Sir George-Étienne Cartier, 1st Baronet (September 6, 1814 – May 20, 1873), was a key Canadian statesman and a Father of Confederation. Named after King George III, his name was spelled 'George' rather than the usual French 'Georges.' Leading the Parti bleu, Cartier was a powerful political figure in Canada East, and after his involvement in the Lower Canada Rebellion, he returned from exile and entered politics officially in 1848. Throughout his career, Cartier was instrumental in establishing the Civil Code of Lower Canada, replacing the old Custom of Paris law. He also championed primary education in the province. His support for Confederation stemmed partly from concerns about American expansion. Cartier, regarded as one of the foremost Fathers of Confederation alongside Macdonald and George Brown, was often called “The Kingpin of Confederation.” He passed away in London, England, on May 20, 1873.

George-Étienne Cartier - Wikipedia