Canada’s greatest Prime Minister (equaled only by Sir John A. Macdonald of Kingston) was in Cornwall, Ontario on this date in 1896. Laurier countered these feelings during an address he delivered during the Cornwall riding’s by-election. But the man who appeals to the prejudice of one class after having appealed to the prejudice of another class is twice an enemy to Stormont and Cornwall and Canada. I come here appealing to you not in favour of one race, not in favour of either race: I spurn any such appeals. I stand here upon the broad ground of Canadian citizenship: upon this broad ground we will fight this battle and if you cannot fight it upon this ground then, sir, I despair the fate of my country.

Source: CBC News December 16, 2022 10:57 UTC