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=: (Tilley era) 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. (Joseph Howe era) Leader of Anti-Confederate
government in New Brunswick, 179. (George Brown Era) 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.