John Augustine Macdonald

Who was John Augustine Macdonald?

John Augustine Macdonald was a Progressive Conservative party member of the Canadian House of Commons. He was born in Cardigan, Prince Edward Island becoming a potato grower, general merchant, produce dealer by career.

His father was John Alexander Macdonald, a provincial politician then a federal Member of Parliament and Senator. The younger Macdonald served in World War II, commanding the Prince Edward Island Regiment. He was injured at Normandy on July 1944 and returned to Prince Edward Island. He won a seat at the 3rd Kings riding in a 1945 provincial by-election despite remaining in hospital recovering from his war injuries. He lost his riding in the 1947 provincial election, but returned to the provincial legislature in a 1951 election victory after which he became his party's whip and finance critic.

As a merchant, Macdonald became J. A. MacDonald & Co. Ltd.'s President and was a director for Associated Shippers, Inc. He also served on various boards and associations.

Macdonald was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons at King's riding in the 1957 general election and re-elected there in the 1958 election.