Hon. George Brown: The Significant Figure in the Creation of the Great Coalition

The Great Coalition, which led to the creation of Confederation, is one of the most politically significant events in Canadian history. It is the result of combining the work of one independent member and three party members: Alexander Galt, the independent; George-Étienne Cartier, the Bleus' leader; Sir John A. Macdonald, the Conservative leader; and George Brown, the leader of the Clear Grits. Had the Great Coalition not taken place, the Deadlock in Parliament would have remained unresolved; Confederation may never have existed. …