John Samuel Bourque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Samuel Bourque
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| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec for Sherbrooke | |
| In office 1935–1960 |
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| Preceded by | Émery-Hector Fortier |
| Succeeded by | Louis-Philippe Brousseau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 8, 1894 Sherbrooke, Quebec |
| Died | March 5, 1974 (aged 79) Sherbrooke, Quebec |
John Samuel Bourque (born September 8, 1894 – died March 5, 1974) was an important person in Quebec history. He was a politician, a government minister, a soldier, and a businessman. For 25 years, he represented the area of Sherbrooke in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. This is like being a member of parliament for a province.
Early Life and Military Service
John Samuel Bourque was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He went to school at the Petit Séminaire de Saint-Charles-Borromée in Sherbrooke.
When he was older, he joined the military. He was part of the 22nd (French Canadian) Battalion. He served as a soldier and a sergeant during World War I in the United Kingdom. Later, he held several ranks, including colonel, for the Sherbrooke Fusilliers. He left the military in 1943. Even while serving in the military, he also ran his own lumber business.
A Career in Quebec Politics
John Samuel Bourque started his political journey in 1935. He was first elected as a member of the Action libérale nationale party. This party soon joined with the Quebec Conservative Party to form a new group called the Union Nationale.
He was very popular in his area. People in Sherbrooke elected him six more times after his first win. He served in the Legislative Assembly until the 1960 election. In that election, he lost to a candidate from the Quebec Liberal Party.
Serving as a Cabinet Minister
During his time in politics, John Samuel Bourque held many important jobs. He was a minister in the government led by Maurice Duplessis. Being a minister means he was in charge of a specific part of the government.
He served in different roles:
- He was the Minister of Public Works from 1936 to 1939. This job involved looking after roads, buildings, and other public projects.
- He also became the Minister of Land and Forests. He held this role from 1938 to 1939, and again from 1944 to 1958. This meant he managed Quebec's vast lands and forests.
- From 1945 to 1958, he was the Minister of Hydraulic Resources. This role focused on managing water resources, like rivers and dams.
- Finally, from 1958 to 1960, he served as the Minister of Finances. In this important job, he was in charge of the province's money and budget.
John Samuel Bourque passed away in Sherbrooke, Quebec, on March 5, 1974.
