![The Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald by J.W.L. Forster](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_image_850_x_532/public/legacy/timeline_content/28_2.jpg?itok=vTdtjaVy)
1867
John Sandfield Macdonald was appointed the first Premier of Ontario by Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald – they were not related. Sandfield Macdonald won the province’s first election that took place in September, 1867, and led a coalition-style government composed of both Liberal and Conservative members.