18th Premier of British Columbia. A member of the Liberal Party, he served in this position from November 1916 until his death. Born in Harvey, New Brunswick, Canada, his father owned a shipyard. He worked at various jobs, including a printer's apprentice, a purser on a coastal steamer, and a storekeeper. In 1893 he came to British Columbia where in 1902 he became the manager and part owner of a salmon cannery. In 1907 he entered politics and was elected to the provincial legislature and became leader of the opposition. In 1912 he lost his seat but won it back in 1916 and later that year he led the Liberal Party to victory in a general election and became Premier. During his short term in office he instituted prohibition, raised and established new taxes, cut spending, and brought women into government positions. While returning from a visit to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, he developed lobar pneumonia and died in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the age of 47.
18th Premier of British Columbia. A member of the Liberal Party, he served in this position from November 1916 until his death. Born in Harvey, New Brunswick, Canada, his father owned a shipyard. He worked at various jobs, including a printer's apprentice, a purser on a coastal steamer, and a storekeeper. In 1893 he came to British Columbia where in 1902 he became the manager and part owner of a salmon cannery. In 1907 he entered politics and was elected to the provincial legislature and became leader of the opposition. In 1912 he lost his seat but won it back in 1916 and later that year he led the Liberal Party to victory in a general election and became Premier. During his short term in office he instituted prohibition, raised and established new taxes, cut spending, and brought women into government positions. While returning from a visit to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, he developed lobar pneumonia and died in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the age of 47.
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Bio by: William Bjornstad