Early Life and Career:
* Born in Scotland in 1814, Mack emigrated to Canada in 1835.
* He initially worked as a clerk in a fur trading company.
* Mack quickly rose through the ranks and became a prominent figure in the fur trade.
Business Ventures:
* Mack was involved in various business ventures, including:
* Real estate: He owned vast tracts of land in Ontario and Manitoba.
* Railroads: He played a key role in the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
* Banking: He was a director of the Bank of Montreal.
* Mining: He invested heavily in silver mines in British Columbia.
Political Career:
* Mack served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Canada for several years.
* He was a strong supporter of Confederation and actively campaigned for its creation.
* He held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Public Works.
Legacy:
* Mack's legacy is complex and multifaceted.
* He was a successful businessman and contributed significantly to the economic development of Canada.
* However, he was also criticized for his business practices, which some considered exploitative.
* His involvement in politics made him a controversial figure.
* Despite his controversies, Mack's contributions to the development of Canada are undeniable.
Notable Facts:
* He was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his extravagant spending.
* He was a close friend of John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada.
* He was a prominent figure in the Canadian social scene and was known for his lavish parties.
Robert Ellice Mack was a complex and influential figure in Canadian history. His business acumen, political involvement, and personal life shaped the development of the nation in profound ways.