Onésime Gagnon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Onésime Gagnon
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| 20th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec | |
| In office February 14, 1958 – September 30, 1961 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | |
| Premier | |
| Preceded by | Gaspard Fauteux |
| Succeeded by | Paul Comtois |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec for Matane | |
| In office August 17, 1936 – February 14, 1958 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph-Arthur Bergeron |
| Succeeded by | Benoît Gaboury |
| Member of the Canadian Parliament for Dorchester |
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| In office July 28, 1930 – October 14, 1935 |
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| Preceded by | Lucien Cannon |
| Succeeded by | Léonard Tremblay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 23, 1888 Saint-Léon-de-Standon, Quebec
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| Died | September 30, 1961 (aged 72) Bois-de-Coulonge, Sillery, Quebec |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Federal:
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| Cabinet | Federal:
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Onésime Gagnon (born October 23, 1888 – died September 30, 1961) was an important Canadian politician. He served as the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. This role is like the King's or Queen's representative in the province.
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Early Life and Education
Onésime Gagnon was born in Saint-Léon-de-Standon, Quebec, on October 23, 1888. His parents were Onésime Gagnon and Julie Morin. He was a very bright student and became a Rhodes scholar. This means he earned a special scholarship to study at Oxford University in England.
After his studies, he became a lawyer. He was officially allowed to practice law in Quebec in 1912. Later in his career, from 1942 to 1958, he also taught law. He was a professor at Université Laval, a well-known university in Quebec.
Serving in Federal Politics
In 1930, Onésime Gagnon was elected to the House of Commons of Canada. This is where Canada's federal laws are made. He represented the area called Dorchester. He was a member of the Conservative Party.
He was re-elected in 1935. In the same year, he became a "Minister without Portfolio" in the government of Prime Minister R. B. Bennett. A Minister without Portfolio is a cabinet member who does not lead a specific government department.
In Quebec Provincial Politics
Onésime Gagnon also played a big role in Quebec's provincial politics. In 1933, he tried to become the leader of the Conservative Party of Quebec. He ran in a special meeting held in Sherbrooke. However, he was defeated by Maurice Duplessis.
In 1936, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. This is where Quebec's provincial laws are made. He became a member for the area of Matane. He joined the Union Nationale party.
He was appointed as a Minister in the government of Maurice Duplessis. From 1936 to 1939, he was the Minister of Fisheries. Later, from 1944 to 1958, he served as the Treasurer of Quebec. This role is similar to a finance minister, managing the province's money.
He was re-elected several times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. He won elections in 1939, 1944, 1948, 1952, and 1956.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1958, Onésime Gagnon left his role in the Legislative Assembly. He accepted a very important position: Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec. As Lieutenant Governor, he represented the King or Queen in the province. He held this important office until his death.
Later Life and Passing
Onésime Gagnon passed away on September 30, 1961.
