Canadian Politician, and former
Prime Minister from 7 November 1873 - 9 October 1878
In 1873, he became the second
prime minister of
Canada, defeating
Sir John A. Macdonald in the election. He would serve one term, and lose to the same man in 1878.
He was a
Liberal and a
Stonemason and was born in 1822 in
Scotland. As a stonemason he was directly involved in construction efforts for the
Parliament Buildings in
Ottawa.
Under Mackenzie, the
Supreme Court of Canada was established. He also introduced the
secret ballot. His administration completed the scandal-plagued trans Canada Railway that brought down the prior administration of
Sir John A. MacDonald.
Mackenzie allied himself with the working class and refused
knighthood three times.
Previous Prime Minister:
Sir John A. Macdonald (1873)
Next Prime Minister:
Sir John A. Macdonald (1878)