Robert Franklin Sutherland

The Hon. Robert Franklin Sutherland Canadian Parliament for Essex North
In office 1900–1909
Preceded by	William McGregor
Succeeded by	Oliver James Wilcox
Personal details
Born	(1859-04-05)April 5, 1859 Newmarket, Upper Canada
Died	May 23, 1922(1922-05-23) (aged 63) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Political party	Liberal

Robert Franklin Sutherland,

from 1905 to 1909, noted for his fine speaking ability and strong temperament.

Sutherland was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Essex North in the 1900 election. He was re-elected in the 1904 and 1908 elections.

He was born in

. While he admitted having attended a meeting out of curiosity, he insisted that he refused to join the group upon learning of its anti-Catholic views. Once elected, he concentrated on constituency issues and obtaining grants for his riding.

By the time of the next general election in 1904, Sutherland had learned some French and was able to campaign in the language. Following the election, he was nominated by Sir Wilfrid Laurier to become Speaker of the House, and was the first anglophone Speaker to give part of his acceptance speech in French.

Laurier offered to renominate Sutherland for the Speakership following the 1908 election, but he declined, and was appointed the next year to a seat on Ontario's High Court. He became a respected judge and mediator.

He was later appointed to chair a

lines). Sutherland's report argued against the scheme and it was not implemented.

References

• "Robert Franklin Sutherland". Dictionary of Canadian Biography (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. 1979–2016.

External links

• Robert Franklin Sutherland – Parliament of Canada biography
• Robert Franklin Sutherland fonds - Library and Archives Canada