Final answer:
Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, instrumental in its formation and expansion. He was involved in the creation of the Dominion of Canada and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He retired in Nova Scotia, remained active until his death in 1948, and was honored with a military funeral.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sir John A. Macdonald played a pivotal role in the formation of Canada as a nation. As the first Prime Minister of Canada, he led the country from 1867, overseeing its expansion and development. Macdonald facilitated the unification of Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and New Brunswick into the Dominion of Canada under the British North America Act of 1867, a significant milestone in Canada's path to independence from Britain. His leadership in the purchase of the Northwest Territories in 1869 and bringing Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia into the Dominion were crucial to Canada's growth.
Understanding the importance of infrastructure in a vast country like Canada, Macdonald spearheaded the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, which was completed in 1885. This transcontinental railway was essential in connecting Canada's eastern and western coasts and facilitating economic growth. Even today, it is noticeable that the majority of Canada's population lives within 100 miles of the U.S. border, emphasizing the lasting influence of Macdonald's policies on Canadian settlement patterns.
Macdonald's tenure as Prime Minister ended in 1891, and he retired to Nova Scotia in 1923. Despite his retirement, he continued to engage in public life by traveling extensively. He passed away in 1948 and was given a funeral with full military honors. His legacy remains integral to the history and development of Canada.