Joseph-Aldric Ouimet
The Hon. Joseph-Aldric Ouimet Canadian Parliament for Laval | |
---|---|
In office 1873–1896 | |
Preceded by | Joseph-Hyacinthe Bellerose |
Succeeded by | Thomas Fortin |
Personal details | |
Born | Liberal-Conservative | May 21, 1847
Occupation | Lawyer |
Joseph-Aldric Ouimet, PC (baptised Aldric; May 20, 1848 – May 12, 1916) was a Canadian parliamentarian.
Biography
Ouimet was first elected to the
After being educated in a seminary, and a brief career as a journalist, Ouimet became a lawyer. He was first elected to the House of Commons at the age of 25. His advocacy of the rights of French Canadians was challenged by the Conservative government's attitude to Louis Riel. Following the First Riel Rebellion, Ouimet argued for Riel to be pardoned, and, in 1875, voted against a Conservative motion to expel Riel from the seat in the House of Commons to which he had been elected.
With the beginning of the
Strange sent Ouimet to Ottawa to secure supplies resulting in newspapers accusing him of desertion. He returned west and was placed in command of Fort Edmonton.
Despite fighting against the rebels, Ouimet opposed the execution of Riel when he returned to Ottawa. Ouimet's pleas fell on deaf ears, and, despite his efforts, he was condemned by French Canadians for having helped put down the rebellion.
Ouimet voted in the House of Commons for a Liberal motion to censure the government for executing Riel.
The execution of Riel seriously damaged the Conservative Party in
Because of the custom of alternating between English and French Speakers following each general election, Ouimet returned to the
With the fall of Bowell's cabinet, the opposition of Tory MPs to French Catholic rights in Manitoba further hurt the party's prospects among
Legacy
He holds the current record for being
Ouimet Canyon near Thunder Bay in north-western Ontario is named for him.
References
- "Joseph-Aldric Ouimet". Dictionary of Canadian Biography (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. 1979–2016.
- Joseph-Aldric Ouimet – Parliament of Canada biography