Pioneers and Prominent People of Saskatchewan

 

 

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the first rank, possessing critical and administrative abilities of a high order, legislative acumen a well trained legal mind, and a firm belief in the rights of the people in their relation to British law and institutions. Almost from his first entrance into the House he was looked up to as leader, and in succeeding sessions he became the acknowledged chief spokesman to champion the cause of democracy. With patience and courage he persistently struggled for the attainment of his purpose. He came into public life at a time which called for a man of integrity, courage and progressiveness, when our country was passing through a trying period of constitutional evolution. It would have been difficult to find one better qualified to answer the call. The Session of 1887, on the initiative of Mr. Haultain, petitioned Parliament for the abolition of appointed members in the Council, and asked that one of its members should preside over its deliberations instead of the Lieutenant-Governor, who should function by and with the advice of an Executive Council, chosen and summoned by him from among the members of the Council. In compliance with this request the Act of 1888 was passed.

 

 

In July of 1888 the term of The Honourable Edgar Dewdney as Lieutenant-Governor expired. Shortly after he was appointed Minister of the Interior and entered the Federal Parliament as member for East Assiniboia. He was succeeded, as Lieutenant-Governor, by the Honourable Joseph Royal, who convened the first Legislative Assembly of the Territories in October. This Assembly was composed of elected members, assisted by three legal experts, as they were termed, Messrs. Richardson, Macleod and Rouleau who occupied seats in the House, but whose capacities were purely advisory.

Mr. Royal's first official utterance was an assurance to the Assembly that he was in full accord with their legitimate aspirations for such constitutional powers

 

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Pioneers and Prominent People of Saskatchewan