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Thursday, November 01, 2018

Alexander Cameron Rutherford Plaque

In Vernon, Ontario, a plaque commemorating Alexander Cameron Rutherford stands in front of the Osgoode Museum at the southwest corner of Bank Street and Lawrence Street.



Alexander Cameron Rutherford
photograph by Elliott and Fry


ALEXANDER CAMERON RUTHERFORD 1857-1941

The first premier of Alberta, Rutherford was born in Osgoode Township of Scottish parents and educated at McGill University. In 1895, after practising law in Ottawa and Kemptville, he moved to Strathcona, near Edmonton. Elected to the territorial assembly seven years later, Rutherford achieved prominence as deputy speaker of the legislature. When the province of Alberta was created in 1905, he became premier, provincial treasurer and minister of education in the first government. Rutherford skillfully established the province's administrative, judicial and educational framework, but prolonged debate regarding a controversial railway policy precipitated his resignation as premier in 1910. Although retired from politics after 1913, he retained and active interest in educational matters, serving as chancellor of the University of Alberta from 1927 until his death.

Erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Citizenship and Culture.


ALEXANDER CAMERON RUTHERFORD 1857-1941

Né dans le canton d'Osgoode de parents écossais, Rutherford fut le premier ministre de l'Alberta. Après avoir fait ses études à McGill University et exercé la profession d'avocat à Ottawa et à Kemptville, il s'intalla en 1895 à Strathcona, près d'Edmondon. Élu à l'assemblée territoriale sept ans plus tard. Rutherford devint vice-président de l'Assemblée législative. Lors de la création de la province  d'Alberta, en 1905, il fut nommé premier ministre, trésorier et ministre de l'Éducation. Rutherford établit avec compétence la structure administrative, judiciaire et scolaire de la province, mais une politique ierroviaire controversée précipita sa démission du poste de premier ministre en 1910. S'étant rétiré de la politique après 1913, il continua à s'intéresser à l'enseignement. Il fut chancelier de l'University of Alberta de 1927 à sa mort.

Érigé par la Fondation du patrimoine ontario, Ministère des Affaires civiques et culturelles