Gerry Bowler: Happy Birthday Prime Minister John A. Macdonald

Commentary On Jan. 11, a few Canadians on awakening will remember that it is Sir John A. Macdonald Day, as decreed by Parliament in an act of March 21, 2002. On that long-ago date, Sir John was considered a Canadian hero worthy of celebration and commemoration. But now, of course, the wisest minds of our nation tell us otherwise. Macdonald is a despised and disgraced figure. His name is removed from places, buildings, and prizes; his statues are torn down and defaced; mothers frighten their children with stories of the Ogre of Ottawa. On the occasion of his birthday it may do readers some good to be reminded of why John A. once had a shining reputation....