Final answer:
John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, was instrumental in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who played an important part in building the Canadian Pacific Railway was John A. MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada. He recognized the need for a transcontinental railroad to unite Canada's eastern and western regions.
The Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885, was essential for the settlement of the prairie provinces and the industrialization of Canada. It was largely constructed by European and Chinese immigrants, which illustrates the diverse workforce involved in this monumental project.
John A. MacDonald played an important role in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. MacDonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and he recognized the importance of a transcontinental railway to connect Canada's eastern and western regions.
He negotiated the purchase of the Northwest Territories, convinced other provinces to join the Dominion of Canada, and oversaw the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1885.