Historical rankings of prime ministers of Canada
Surveys have been conducted to construct historical rankings of individuals who have served as prime minister of Canada. These ranking systems are usually based on surveys of academic historians, economists and political scientists. The rankings focus on the achievements, leadership qualities, failures and faults in office.
East Block (left) and the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council (right) have housed the office of the prime minister since Canadian Confederation, the former from 1867–1977 and the latter since 1977.
Sir John Alexander Macdonald was the first prime minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and from 1878 until his death in 1891. He was the dominant figure of Canadian Confederation, and had a political career that spanned almost half a century.
Macdonald, c. 1875
Battle of the Windmill, near Prescott, Upper Canada, November 13, 1838
John A. Macdonald in 1858
The Quebec Conference. Macdonald is seated fourth from left.