Smith, Sir Albert James

(1824-1883)

   Born in Shediac, New Brunswick. Educated at the Westmoreland County Grammar School; studied law, and called to the bar, 1847. Represented Westmoreland in the New Brunswick Assembly, 1851-1867. A member of the government without portfolio, 1856. Resigned with his colleagues, and on the return of his party to power again resumed office. Attorney-general, 1862. A strong opponent of Confederation. On the resignation of the Tilley government, called on to form an administration; succeeded and held the office of president of the Council. Went to England to oppose Confederation, 1865. Held the attorney-generalship, 1865. His administration resigned office, 1866. Returned for Westmoreland to the House of Commons, 1867. Held office as minister of marine and fisheries in the Mackenzie government, 1873-1878. Chief counsel of the Canadian government before the Halifax Fisheries Commission, 1877. In recognition of his services, created K. C. M. G., 1878.

   Index: T Member of New Brunswick government, 33, 43; resigns, 1862, 90; member of Mackenzie ministry, 90; a Liberal, 91; declines chief-justiceship, 93, 94; resigns with his government, 103-104; opposes Quebec scheme, 116-117, 118-119. H Leader of Anti-Confederate government in New Brunswick, 179. B His ministry resigns, owing to action of Lieutenant-Governor Gordon and the Legislative Council on Confederation question, 188.

   Bib.: Dent, Can. Por.; Hannay, History of New Brunswick.