Sir Charles Tupper

(1821-1915)

Known throughout his political life as “The Cumberland War Horse,” Tupper was a prominent figure in provincial and federal politics. Born in Amherst, N.S. he was a doctor in his hometown and one of the founders of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia (1854) A Liberal-Conservative, he was the MLA for Cumberland Co. from 1855-67 and served as Provincial Secretary to the Executive Council from 1857-1860 and again from 1863-1867. He was Premier of the province from May 11 1864-June 30/July 4 1867. He was a political foe of Howe, being a staunch supporter of the Confederation movement, but shared Howe’s enthusiasm for the railways. He was MP for Cumberland Co. 1867-1884, and 1887-1888, and MP for Cape Breton 1896-1900. He was a member of the Federal Privy Council from June 21 1870 until his death in England in 1915, and served in several cabinet positions from 1872 onward. As Minister of Railways and Canals (May 20 1879-May 23 1884) he was in a position to influence the creation of many of Canada’s railways, including construction of the Canadian Pacific and the ill-fated Chignecto Ship Railway, and railway systems in other provinces at the time.

He was a central figure in the creation of the Intercolonial Railway as a condition of Nova Scotia’s entry into Confederation. He served as Prime Minister of Canada from April 27 1896 to July 8 1896, and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons from 1896-1900. Tupper was made a Baronet of the United Kingdom Sept. 13 1888.