User:TimeToFixThis/sandbox
Ronald McDonald | |
|---|---|
| 25th Prime Minister of Canada | |
| Assumed office April 14, 2025 | |
| Monarch | Charles III |
| Preceded by | Christia Freeland |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office May 16, 2024 – April 14, 2025 | |
| Monarch | Charles III |
| Preceded by | Pierre Poilievre |
| Succeeded by | Christia Freeland |
| Leader of the Conservative Party | |
| Assumed office May 16, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Pierre Poilievre |
| Member of Parliament for Skeena—Bulkley Valley | |
| Assumed office April 11, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Taylor Bachrach |
| 36th Premier of British Columbia | |
| In office May 9, 2017 – March 17, 2024 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II CharlesIII |
| Preceded by | Christy Clark |
| Succeeded by | John Rustad |
| Leader of Conservative Party of British Columbia | |
| In office November 29, 2015 – May 17, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Trevor Bolin |
| Succeeded by | John Rustad |
| Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for North Coast-Haida Gwaii | |
| In office May 14, 2013 – March 17, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Gary Coons |
| Succeeded by | Tamara Davidson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ronald Donald McDonald October 2, 1982 Williams Lake, British Columbia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Christina Applegate |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence(s) | Bella Coola, British Columbia |
| Education | Capilano University (BA) |
Ronald Donald McDonald (born October 2, 1982) is a Canadian politician and businessman who has been the 25th and current prime minister of Canada since 2025 and leader of the Conservative Party since 2024. He previously served as the premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2024.
McDonald was born in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and attended Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School. He graduated from Capilano University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. After graduating, he founded McDonald Ventures, an investing organization that employs over 2,500 people as of 2024. In 2011, he got involved in local politics becoming the chair of the Central Coast Regional District. In the 2013 British Columbia general election, ran for the open seat in his local riding North Coast-Haida Gwaii and won. In 2015, he ran in the Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership race and won with 53% on the second ballot.
McDonald led the BC Conservative into the 2017 British Columbia general election and won a majority government, making him the youngest premier in the provinces history. His first term included loosening up regulations on fossil fuel industries and funded the construction of three pipelines in the province. His party passed legislation that sold off unused government property to build over 30,000 new homes. He also passed legislation than recriminalized the position of illicit drugs, and put in place harsher minimum sentencing for drug dealers.
In April 2024, McDonald left provincial politics all together to run federally, winning in his home riding of Skeena—Bulkley Valley in a by-election to replace resigned MP, Taylor Bachrach. In May, after Pierre Poilievre's resignation, McDonald ran in the leadership race for the Conservative Party of Canada, winning by 63% on the first ballot; thus becoming the Leader of the Opposition. McDonald led the Conservatives into the 2025 Canadian federal election, winning a supermajority of 263 seat. McDonald is the youngest prime minister as well as the first prime minister to have been elected from British Columbia.
Early life and career
[edit]McDonald was born in Williams Lake, British Columbia, and grew up in the small remote unincorporated community of Bella Coola along the central coast of British Columbia. He graduated from Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School in June of 2021, and went on to gain a bachelors degree in the post secondary school of Capilano University in North Vancouver.
After graduating from post secondary, McDonald went on to start his own a real estate company in his home town of Bella Coola and opened a bowling alley. He also became a prominent investor in his community and advocate for local resource sector.
Political beginnings
[edit]Local politics
[edit]McDonald began his political career in local politics, becoming a director of the Central Coast Regional District in 2011. He later became the chair of the board in 2013, following Jayme Kennedy's resignation. During his tenure, he focused on improving infrastructure, expanding local business opportunities, and advocating for resource development in the region. He held this position until 2013 when he ran provincially.
40th British Columbia legislature
[edit]Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
[edit]Early speculation
[edit]Following the BC Conservatives’ poor performance in the 2009 and 2013 provincial elections, there was increasing speculation about a leadership change. With McDonald’s growing influence in local politics and his reputation as a successful entrepreneur, he was seen as a fresh face that could revitalize the party.
2013 leadership election
[edit]McDonald announced his candidacy for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party in early 2015. His campaign focused on economic development, reducing government intervention, and strengthening law enforcement. He won the leadership race on the second ballot with 53% of the vote.
Early leadership (2015-2017)
[edit]As leader of the BC Conservative Party, McDonald focused on expanding the party’s support base beyond traditional conservative voters. He introduced policies aimed at attracting blue-collar workers, small business owners, and rural communities. His leadership saw the party gain significant momentum heading into the 2017 provincial election.
Premier of British Columbia (2017-2024)
[edit]2017 provincial election
[edit]McDonald led the BC Conservatives to a decisive victory in the 2017 provincial election, winning a majority government. At age 34, he became the youngest premier in the province’s history. His campaign centered on economic development, public safety, and reducing bureaucracy in government regulations.
Swearing-in
[edit]McDonald was sworn in as the 36th premier of British Columbia on June 12, 2017.
Domestic policies
[edit]Crime
[edit]One of McDonald’s early legislative moves as premier was introducing a tougher stance on crime. His government passed laws that re-criminalized the possession of illicit drugs and implemented stricter minimum sentencing laws for drug dealers.
Energy
[edit]Under McDonald’s leadership, British Columbia expanded its fossil fuel industry by loosening regulations and funding the construction of three pipelines. His government also promoted liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects to boost exports and create jobs.
COVID-19 pandemic
[edit]McDonald was premier during the COVID-19 pandemic. His government implemented a balanced approach, ensuring public health measures while keeping the economy open. He prioritized vaccinations, rapid testing, and targeted lockdowns over blanket restrictions.
Social issues
[edit]McDonald’s government repealed certain progressive social policies from the previous administration, arguing for a more family-oriented approach. He promoted parental rights in education and limited government intervention in private businesses.
2020 provincial election
[edit]McDonald led his party into the 2020 provincial election, securing another majority government. The election reinforced his political strength in the province as he campaigned on strong economic growth and law-and-order policies.
2024 provincial election
[edit]Despite leading in polls, McDonald opted not to run in the 2024 election as he shifted his focus to federal politics. The BC Conservatives won a reduced majority under his successor.
Resignation
[edit]McDonald announced his resignation as premier in April 2024 to pursue federal politics, leaving behind a legacy of economic growth and conservative governance.
Transition to federal politics
[edit]Skeena—Bulkley Valley by-election
[edit]McDonald ran in the Skeena—Bulkley Valley by-election in April 2024, winning by a landslide to replace resigned MP Taylor Bachrach.
43rd parliament
[edit]Upon entering the House of Commons, McDonald quickly became a key figure in the Conservative caucus, advocating for resource development and reducing federal bureaucracy.
2024 leadership election
[edit]After Pierre Poilievre resigned as Conservative Party leader in May 2024, McDonald entered the leadership race. His campaign emphasized economic growth, energy independence, and law-and-order policies. He won decisively on the first ballot with 63% of the vote, becoming Leader of the Opposition.
Leader of the opposition (2024-2025)
[edit]Leadership appointments and shadow cabinet
[edit]As opposition leader, McDonald appointed a strong shadow cabinet that included experienced MPs and new faces from various backgrounds. His team focused on critiquing the Trudeau government’s economic policies and advocating for conservative solutions.
Parliamentary activities
[edit]During his tenure as opposition leader, McDonald was known for his aggressive questioning in Parliament and his ability to connect with working-class Canadians. His stance on tax reduction, energy development, and border security resonated with many voters.
2025 federal election
[edit]McDonald led the Conservatives into the 2025 federal election on a platform of economic growth, resource development, and national security. The party won a supermajority with 263 seats, the largest Conservative victory in modern Canadian history. McDonald became the first prime minister elected from British Columbia.
Prime minister of Canada (2025-present)
[edit]Swearing-in
[edit]McDonald was sworn in as Canada’s 25th prime minister on July 2, 2025.
44th parliament
[edit]His government immediately focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and expanding Canada’s natural resource sector. He introduced sweeping reforms aimed at reducing government spending and increasing private-sector investment.
Domestic policy
[edit]As prime minister, McDonald prioritized economic growth, energy development, and public safety. His government reversed carbon tax policies and streamlined regulatory approvals for major infrastructure projects.
Foreign policy
[edit]McDonald strengthened Canada’s relationships with traditional allies while taking a tougher stance on China and Russia. His administration negotiated new trade agreements, ensuring Canadian industries remained competitive on the global stage.
Personal life
[edit]McDonald is married to Emily McDonald, and they have three children. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and investing in local businesses. A strong advocate for rural Canada, he continues to spend time in Bella Coola whenever possible.
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TimeToFixThis/sandbox | |
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| Prime Minister of Canada Designate | |
| Assuming office TBD | |
| Monarch | Charles III |
| Governor‑General | Mary Simon |
| Succeeding | Justin Trudeau |