Chauveau, Pierre Joseph Olivier

(1820-1890)

   Born at Quebec. Educated at Quebec; studied law and called to the bar of Lower Canada. First entered public life, 1844, defeating John Neilson in Quebec County. Represented the same constituency in the Assembly until 1855. Solicitor-general, in Hincks-Morin ministry, 1851; and provincial secretary, 1853. In 1855 succeeded Dr. Meilleur as chief superintendent of education of Lower Canada. In 1867 elected to the Dominion Parliament, as well as to the Quebec House, and the same year formed a provincial ministry. Resigned, 1873, and the same year Speaker of the Senate, retiring in 1874. Three years later sheriff of Montreal.

   Index: Md Leader of Quebec government, 141; the appointment revealed Macdonald's judgment, 141-142. C Conservative leader in Quebec, 24; superintendent of public instruction, 24, 37; premier of Quebec, 68; his character, 68. E One of leaders of the opposition in 1847, 45; returned in elections of 1848, 50; Solicitor-general for Lower Canada, 113; provincial secretary in Hincks ministry, 126; and in MacNab-Morin government, 141; votes against secularization of the Clergy Reserves, 164.

   Bib.: Works: Charles Guérin, Roman de Moeurs Canadiennes; François-Xavier Garneau, Sa Vie et Ses [OE]uvres; L'Instruction Publique au Canada; Souvenirs et Légendes. For biog., see Dent, Can. Por.; Taylor, Brit. Am.; Morgan, Cel. Can.