kids encyclopedia robot

Alex Campbell (politician) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Bradshaw Campbell
PC, OC, OPEI
23rd Premier of Prince Edward Island
In office
July 28, 1966 – September 18, 1978
Monarch Elizabeth II
Lieutenant Governor
  • Willibald J. MacDonald
  • John George MacKay
  • Gordon L. Bennett
Preceded by Walter R. Shaw
Succeeded by W. Bennett Campbell
Leader of the Prince Edward Island Liberal Party
In office
December 11, 1965 – September 18, 1978
Preceded by Alex W. Matheson
Succeeded by W. Bennett Campbell
MLA (Councillor) for 5th Prince
In office
February 9, 1965 – September 18, 1978
Preceded by Lorne Monkley
Succeeded by Peter Pope
Personal details
Born (1933-12-01) December 1, 1933 (age 91)
Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Political party Liberal
Spouse
Marilyn Ruth Gilmour
(m. 1961)
Relations Thane A. Campbell (father)
Children 3
Residence Stanley Bridge
Alma mater Dalhousie University
Occupation Lawyer
Profession Politician
Cabinet Attorney General (1966–1969)
Minister of Development (1969–1972)
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (1972–1974)
Minister of Justice and Attorney and Advocate General (1974–1978)

Alexander Bradshaw Campbell PC OC OPEI was born on December 1, 1933. He is an important former politician from Prince Edward Island, Canada. His father, Thane A. Campbell, was also a premier. Alexander Campbell began his political career by winning a special election in 1965. This election helped him get a seat in the province's law-making body, called the legislature.

In the same year, he became the leader of the PEI Liberal Party. In 1966, his party won the election, and he became the Premier of Prince Edward Island. At 32 years old, he was one of the youngest premiers ever elected in Canada. He also served as the province's top legal officer, the Attorney-General, from 1966 to 1969.

Education and Early Life

Alexander Campbell attended Dalhousie University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also studied law and received a law degree. In 1959, he passed the bar exam in Prince Edward Island. This meant he could officially work as a lawyer.

In 1971, he was recognized by the Sigma Chi fraternity. He is a member of this fraternity.

Important Political Work

As Premier, Alexander Campbell's government worked hard to make Prince Edward Island's economy stronger. They also wanted to improve life for people living there. His government started programs to help people buy and build homes.

They also made big changes to the education system. They created the PEI Heritage Foundation. This foundation helps protect the province's history and culture. His government also started the Land Development Corporation. This group helped develop the economy. They also created the PEI Lending Authority to support businesses. The government also put rules in place about who could own land in the province.

Life After Politics

After leaving politics in 1978, Alexander Campbell became a judge. He served on the province's Supreme Court. One of his important decisions as a judge was in a case called Government of P.E.I. v Walker in 1992. This case's appeal in 1995 has been mentioned in many other court cases since then.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Alexander Campbell lived in his hometown of Summerside for a long time. When he was younger, he was a member of Scouts Canada. Later, he became a Scout Leader, helping young people learn important skills.

Now that he is retired, Campbell spends his summers in Stanley Bridge. During the winter months, he lives part-time in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since the year 2000, he has organized a special "Prince Edward Island Picnic" every year. This picnic takes place at Desoto Park on the second Sunday of March.

In 2013, Alexander Campbell was given a high honor. He was appointed to the Order of Canada. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to Canada.

kids search engine
Alex Campbell (politician) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.