: his life, times, political career, main achievements, and importance in Canadian history.

Write these questions on the board:
Why is Sir John A. Macdonald called the “architect of modern Canada”?
What were Macdonald’s main strengths and weaknesses as a political leader?
What were his main achievements and failings?
With what important events in Canadian history is he associated?
Why is he regarded as one of Canada’s most important public figures?

Using the information they have gathered from browsing the site, students can answer these questions in the form of a discussion. Together, prepare and display a brief summary of the main points.

Students can write a brief opinion statement on what they think was Macdonald’s most important achievement as Prime Minister of Canada, and why they think it was so significant for the country.