John A: Birth of a Country

In the turbulent period prior to Confederation John A. Macdonald (SHAWN DOYLE) and his opponent, the firecely determined George Brown (PETER OUTERBRIDGE), are involved in a passionate struggle for power.  Both are fired by dramatically different visions for the country and a deep hatred for each other.  The period: 1856 - 1864.  Canada is a backwater, too for away and of too little value to be worth Great Britain's protection, and too close to the warring US, who see it as a haven for Confederate sympathisers and a potential territory for annexation.  The political problems resonate 150 years later.  An equal number of seats for Ontario and Quebec mean a dysfunctional legislature and tension between French and English.  The government cannot even decide the location of the capital and are forced to alternate between Toronto and Quebec City after a rioting mob burn down the legislative buildings in Montreal.  Watching this chaos is the US.  During the Civil War, Washington threatens to take over Canada as soon as it defeats the Confederacy.  Britain, just coming out of a brutal and costly war in the Crimea, cannot justify the cost of arming or protecting Canada.  Against this backdrop, two things happen.  Macdonald takes control of the Conservative Party and makes it the dominant party of the country by forging a deal with the French; and, he puts together a plan of action that is so brilliant and audacious, it eventuall leads to the creation of Canada. Also starring DAVID LAHAYE, ADAIN DEVINE, MICHELLE NOLDEN and PATRICK McKENNA.  Produced by Bernard Zukerman, written by Bruce M. Smith, directed by Jerry Cicciritti.

Production Company
Indian Grove Productions

Website
www.johnabirthofacountry.com

Broadcaster
CBC

Funding Program
Performance Envelope