Former prime ministers, premiers pay tribute to Thomas D’Arcy McGee, born April 13, 1825

On the bicentennial of his birth, Jean Chrétien, Stephen Harper, Jean Charest, Dalton McGuinty, and Bob Rae acknowledge the life and legacy of Thomas D'Arcy McGee whose 'vision of Canada as a unified nation protecting minority rights was shaped by his experience in his native Ireland and his years living in the U.S. He wanted something better for Canadians,' says McGuinty.
Thomas D'Arcy McGee, in his final speech in the House, April 6-7, 1868, before he was killed on Sparks Street in Ottawa: 'I hope that in this House mere temporary or local popularity will never be made the test by which to measure the worth or efficiency of a public servant. He, sir, who builds upon popularity builds upon a shifting sand.'

Poet, journalist, politician, and Father of Confederation, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, was the most passionate proponent of bringing Canada together in 1867. An immigrant to North America from Ireland, McGee had a grand vision for the future of his adopted country. It would forev...

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