What Is the McKenzie Method?

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, second Prime Minister (1873-1878), a construction contractor. Historically, he is known as the political opponent of Canadian father John Alexander McDonald. Religious but betrayed by colleagues and attacked by opponents.

Alexander Mackenzie

In 1822, Mackenzie was born in the ancient city of Dunkeld in the southern Highlands of Scotland. There are several brothers in his family. In 1842, 20-year-old Mackenzie came to Upper Canada with his lover Helen Neal. He spent the first winter with Neil's family in a small village near Kingston. The following spring, he resumed his old job as a stonemason, contracted some buildings alone, broadened his horizons, and quickly became rich. In 1845, he finally married his 20-year-old Helen Neal.

In 1847, the Mackenzie couple moved to Sarnia, where his brother became mayor there, and his construction business has been booming. After the establishment of the Commonwealth, he became chairman of the Independent Fire Insurance Company. In 1852, his wife damaged his health while giving birth to his third child and died unfortunately.

At that time, the Liberals were holding a conference before the establishment of the federation. Mackenzie originally wanted to help his brother in political activities, but he was quickly influenced by George Brown. Mentors and Friends. Mackenzie also learned to be the editor-in-chief of the Lambton Shield, an advocate of reform. Unfortunately, the newspaper closed for defamation for criticizing the local Tory's cabinet minister.

In 1861, Mackenzie was elected to the Canadian Legislative Yuan. He was a strong debater and unyielding political organizer, and Mackenzie supported the creation of a federation. In 1867, he was elected to the House of Representatives in the first election of the Canadian Dominion.

Alexander Mackenzie Memorial Statue

Like McDonald, Alexander Mackenzie was also from Scotland and started by personal struggle, but otherwise they are completely different. He supports the Prohibition Movement, but it is clear that the campaign is not publicly supported nationwide. Mackenzie is honest and impeccable, and believes in religion.

Mackenzie is harsh, monotonous and shrewd. After doing a lot of work for his country and political party, he gradually stood out. But neither the state nor the political party paid him as he deserved. His Liberal colleagues never gave him any comfort. Mackenzie worshiped George Brown, but George Brown took advantage of Mackenzie's loyalty and increased his life burden. Although shrewd and wayward Edward Black was a MacKenzie colleague, he attacked MacKenzie's policies and undermined MacKenzie's leadership.

Mackenzie is better than his Liberal colleagues imagine. He lacks McDonald's imagination and management skills, but is persistent and loyal. Like MacDonald, McKenzie loves the country where he settles. His qualities are not enough to ensure that he can take on heavy responsibility. Wilfrid Laurel, who succeeded Black as the leader of the Liberal Party, acknowledged in evaluating Mackenzie's character and ability: "Mackenzie does not have the creativity and vision necessary to lead a political party or a country."