Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
Quick answer: Sir John A. Macdonald. In our practice tests 86% of 92 answers were correct, and the most common mistake is choosing “Louis Riel”.
Why is this the correct answer?
Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867. He was a key Father of Confederation and championed the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Study Tip
This question involves a key figure in Canadian history, specifically someone who played a significant role in the country's early development. Think of a name associated with the formation of the country itself.
What should you know about this topic?
Sir John A. Macdonald was Canada's first Prime Minister. He was a Father of Confederation and took office on July 1, 1867, when the Dominion of Canada was created. Born in Scotland, he came to Upper Canada as a child and became a lawyer in Kingston, Ontario.
Macdonald played a leading role in uniting the British North American colonies. Under his government, Canada expanded westward: Manitoba joined in 1870, British Columbia in 1871, and Prince Edward Island in 1873. He promised British Columbia a railway, and the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1885, linking the country from coast to coast. His portrait appears on the ten-dollar bill issued before 2018, and Sir John A. Macdonald Day is noted on January 11, his birthday. Macdonald led the Conservative Party and served as Prime Minister for most of the period from 1867 until his death in 1891. He won several elections and is remembered as one of the most important builders of the country, although some of his policies toward Indigenous peoples are viewed critically today.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier was another key Father of Confederation and worked closely with Macdonald. Later prime ministers included Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the first French-Canadian prime minister, and Lester B. Pearson, who won the Nobel Peace Prize. For the test, connect Macdonald with Confederation in 1867, the railway, and the expansion of Canada to the west.
Why are the other answers wrong?
- Louis Riel: Louis Riel was a Métis leader who led the Red River and North-West resistances. He was never Prime Minister.
- Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln was a President of the United States, not a Canadian leader.
- Lester B. Pearson: Lester B. Pearson was Prime Minister in the 1960s and won the Nobel Peace Prize, but he was not the first.
What is the most common mistake?
Some learners pick Louis Riel or Lester B. Pearson because they are famous Canadians. Riel was a Métis leader, Pearson was a later Prime Minister; Macdonald was the first.
How can you remember the answer?
"John A. was Number One on Day One": July 1, 1867.
Original data
How many people get this question right?
86% of 92 practice answers from about 61 people were correct. The most common wrong answer is "Louis Riel", chosen 7% of the time. The data covers practice tests on BecomeACitizen.ca from March 31, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
How hard is this question compared with others?
It is the 60th easiest of the 167 questions we have enough data to rank. The average for the Canada's History chapter is 68% correct, and the average across all questions is 75%. You need 75% to pass the real test.
These are practice questions written from the official Discover Canada guide. IRCC does not publish the real test questions. See the full ranking in the 20 most-missed citizenship test questions or browse more Canada's History questions.
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Test yourself with questions from Canada's History. Timed mock tests, instant scoring, and detailed explanations.
Which part of Discover Canada is this question from?
This question is from the Canada's History section of the Canadian citizenship test. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Discover Canada study guide. You need to score at least 75% (15 out of 20 correct) to pass.
This chapter has 61 questions in our database. Studying chapter by chapter is one of the most effective ways to prepare, as it helps you build deep understanding of each topic before moving to the next.
How should you study for the citizenship test?
Start by reading the complete how-to-pass guide, then work through each chapter in the study mode. When you feel ready, take a full exam simulation with the real 45-minute time limit.