Updated: 09/12/2014
About Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Sir Wilfrid Laurier had the longest unbroken term of office of any Canadian prime minister. He was Prime Minister of Canada for 15 years and a member of the House of Commons for 45 years. Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the first francophone Prime Minister of Canada, fluently bilingual, and spent much of his time in office trying to balance the interests of the French and English in Canada.
Laurier was a moderate and known for his ability to compromise.
Prime Minister of Canada
1896-1911
Highlights as Prime Minister
Established the Departments of Labour and External Affairs
Recruited immigrants to the West
Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan created in 1905
Two new transcontinental railways begun, although the projects were riddled with scandal
Reciprocity deal with the United States for lower rates on natural products, but Liberals were defeated on free trade in 1911
Stand against conscription split the Liberal party
Birth and Death
Born November 20, 1841 in St. Lin, Canada East (Quebec)
Died February 17, 1919 in Ottawa, Ontario
Education
BCL - McGill University
Professions
- Lawyer
- Editor of "Le Défricheur" newspaper supporting the Parti Rouge
- Ensign, Arthabaskaville Infantry
Political Affiliation
Liberal Party of Canada
Provincial Riding (Electoral District)
Drummond-Arthabaska 1871-74
Federal Ridings (Electoral Districts)
- Drummond-Arthabaska 1874-77
- Québec-Est 1877-91
Political Career of Sir Wilfrid Laurier
- Wilfrid Laurier was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec in 1871.
- He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1874, and served as Minister of Inland Revenue from 1877 to 1878.
- Wilfrid Laurier was elected Leader of the Liberal Party in 1887.
- He was Leader of the Official Opposition from 1887 to 1896.
- The Liberals lost the 1911 general election over the issue of "unrestricted reciprocity" or free trade with the United States. Sir Robert Borden became Prime Minister.
- Wilfrid Laurier was Opposition Leader from 1911 to 1919.
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier died in 1919 while still a member of parliament.