The 180

Sir John A. Macdonald's legacy

January 11th is Sir John A. Macdonald Day in Canada. On this episode we hear two differing views about the legacy of our country's first Prime Minister.
This Sunday, Canada will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of John A Macdonald, the country's first prime minister. But not everyone is celebrating. University professor Niigaan Sinclair shares why he will not be toasting SirJam. (Pittaway & Jarvis/Library and Archives Canada)

January 11, 2015 is Sir John A. Macdonald Day in Canada. And this year, the date marks 200 years since the birth of our first Prime Minister. 

On this episode, we hear two differing views about Macdonald's legacy.

Toronto writer Stephen Marche recently published an essay that says Macdonald deserves to be remembered with the "active and considered contempt" of Canadians.

Richard Gwyn is the author of a two-volume biography of Macdonald, he argues Sir John A. deserves to be recognized for his contribution to many of Canada's present-day successes.