Douglas Cameron (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Douglas Colin Cameron
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 8th Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba | |
| In office August 1, 1911 – August 3, 1916 |
|
| Monarch | George V |
| Governor General | The Earl Grey The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn |
| Premier | Rodmond Roblin Tobias Norris |
| Preceded by | Daniel Hunter McMillan |
| Succeeded by | James Albert Manning Aikins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 8, 1854 Hawkesbury, Canada West |
| Died | November 27, 1921 (aged 67) Toronto, Ontario |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Other political affiliations |
Liberal |
| Relations | John Cameron (brother) |
Sir Douglas Colin Cameron (June 8, 1854 – November 27, 1921) was an important Canadian politician. He served in the Ontario Legislature and later became the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This role meant he represented the King or Queen in the province.
Contents
Early Life and Moving West
Douglas Colin Cameron was born on June 8, 1854, in Hawkesbury, which was then called Canada West. Today, this area is part of Ontario. He went to Vankleek Hill High School but did not go to college.
In 1878, when he was 24, Cameron moved west to Manitoba. He started working as a contractor in the city of Brandon.
A Career in Business
Later, Cameron moved to a place called Rat Portage. This town is now known as Kenora. At the time, both Manitoba and Ontario claimed this area.
Cameron became very involved in local businesses. He helped develop the lumber and mining industries. He even opened his own saw mill. He was also one of the people who started the Maple Leaf Flour Mills. Later in his life, he became the President of the Rat Portage Lumber Company.
Entering Politics
Cameron began his political career in 1901. He was first elected as a councillor in Rat Portage. A councillor helps make decisions for the town. He later became the mayor of the city.
In 1902, Cameron was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This is like the provincial parliament. He represented the area of Fort William and Lake of the Woods as a member of the Liberal Party. He supported the Premier, George Ross, for the next three years.
In the 1905 election, the Liberal Party lost. Cameron also lost his own seat in the legislature. Soon after, he moved to Winnipeg to focus more on his business ventures.
Federal Politics
Cameron also tried to enter federal politics. In 1908, he ran as a Liberal candidate for the Winnipeg area in the federal election. However, he did not win this election.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
On August 1, 1911, Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier appointed Douglas Cameron as the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This was a very important role.
A Special Role
By this time, the job of Lieutenant Governor was mostly ceremonial. This means they performed official duties but usually didn't get involved in the daily running of the government.
However, in 1915, Cameron used his special powers. He called for a Royal Commission of Enquiry. This was a formal investigation into a problem with the cost of building the province's new legislative buildings. The investigation found that there were issues with the government led by Rodmond P. Roblin. Because of this, Premier Roblin had to resign from his position.
In 1914, Cameron was given a special honour. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
Cameron's term as Lieutenant Governor ended in 1916. He passed away in 1921.
