Viger, Denis Benjamin

(1774-1861)

   Born in Montreal. Educated for the legal profession. Practised in Montreal for some years; and in 1808 elected to the Legislative Assembly. Took an active part in the discussion of the grievances of the French Canadians, and in 1828 and 1831 sent as a delegate to London to represent their views to the Imperial authorities. In 1837, when the Rebellion broke out, arrested and charged with sedition, but soon afterwards released. In 1843, on the resignation of the La Fontaine-Baldwin government, premier for a short period. Appointed to the Legislative Council, 1848.

   Index: BL Member for Richelieu, relations with Reform party in Upper Canada, 79; opposes municipal government, 102; attacks government, 130; deserts La Fontaine-Baldwin party, 215; in provisional government, 216, 235; his pamphlet, 236; president of the Council, 247; defeated by Wolfred Nelson, 252; Draper to throw him over, 259, 260, 261. C In Draper government, 17; opposed in election by Cartier, 17; defeated in St. Hyacinthe, 18. P Delegate to England to present grievances of French Canadians, 63; at meeting of Constitutional Committee, 1834, 88; ridiculed by the Mercury, 123; at St. Charles meeting, 1837, 125. Md Represents Lower Canada in Metcalfe's government, 19.

   Bib.: Bibaud, Pan. Can.; Dent, Last Forty Years; Christie, History of Lower Canada.