About
Wilfrid Laurier (1841-1919) was the seventh Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1896 to 1911. The first French Canadian to hold the office, he was known for his conciliatory 'sunny ways' philosophy. A lawyer by training, he represented Quebec East in the House of Commons from 1877 to 1919. His government promoted western immigration, created the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and established the Royal Canadian Navy. Opposed to conscription during World War I, he became a hero in French Canada.
* 1841-11-20 — † 1919-02-17
Key milestones
- 1896Becomes Prime Minister of Canada, the first French Canadian to hold the office.
- 1905Oversees the creation of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- 1917Fiercely opposes conscription during World War I.
Themes
ConciliationCanadian autonomyImmigrationNational unityLiberalism
Sources: epe.lac-bac.gc.ca · biographi.ca