Sir John A. MacDonald Day
The Scottish Society of Ottawa hosted a party along with the McAuslan Brewery of Montreal marking the birthday of Canada's first Prime Minister at the pub named in his honor in downtown Ottawa on January 10. A pub quiz, piping session and birthday cake made for an enjoyable evening for all who attended. The first of many to be held at this fine establishment to be sure!
The Scottish Society of Ottawa
The Scottish Society of Ottawa launched on November 30, 2011. The aim of this club is to support and further the goals and events held in the Ottawa region which support the Scottish arts. The Board of Directors is a group of people from a great, diverse set of backgrounds all dedicated to the success of this new group.
Updates on members and membership shall be posted here so please come back for more information. Email us at collegeofpiping@sympatico.ca to find out how to be a part of this Highland endeavour! Sir John A. MacDonald Day
To mark the occasion of Sir John A. MacDonald's birthday, there is a party at the Sir John A Pub at 284 Elgin Street, Ottawa on Tuesday, January 10 at 7 pm. Piping, pub quiz and pints mark the celebration of the special day of Canada's first Prime Minister, born in Glasgow, Scotland! Come on out for this great and fun event. Here is a terrific article by friend of the Scottish Society, Mr. Arthur Milnes http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/919418--sir-john-a-macdonald-what-a-very-great-man-he-was
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National Post editorial board: Sir John A. Macdonald deserves a proper toast National Post Editorial Board Jan 11, 2011 – 7:30 AM ET | Last Updated: Jan 11, 2011 10:46 AM ET
National Archives Canada
Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister was born on this day in 1815.
Today we celebrate the true birthday of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Born in Kingston, Ontario the evening of January 11th 1815, the event was only registered the next day, leading to some confusion about the actual anniversary.
About Mr. Macdonald’s legacy, however, there is no doubt. Prime Minister for six mandates, he oversaw Confederation, the drafting of the BNA Act and the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He also saw his share of controversy, including the Pacific Scandal and the hanging of Louis Riel. Ultimately he was a nation-builder who Canadians count among their most influential Prime Ministers.
So why is there no commission to honour his bicentennial, now a scant four years away? South of the border, Americans planned Abraham Lincoln’s 2009 bicentennial for almost a decade. Contrast that with our proposals: A few Kingston residents have raised $15,000, with support from a non-partisan crowd including former Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and John Turner, while the City of Kingston has erected highway signs, and the town of Picton is considering erecting a bronze statue.
But surely Canadians could muster a greater effort. For example, to up the ante, the Macdonald-Cartier Society proposes celebrations coincide with the 150th anniversary of the 1964 Charlottetown Conference, to remind Canadians of the legacy of both Mr. MacDonald and fellow Father of Confederation Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Whatever the decision, Canada shouldn’t let the Macdonald bicentennial pass without throwing a rousing party. Our first Prime Minister deserves — and would appreciate — no less.
National Post
National Archives Canada
Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister was born on this day in 1815.
Today we celebrate the true birthday of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Born in Kingston, Ontario the evening of January 11th 1815, the event was only registered the next day, leading to some confusion about the actual anniversary.
About Mr. Macdonald’s legacy, however, there is no doubt. Prime Minister for six mandates, he oversaw Confederation, the drafting of the BNA Act and the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He also saw his share of controversy, including the Pacific Scandal and the hanging of Louis Riel. Ultimately he was a nation-builder who Canadians count among their most influential Prime Ministers.
So why is there no commission to honour his bicentennial, now a scant four years away? South of the border, Americans planned Abraham Lincoln’s 2009 bicentennial for almost a decade. Contrast that with our proposals: A few Kingston residents have raised $15,000, with support from a non-partisan crowd including former Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and John Turner, while the City of Kingston has erected highway signs, and the town of Picton is considering erecting a bronze statue.
But surely Canadians could muster a greater effort. For example, to up the ante, the Macdonald-Cartier Society proposes celebrations coincide with the 150th anniversary of the 1964 Charlottetown Conference, to remind Canadians of the legacy of both Mr. MacDonald and fellow Father of Confederation Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Whatever the decision, Canada shouldn’t let the Macdonald bicentennial pass without throwing a rousing party. Our first Prime Minister deserves — and would appreciate — no less.
National Post
