Commentary
There are quite a few lesser-known Fathers of Confederation who deserve to be remembered for their cameo appearance, or even as best-supporting actors. Sir Alexander Campbell was a best-supporting actor, a reliable all-round steady hand, a good second string.
Campbell was a key Ontario ally of John A. Macdonald, though they were not close personal friends. Both were Kingston men, lawyers, and Tories of the coalition that re-founded Canada as a federal Dominion in 1867. Campbell was “useful, safe, and able … the ideal political lieutenant.” And the two overcame personal differences to put the work of Canada first, in a political alliance that spanned five decades….