Background
He was born in Cardigan, Prince Edward Island becoming a potato grower, general merchant, produce dealer by career. His father was John Alexander Macdonald, a provincial politician then a federal Member of Parliament and Senator.
He was born in Cardigan, Prince Edward Island becoming a potato grower, general merchant, produce dealer by career. His father was John Alexander Macdonald, a provincial politician then a federal Member of Parliament and Senator.
The younger Macdonald served in World World War II, commanding the Prince Edward Island Regiment. He was injured at Normandy on July 1944 and returned to Prince Edward Island. He lost his riding in the 1947 provincial election, but returned to the provincial legislature in a 1951 election victory after which he became his party"s whip and finance critic.
As a merchant, Macdonald became J. A. MacDonald & Company
Limited."s President and was a director for Associated Shippers, Incorporated. He also served on various boards and associations.
Macdonald was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons at King"s riding in the 1957 general election and re-elected there in the 1958 election. Macdonald died at his home in Cardigan, Prince Edward Island on the morning of 4 January 1961, during his term in the 24th Parliament.