Alexander Mackenzie - Biography.

Alexander Mackenzie - Biography. Second prime minister of Canada Date Baptized January 28, 1822 Death April 17, 1892 Place of Birth Logierait, Scotland Constituencies Lambton, Ontario (1867-1882) York East, Ontario (1882-1892) Political Party Liberal Term 1873-1878 Significant Acts Introduced the secret ballot in 1874 Raised the tariff in 1874 Created the Supreme Court and the Auditor General's office Founded the Royal Military College in 1874 Pardoned the followers of Louis Riel in the Red River Rebellion Career 1861 Won election to the Canada West provincial legislature 1867 Won election to the federal parliament 1871-1872 Served as treasurer in the Ontario assembly until dual representation was abolished November 7, 1873 Became prime minister after the Pacific Railway scandal forced the Conservative government from office 1873 Formed the first Liberal administration of the Dominion of Canada 1873-1880 Led the Liberal Party 1873-1878 Served as minister of public works 1874 Held elections that resulted in a Liberal Party victory 1878 Resigned as prime minister following a Conservative Party win in the elections 1878-1880 Led the Opposition Did You Know As minister of public works, Mackenzie had an exit built from his office so that he could leave the building without having to see anyone. Of the first eight Canadian prime ministers, Mackenzie was the only one not to take a British title. One reason Mackenzie emigrated to Canada was to follow the woman he loved. Mackenzie was a skilled stonemason; several Ontario constructions he worked on are still standing. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.