John A: Birth of a Country follows John A. Macdonald, a charismatic and brilliant leader whose charm, force of personality and vision almost single-handedly forge the country, from election day in 1854 through the events leading up to Confederation in 1867. The focus is Macdonald, the broader background, the political intrigue and manoeuvring leading to the pact between Macdonald and his arch rival George Brown which unites Upper and Lower Canada. On a personal level Macdonald faces bankruptcy and the collapse of his law practice, deals with the drug addiction of his wife, and her subsequent death, and the rift with his beloved son. On the political front John A. moves from the cabinet to leader of the party, and presides over governments which: establish Ottawa as the capitol; face threats of usurpation from the US; and, eventually ameliorate the political deadlock that has plagued the country for years and results in Confederation.