Alfred Boyd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Boyd
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| 1st Premier of Manitoba | |
| In office September 16, 1870 – December 14, 1871 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Lieutenant Governor | Adams George Archibald |
| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Marc-Amable Girard |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for St. Andrews North | |
| In office December 27, 1870 – December 23, 1874 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | John Gunn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 20, 1835 England |
| Died | August 16, 1908 (aged 72) England |
| Nationality | Canadian subject, British |
| Political party | Government |
| Spouse | Sarah Warner (Warriner) |
| Occupation | businessman |
| Profession | politician |
| Cabinet | Provincial Secretary (1870–1871) Minister of Public Works (1871) Minister of Agriculture (1871) |
Alfred Boyd (born September 20, 1835 – died August 16, 1908) was an important politician in early Manitoba, Canada. He is often seen as Manitoba's first leader, or "Premier," from 1870 to 1871. However, his official title at the time was "Provincial Secretary." He played a key role in setting up Manitoba's first government.
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Early Life and Business
Alfred Boyd was born in England. He came to a place called Rupert's Land around 1858. This area later became part of Canada. He became a successful businessman and trader. He was quite wealthy by 1869. This was when the Red River Rebellion began.
Getting Involved in Politics
Boyd didn't get involved in politics much until January 1870. He was chosen to be part of the "Convention of Forty." This was a special meeting called by Louis Riel. The meeting was to decide the future of the Red River Colony. Boyd disagreed with Riel. He wanted the area to be a "territory" rather than a full "province." Riel even saw Boyd as an opponent.
Manitoba's First Government
The Red River Rebellion ended. Then, Manitoba officially became a Canadian province on July 15, 1870. The Lieutenant Governor, Adams George Archibald, chose Boyd for a big role. Boyd became the first Provincial Secretary of Manitoba. Archibald thought Boyd would be liked by both French-speaking people and English-speaking people of mixed heritage.
In Manitoba's first election, on December 27, 1870, Boyd won his seat. He became the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for St. Andrew's North.
Joining the Cabinet
In January 1871, Lieutenant Governor Archibald picked his first full group of ministers, called a cabinet. Boyd was given two important jobs. He became the Minister of Public Works. He was also the Minister of Agriculture. The cabinet included people from different backgrounds. This showed the province's mix of cultures and languages. Archibald was the real leader. He often made decisions without asking his ministers.
Challenges and Resignation
As a minister, Boyd faced many problems from the people he represented. New settlers from Ontario criticized him. They felt he wasn't doing enough to build bridges and jails. His constituents also criticized him for supporting projects in the French-speaking community. They also didn't like his vote to officially recognize the Roman Catholic church in St. Boniface.
Because of these pressures, Boyd decided to resign. He left his position on December 9, 1871. When he resigned, Boyd asked for more representation for people of English and Indigenous mixed heritage in the cabinet. John Norquay, an MLA of mixed heritage, took his place.
Later Political Life
Boyd continued to be involved in politics for a short time. He was appointed to the Temporary North-West Council in 1872. He stayed a member until the Council ended. He also briefly rejoined Manitoba's government. From March to October 1873, he was the province's first Minister of Education. After resigning a second time, he did not run for election again in 1874.
Life After Politics
It is believed that Alfred Boyd left Canada in 1889. He moved back to England. There, he bought several properties. By 1902, he was living in Pimlico and owned land in Essex. When he passed away in 1908, his wealth was valued at 83,000 pounds.
