Alexander Mackenzie

Mackenzie, Alexander (1822–92), Canadian politician. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada in 1842. He entered the legislative assembly in 1861, having worked his way up to the editorship of a Liberal paper. From 1873 to 1878 he was Canada's first Liberal prime minister. Serving during a worldwide depression, Mackenzie confronted many national economic difficulties. He promoted democratic government and greater independence from Great Britain.