One of the most important Fathers of Confederation, George-Étienne Cartier was John A. Macdonald's friend and political partner. Trained as a lawyer, Cartier was elected to the government of the Province of Canada in 1848. Joining forces with Macdonald, Cartier became co-premier in the Parliament of 1857-62. 
An energetic and confident man, Cartier devoted himself to the cause of Confederation, and was critical in reconciling French Canadians to it. He was a senior member of Macdonald’s Cabinet, serving as acting PM during Macdonald’s illnesses. Cartier died in 1873 during the Pacific Scandal in which he had played an important role by promising a railway contract to Sir Hugh Allan in exchange for party funds.