1812Who was the first Premier of the Province of Ontario?
John Sandfield Macdonald, born in St. Raphael, Glengarry County, became the first premier of Ontario in 1867, guiding the new province through its formative years after Confederation. His leadership was instrumental in defining the evolving relationship between provincial and federal governments, and his legacy is marked by a reputation for integrity and independence. A unique figure in Canadian history, Macdonald was the only person to serve in all eight parliaments of the united Province of Canada, and Ontario would not have another Roman Catholic premier for 132 years after his term ended in 1871. Today, his impact is commemorated by a statue at Queen's Park in Toronto and a historic gravesite in St. Andrews West, symbols of his enduring significance in Ontario's heritage.
