Laurier, Sir Wilfred

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Laurier, Sir Wilfred

1841-1919

Wilfrid Laurier was born at St-Lin, Quebec. He was educated at l'Assomption College and McGill University. He practised law in Montreal from 1864 to 1866 and in Arthabaska from 1867 to 1896. A radical Liberal in his early years, Laurier was a member of L'Institut Canadien and editor of a liberal newspaper "Le Défricheur", 1866-1867. Laurier was never actively engaged in business but he held directorships in a few companies including the Royal Mutual Life Insurance Company and the Ontario Mutual Life Insurance Company. He married Zoé Lafontaine in 1868; they had no children. In 1871, Laurier was elected to the Quebec Legislative Assembly, representing Drummond-Arthabaska. In 1874, he resigned his seat and was elected to represent the same constituency in the House of Commons. Defeated in a by-election in 1877 when he was appointed to the Cabinet, Laurier won a seat in Quebec East which he represented continuously until his death forty-two years later. In 1887 he became leader of the Liberal Party. He was Prime Minister of Canada from 11 July 1896 to 9 October 1911. This was a period of prosperity and important national development. After his defeat as Prime Minister in 1911, Laurier remained leader of the Liberal Party until his death on 17 February 1919.

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